Metabolic Health Specialists Near Me

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FAQs:

What is a Metabolic Health Specialist?

A metabolic health specialist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating metabolic disorders like diabetes, high cholesterol, and other diseases. Their job duties involve diagnosing patients, checking their heart rate and blood pressure, prescribing medicine, and recommending ways to have a healthier life.

What is the Goal of a Metabolic Health Doctor?

The goal of Metabolic Health Specialists is to recognize health issues and work proactively with patients before they progress to potentially life-changing serious health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke,  and other vascular issues. An additional goal is weight loss and heading off health problems associated with excess weight such as back and joint pain. With this focus patients also routinely achieve an improved sense of wellness and well-being, improved energy, and even better personal confidence and a brighter outlook on life.

Who Do Metabolic Health Providers Help?

Our metabolic health practitioners help adults and children who:

1. Struggle with obesity or unintended weight gain; are above expected weight for their age

2. Want to avoid or reduce medications for metabolic disorders

3. Are newly diagnosed with prediabetes/Type 2 diabetes/insulin resistance

4. Are concerned about metabolic health or heart disease risk

5. Have abnormal lipid panels 

6. Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

7. Have a history of gout

What’s the Difference Between Metabolism and Metabolic Health?

The terms metabolism and metabolic health are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. 

Metabolism refers to any chemical process in the body that is required to maintain life. This includes processes that convert food and drink into energy. Metabolism is indeed linked to weight. However, contrary to popular belief, a slow metabolism is rarely the cause of weight gain. What determines your weight is your body’s energy needs, calorie intake, and physical activity.

Metabolic health is what’s going on in your body internally. A person may look outwardly healthy, but a closer look inside their body may tell a completely different story. The prevalence of good metabolic health among Americans is, in fact, alarmingly low, even among people with normal body weight. Only 1 in 8 Americans is metabolically healthy.

What is a Metabolic Health Diet?

A metabolic health diet aims to increase metabolism, achieve more efficient use of calories, and accelerate the fat-burning mechanism. It offers unique eating strategies that kickstart the metabolism to speed up weight loss efforts. 

How Does a Metabolic Health Diet Work?

This dietary style supports your metabolic function in the following ways:

1. Changes in how your body burns calories – You start converting food to energy instead of storing it as fat. This helps you lose belly fat and reduce other fat deposits faster.

2. Increases metabolic flexibility – This refers to your body's innate ability to adapt to different food sources. A metabolically flexible person can optimize their energy levels by obtaining nutrients from the resources available.

3. Enhances metabolic health – A metabolic diet impacts how well your body converts food into energy, keeping your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol within a healthy range.

4. Reduces hunger and cravings – Balanced, regular meals satisfy the body’s basic needs and regulate your appetite.

5. Lowers stress levels – A metabolic eating plan aims to work with your body and not against it, reducing the impact of internal and external stressors. 

Why is Nutrition Important for Metabolic Health?

Nutrition is the most significant pillar for improving metabolic health as the foods we eat directly impact our cholesterol, blood pressure, waist circumference, and of course, blood sugar. Highly palatable, processed foods lead to blood sugar spikes that signal the body to release insulin, a hormone that helps to keep blood sugar stable. 

Occasional surges in blood sugar and insulin aren’t a cause for concern, as the body is equipped to handle these changes under normal, “healthy” conditions. However, consistent blood sugar fluctuations that result from poor dietary patterns can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where your body’s cells stop responding to insulin. Insulin resistance paves the way for hormonal imbalances, weight gain, and other metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes.

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a group of five conditions that can lead to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other health problems. Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when someone has three or more of these risk factors: 

- High blood glucose (sugar)

- Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol in the blood

- High levels of triglycerides in the blood

- Large waist circumference or “apple-shaped” body

- High blood pressure

Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition that puts people at higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and diseases related to fatty buildups in artery walls (atherosclerosis). Underlying causes of metabolic syndrome include overweight and obesity, insulin resistance, physical inactivity, genetic factors, and increasing age. 

Although metabolic syndrome is a serious condition, you can reduce your risks significantly by losing weight; increasing your physical activity; eating a heart-healthy diet that’s rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fish; and working with your health care team to monitor and manage your blood glucose, blood cholesterol and blood pressure.

What is Metabolic Disorder?

