Obesity is not your fault—but it is your fight. In this powerful BariNation episode, we welcome Dr. Faiz Shariff, renowned Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Medicine physician, who breaks down the science proving obesity is a genetic disease, not a personal failure. Dr. Shariff explains how 70% of obesity stems from genetics and epigenetics, creating hormonal imbalances that set your body's weight set point beyond your control. We explore why bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment for this chronic condition, yet faces massive stigma and insurance barriers. This conversation challenges everything you've been told about willpower and dieting, revealing why obesity is not your fault but your fight. Discover how metabolic disease treatment through surgery can change your genetic expression, improve your quality of life, and help you reclaim your crown.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why Obesity is Not Your Fault—Discover the science behind genetic factors, obesity, leptin resistance, and set point theory that proves 70% of obesity is genetic, not a willpower issue.
Overcoming the obesity stigma and insurance coverage bariatric surgery barriers. Understand the challenges this treatment faces and how to navigate your bariatric surgery journey with the proper support.
The power of Non-Scale Victories and Post Op Support—Shift focus from goal weights to disease resolution, flexibility, and lasting quality of life improvements.
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Dr. Faiz Shariff, the "Robot Queen" Obesity Medicine Physician, shares her medically proven position that "Obesity is Not Your Fault But It's Your Fight"
06:19 Why Obesity Is Not Your Fault: Breaking down the outdated calories in/calories out paradigm and genetic factors in obesity science
09:00 Understanding leptin resistance, hormonal imbalance, weight gain, and how the set point theory controls your body weight
16:23 How bariatric surgery changes epigenetics and reduces passing bad genes to future generations, and the stigma associated with obesity
20:43 Insurance covering bariatric surgery challenges and why obesity stigma creates unique treatment barriers compared to cancer
32:07 Adaptive thermogenesis explained: Why repeated dieting makes weight loss harder each time
36:56 Pre-op preparation and bariatric surgery journey mindset shifts for long-term success
42:31 Non-Scale Victories matter more than goal weights: Focus on disease resolution and flexibility
52:17 Building community, shedding toxic relationships, and gaining confidence post op support
58:10 Final thoughts on identity shift, mindset change, and reclaiming your crown in the fight against chronic disease
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Obesity is 70% genetic. Your body conserves energy through genetic factors, obesity, and epigenetics, creating hormonal imbalance and weight gain through leptin resistance and the elevated set-point theory. This isn't about willpower; it's about biology fighting against you.
Obesity stigma creates dangerous barriers. Unlike cancer patients, those with obesity face insurance coverage, bariatric surgery denials, requirements not to gain weight during approval, and judgment for seeking treatment. This chronic disease deserves the same respect as any other.
Your bariatric surgery journey requires post-op support and mindset shifts. Success comes from catching negative thoughts, practicing positive affirmations to foster neuroplasticity, and building community with people who celebrate your victories.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Dr. Faiz Shariff is a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeon at WellSpan Health, specializing in revisional and complex procedures, including SADI and BPD-DS. She is Director of Robotic Surgery and Vice Chair of Surgery, leading innovation and mentoring in advanced minimally invasive techniques. Passionate patient advocate and active leader within the ASMBS, serving on multiple national committees to advance education and reduce obesity stigma.
Faiz Shariff, MD, FACS, FASMBS, DABS-FPDMBS -LinkedIn
Faiz U Shariff - WellSpan Health
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
BariNation Website
BariNation - Email
BariNation - Partnership Monthly Membership
BariNation’s How to Find an Obesity Specialist Guide
