This is a special topic group facilitated by the medical director, Dr. Michael Lyon. Understanding how our body expends and stores energy is a critical aspect of weight management. In this session we will identify behaviors that can cause a “sluggish” metabolism, discuss the physiological and external factors that impact metabolic reactions in the body, and introduce ways to cultivate a healthy metabolism.

There are many misconceptions when it comes to obesity and weight management. In this session, Dr. Cieslak will address some of this misleading information and provide a more comprehensive explanation of some of the physiological factors underlying this chronic disease, as well as evidence-based recommendations for treatment. Points of discussion will include: physiological drives of hunger, metabolic responses to weight loss, and reward systems in the brain that impact eating behaviours. Dietary and medical treatment interventions will also be discussed.