Gary Foster, PhD

Chief Scientific Officer @WW_US | #BehaviorChange Scientist
#Weight Management Expert | Author of "The Shift," a National Bestseller

[Gary Foster, PhD @DrGaryFoster]

Thanks for having me to share my perspective on the importance of behavior change in combination with weight loss medications!

[TODAY @TODAYshow]

A rising number of people are embracing prescription drugs like Ozempic over counting calories and exercising to lose weight. Now WeightWatchers is leaning into the popularity, offering access to popular weight loss drugs. @VickyNguyenTV reports.

[Gary Foster, PhD @DrGaryFoster]

Stop by the #OW2023 poster sessions on Monday for:
📘 Associations Between Weight Bias Internalization and Diet Quality
📘 Comparisons of Diet Quality Assessed via Diet ID and the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Dietary Assessment Tool

[Gary Foster, PhD @DrGaryFoster]

Are you attending #obesityweek2023? Hear the latest @ww_us supported #research including predictors of weight regain from @sphelanp and results from the GLoW trial from Julia Mueller & @amy_ahern

[Ted Kyle @ConscienHealth]

We're packing up for Dallas and #OW2023, starting with a list of the top ten sparks to kickstart our thinking and planning out the four days ahead. Lots on #obesity innovation, research, clinical care, and policy. Stay tuned for more to come.
https://t.co/93gEmZfY7K

[Gary Foster, PhD @DrGaryFoster]

Always great to spend time at OAC and interact with those living with obesity as well as those who care for them.

[Dr Robert Kushner @DrRobertKushner]

Key take aways from top experts at the @obesityaction Engage Conference: Joy is a nutrient, self-compassion beats self criticism and the more touch points you have, the better you do managing weight. #obesity @DrGaryFoster @djblatner @conscienhealth
https://t.co/HB1xPJLUFI

[Weight Watchers @ww_us]

daily reminder: your thoughts are not facts. if yours start saying you can’t reach your goals, literally think again.

[Sarah Bramblette, MSHL @Born2lbFat]

This. 👇🏻

I can love myself l and still have want to lose weight. Actually, the reason I want to lose weight is because I love myself and I want me to be around longer because I’m kinda awesome.

#YWM2023Engage

[Ted Kyle @ConscienHealth]

Why is #SelfCompassion and #kindness so important for both mental and physical health? @DrGaryFoster explained it beautifully and clearly at #YWM2023engage yesterday.
HT: @imaracingmom @Self_Compassion @StacyEWright876
https://t.co/2G6lIjxdg4

[Gary Foster, PhD @DrGaryFoster]

@MichelleCardel @BehavioralMed @ww_us @SBMPresident @SBMDigitalHlth @SBMWomensHealth @SBMObesityEDs Thanks, @MichelleCardel and @BehavioralMed for this recognition! I have been fortunate to have received mentoring from 3 of the best - Mickey Stunkard, Kelly Brownell, Tom Wadden - and am proud to pay it forward.

[Gary Foster, PhD @DrGaryFoster]

It was so great to spend time with some our @ww_us coaches this week! Our coaches have such a positive impact on our members. Thank you for all you do!

[Gary Foster, PhD @DrGaryFoster]

Are #weightloss and weight loss maintenance continuous or dichotomous processes? Check out a recent perspective I co-authored with Michael Rosenbaum in @Nature Metabolism - https://t.co/Axu2KADmtW

[Daniel J Drucker @DanielJDrucker]

Losing weight vs. sustaining #weightloss Data suggest that weight loss vs. weight loss maintenance are physiologically and psychologically different in many ways @NatMetabolism #obesity https://t.co/JSsrC8IaOH

[Dr Robert Kushner @DrRobertKushner]

It can be helpful to step back and review the ‘WHY’ managing weight is important to you at this point in your life. Drive healthier behaviors by finding enjoyment and immediate benefits. #obesity @obesityaction @conscienhealth @NMendocrinology https://t.co/6nhzL98Wky

[Gary Foster, PhD @DrGaryFoster]

Self-compassion is the most fundamental mindset shift. It is a combination of self-understanding - recognizing that imperfection is human - and that you are worthy of acceptance, compassion and kindness. Start by treating yourself like a friend. #TheShift

[Dr Robert Kushner @DrRobertKushner]

Self critical thinking and striving for perfection get in the way of reaching health goals. Being kinder to yourself and treating yourself better can help you live the healthier life you desire. #weightmanagement #obesity @ObesityAction @ConscienHealth
https://t.co/X3hirbDtp1

[Gary Foster, PhD @DrGaryFoster]

This is the first big step to increasing access to these medications to help those who qualify to manage their weight health - this why @ww_us actively supports this legislation. https://t.co/fNr6sA3LnA

[Gary Foster, PhD @DrGaryFoster]

Efficacy without access has no meaningful impact. Ground breaking weight loss meds are only effective when they reach people in need.

[Michelle Cardel, PhD, MS, RD @MichelleCardel]

Our new paper, led by @LessardLeah, is out discussing the role of positive and negative weight-related comments in parental communication about body weight with a very diverse group of youth.

Findings:
-More frequent negative weight-related comments from parents were associated with poorer adolescent health and wellbeing, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and increased weight bias internalization

-Positive comments associated with decreased weight bias internalization and greater body appreciation

-These associations were documented regardless of whether the comments came from mothers or fathers, and considerable consistency was demonstrated across adolescent sociodemographic characteristics

Clinical and Practical Implications (based on this study and other published findings from this cohort):
-Encourage parents to focus conversations on health, rather than weight
-DO NOT shame your child about their body shape, size, eating or physical activity habits
-Model the behaviors you want your child to engage in
-Help your child focus on what their body does for them that they love (so strong so you can kick that soccer ball, dance, walk the dog, ect)

Link to Pub: https://t.co/P4hI2sYWcX

Thanks to co-authors Dr. Rebecca Puhl @UConnRuddCenter and @DrGaryFoster at @ww_us

[Weight Watchers @ww_us]

people don’t talk enough about the secret to success being teeny-tiny, easily doable goals. eat a piece of fruit today? walk for 5 minutes? drink something other than coffee? Boom—success.

[Gary Foster, PhD @DrGaryFoster]

Thanks @MarisaMeltzer for bringing the importance of both biological & behavioral solutions to life. Lifestyle change is the foundation of weight management treatment. Great article featuring the challenges & behavioral solutions along a medication journey https://t.co/GHxdkEvNvW

[Gary Foster, PhD @DrGaryFoster]

It was exciting to hear results from the SURMOUNT-2 Trial at #ADA2023, and the beneficial effects of tirzepatide for weight loss in people living with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity! Looking forward to following the research on this medication.