A metabolic disorder is a disorder that negatively alters the body's processing and distribution of macronutrients, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Metabolic disorders can happen when abnormal chemical reactions in the body alter the normal metabolic process. It can also be defined as an inherited single gene anomaly, most of which are autosomal recessive.

What is Metabolic Health?

Clinically speaking, metabolic health is defined by optimal levels of five markers: blood sugar levels, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference—without using medication. We can improve most of these markers by consistently making choices that keep glucose levels stable and healthy.

Why is Metabolic Health Important?

Your weight can give you an idea of your health risks. But metabolic health is also important because it tells us more about what’s going on in your body. It shows how your body is processing fats and sugar in your diet, and how it’s responding to insulin.

Weight and metabolic health are related. But being a healthy weight doesn’t always guarantee good metabolic health. Studies have shown that it’s possible to be a healthy weight but to have poor metabolic health. You can also be classed as overweight or obese but metabolically healthy.

Just as your weight can change over time, so can your metabolic health. If you are found to have good metabolic health, it can get worse. The good thing about this is that it can work the other way too. If you know your metabolic health is poor, you can make changes to improve it. This may then reduce your risk of disease.

Symptoms of Metabolic Dysfunction

Metabolic dysfunction is likely to develop if you have three or more of the following risk factors:

1. Abdominal obesity 

This is the excessive accumulation of fat around the waistline, a condition that gives your body an “apple shape”. Compared to the build-up of fat in other areas of the body, abdominal obesity represents a major risk factor for heart disease.

2. Hypertension 

Having high blood pressure for prolonged periods can cause damage to the blood vessels and heart, making it a predictive factor for heart disease.

3. Hyperglycaemia

High blood sugar levels increase the risk of blood clots and damage to the blood vessels.

4. High levels of blood triglycerides and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol 

These are types of fats that circulate in the blood responsible for storing and using energy. Too much of these fats in the blood can lead to heart disease.

5. Low levels of HDL cholesterol

HDL – or “good” – cholesterol is a compound that absorbs the “bad” cholesterol in excess and carries it back to the liver for expulsion. Low levels of HDL cholesterol translate into high levels of LDL cholesterol, which can clog the blood vessels and cause heart failure or stroke.

6. Nausea, Tiredness, And Weakness

Metabolic disorders prevent your body from absorbing essential nutrients or transforming molecules into energy, which can cause you to feel tired or experience gastrointestinal problems (i.e.: nausea). Some rare metabolic conditions such as glycogen storage disease (GSD) may also inhibit your body’s ability to store glycogen (a type of blood sugar). This leads to muscle weakness and chronic fatigue.

7. Unexpected Weight Gain Or Loss

If your body is unable to process nutrients as it should, you may experience unexpected weight gain. However, metabolic dysfunction may also lead to reduced appetite, which can cause involuntary weight loss. Your Body Mass Index and weight history are also closely related to your risk of developing metabolic disorders.

8. Changes In Skin Color

If you have diabetes – the most common metabolic disorder – you may experience a range of symptoms. Firstly, uncontrolled levels of blood glucose can clog and narrow the blood vessels, leading to complications such as blurred vision. Additionally, as the excess glucose in the blood is expelled through urination, you may have an increased need to urinate. This can make you dehydrated and increase sensations of thirst. Lastly, diabetes can cause changes in the color and texture of your skin. This occurs when the ineffective insulin in excess that builds up within the blood vessels increases the concentration of melatonin (pigment) on the skin. In turn, you may notice darker patches on your skin, usually at the front of your legs or shins.

9. Stomach Pain

Metabolic dysfunction may lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and vomiting. Some disorders – such as hypertriglyceridemia (high levels of triglycerides) – can also manifest themselves as stomach or abdominal pain.

According to a 2016 study, metabolic dysfunction may also cause pain in other areas of the body (such as the knees) by aggravating the effects of inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis.

Causes of Poor Metabolic Health

Many things can affect your metabolic health. Poor metabolic health is usually down to a combination of factors. These include:

1. older age

2. being overweight or obese 

3. being male

4. having a family history of metabolic syndrome

5. having a diet high in saturated fats and carbohydrates

6. not being very active

7. smoking

8. drinking alcohol to excess

Common Risk Factors for Metabolic Imbalance

A person’s weight is one of the most predictive risk factors for metabolic disorders. This is because, in obese and overweight people, extra fat cells – especially when they accumulate around the waistline – can increase the levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood triglycerides, while lowering the levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. Excessive weight is also becoming a more prevalent risk factor because the rates of overweight, obesity and severe obesity are rising.

Other critical risk factors for metabolic imbalance include the following:

1. Age: Metabolic processes and speed change as we age, which can cause weight gain and increased risk of metabolic imbalances.

2. Ethnicity: Some genetic mutations are more likely to be passed down through families within certain racial or ethnic groups. For example, maple syrup urine disease is more common among Mennonite communities, and sickle cell anemia among African Americans.

3. Environment: Having a low socioeconomic status may be related to an increased risk of obesity, overweight, and a sedentary lifestyle, which are major risk factors for metabolic disorders.

4. A history of overweight and obesity: Being obese during pregnancy may increase a newborn’s risk of suffering from metabolic disorders. Additionally, children who rapidly gain weight after birth may be more likely to develop metabolic syndrome later in life.

5. A history of diabetes: If close relatives suffer from Type 1 (hereditary) diabetes, you may be at greater risk of suffering from the same metabolic disorder.

6. Type 2 diabetes: If you have Type 2 diabetes, your body may be unable to transform blood sugar into energy. This makes other components of metabolic dysfunction – such as high blood sugar and high blood pressure – more likely.

7. Low cholesterol: Low levels of “good” HDL cholesterol may lead to an accumulation of “plaques” of bad cholesterol in the blood vessels and arteries. This increases your risk of stroke and heart attack.

8. High blood pressure: Hypertension is related to disruptions in the process that allows the body to obtain energy from nutrients at a cellular level. As such, it can be considered a metabolic disorder in itself. It is also a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

9. High triglycerides: If you have high levels of triglycerides, you may be at risk of complications such as the hardening of arteries, stroke, and heart disease.

Common Types of Metabolic Disorders

Genetic mutations cause hundreds of genetic metabolic disorders passed down from generation to generation. The most common metabolic disorders are:

1. Type 2 diabetes: This illness affects about 30.3 million people in the United States. The disease occurs when blood glucose is too high. If not properly managed, long-term high blood glucose leads to other health problems such as nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease.

2. Gaucher's disease: This disease prevents the body from breaking down certain fats, which then accumulate in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. As a result, individuals with Gaucher's disease experience pain and bone damage. The condition can be fatal if not properly treated.

3. Hemochromatosis: This disorder causes the body to absorb too much iron. Over time excess iron can damage tissues and organs and contribute to heart problems, arthritis, and liver damage.

4. Phenylketonuria (PKU): Individuals with this medical condition can't produce the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which ultimately helps produce neurotransmitters. PKU leads to organ damage, mental retardation, and troubled posture if not treated.

5. Mitochondrial disorders: These are genetic, long-term conditions that occur when mitochondria (parts of a cell that produce energy) don't produce enough energy for the body to function normally.

Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of metabolic abnormalities such as high blood pressure, obesity, and insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of developing diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

How to Measure Metabolic Health

There are five key factors used to determine someone’s metabolic health. These are:

1. Blood sugar levels: Blood sugar levels should be kept within a healthy range. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) defines a healthy blood sugar level as:

- Fasting blood sugar: 70 to 100 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.6 mmol/L).

- After a meal (2 hours): Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L).

- A1C: Less than 5.7%.

2. Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat that can build up in the blood. High triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart disease. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute defines healthy triglyceride levels for adults as:

- Below 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

3. HDL cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps to remove bad cholesterol from the blood. A healthy HDL cholesterol level for adults is:

- Around 60 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher.

4. Blood pressure: Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, which are the vessels that carry blood away from your heart. It is measured in two numbers: systolic blood pressure (the top number) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number). A healthy blood pressure level is:

- Systolic blood pressure less than 120 mmHg.

- Diastolic blood pressure less than 80 mmHg.

5. Waist Circumference: A large waist circumference is a sign of excess belly fat, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases, like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines a healthy waist circumference for adults as:

- Men: Less than 40 inches (102 cm).

- Women: Less than 35 inches (88 cm).

If you have optimal metabolic health, you will have healthy levels of all the factors listed above. However, if you have 3 or more of these factors outside of the healthy range, you may have metabolic syndrome.

How to Improve Your Metabolic Health

If you’re experiencing one or more of the signs that could indicate poor metabolic health, try following these strategies that have been shown to improve overall metabolic fitness.

1. Eat for stable blood sugar. That means eliminating added sugar and ultra-processed foods and cutting back on refined grains like white bread and white rice that can spike blood sugar. Instead, focus on whole foods high in fiber, such as vegetables and fruits, lean protein, and healthy fats.

2. Adjust the amount and types of carbohydrates you eat in each meal. Everyone responds to carbohydrates differently, so pay attention to how fatigued you feel after consuming foods higher in sugar, such as bananas or smoothies. Cut back on these foods or eliminate them from your diet, discover ways to make them healthier, or change the order in which you eat them to reduce the glucose response.

3. Keep tabs on your weight to make sure it’s at a healthy level. Schedule yearly wellness exams so that your weight, along with other markers of metabolic syndrome (blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose), can be checked by your physician.

4. Aim to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Research has found that getting 6 or fewer hours can lead to impairments in glucose metabolism and increases in insulin levels. Giving your body enough replenishing rest at night will also help provide it with the energy it needs to function well during the day.

5. Exercise regularly to help control glucose levels and boost your energy and mood. A large body of research shows that moderate aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3-plus times per week, for 8 or more weeks improves insulin resistance and glycemic control. Greater glucose control means better energy. In addition, exercise can improve mood by boosting the “feel-good” neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Ideally, try to meet the recommended guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week by doing daily physical activity, such as walking, hiking, cycling, resistance training, or low or high-intensity cardio workouts. And go for a walk after eating: a 30-minute walk post-meal has been shown to promote stable glucose levels. Don’t have that much free time? Get out there for even 5 minutes every half hour. A 2022 study has found that even short periods of movement can offer some metabolic benefits. Strength training can also have significant benefits, as muscle tissue is an excellent absorber of glucose.

6. Prioritize foods that fight inflammation. Foods such as olive oil, green leafy vegetables, avocado, berries, nuts, tuna, and salmon help fight inflammation. Polyphenols, the plant chemicals in green and black teas, have also been shown to lower levels of inflammatory markers, as has curcumin, the main beneficial compound in turmeric.

7. Make sure to spend at least an hour outside in the daylight. Recent research suggests it not only boosts mood by triggering the production of serotonin, but it can also help regulate the circadian rhythms—our body’s master clock that affects everything from food intake to glucose control, to energy expenditure—that impact our metabolic system.

8. Seek outside help when needed. If anxiety or sadness are persistent for you–meaning they last more than two weeks–or if those feelings regularly interfere with your normal activities and daily life, don’t ignore them. Speak with a mental health professional. You can find a psychologist in your area through the American Psychological Association’s therapist locator.

How to Find a Metabolic Health Specialist Near Me

Finding a metabolic health specialist involves several steps to ensure you receive comprehensive and personalized care. Two excellent resources for finding specialists in this field are Sofia Health and the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (SMHP).

1. Using Sofia Health to Find a Metabolic Health Specialist

Sofia Health is an online marketplace that connects consumers with health and wellness providers, including metabolic health specialists. You can:

- Search for Specialists: Use the Sofia Health platform to find professionals offering services in metabolic health, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions.

- Compare Providers: View practitioner profiles, their expertise, and client reviews to find the right fit.

- Book Appointments: Schedule sessions directly with practitioners who specialize in metabolic health.

Sofia Health simplifies the process of connecting with metabolic health specialists, making it easy to find and work with the right provider.

2. Using the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (SMHP) Directory

The SMHP directory is another great resource for finding experts in metabolic health. The directory allows you to:

- Explore a Global Network: Find practitioners specializing in metabolic health interventions, including therapeutic carbohydrate reduction.

- Check Credentials: Review each provider’s qualifications to ensure they align with your health goals.

- Connect with Experts: Reach out to specialists for consultations and personalized treatment plans.

By leveraging Sofia Health and SMHP, you can efficiently find and connect with qualified metabolic health specialists who can help optimize your metabolic well-being through evidence-based approaches.

 

Sources:

Sofia Health

ZipRecruiter

Levels

BuzzRx

Vibrant Vitality Clinic

Metabolic MDs

Bupa

CHI Health

Heart

Veri

Wikipedia

NYP

Mindstream Integrative

Relatyv