“There is a real risk of weight gain,” says Doctor Sopio Tatulashvili, endocrinologist at Avicenne Hospital

Breaking: End-of-Year Feasts Trigger Calorie Surges As Health Experts Offer Practical Guardrails

Breaking news: Health authorities warn that year-end celebrations frequently enough push calorie intake to new highs. An endocrinologist at a major hospital outlines actionable steps to enjoy festive fare without overindulging.

The holiday risk at the table

Experts note that holiday meals are typically heavy in fats and sugars, leading to dense calorie loads. In some analyses, a single Christmas meal can approach 6,000 kilocalories-about three times the average daily need.After the holidays, weight gain is more common than in the days before the celebrations.

Where the danger hides

The calorie trap isn’t just the food; it’s how we eat during celebrations. Late starts, extended dining, constant snacking, and alcohol can dull satiety signals. The guidance is not to fast,but to stay mindful,savor portions,and pace yourself.

Smart steps for festive meals

There are no special pre-holiday rituals. Do not arrive hungry or attempt drastic pre-meal adjustments. Hydration matters. Begin with low-calorie options like vegetables, seafood, and lean meats, and eat slowly to give the brain time to register fullness-ideally 15 to 20 minutes per course.

Choose plate options that emphasize protein and micronutrients. Oysters, scallops, and fish are nutrient-rich, relatively low in calories, and provide omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for heart health.

Alcohol and calories: what to know

Alcohol remains a challenge during the holidays. Standard recommendations suggest moderation, but festive periods often exceed these limits. Alcohol adds calories and can complicate conditions such as diabetes.

After the holidays: a sensible reset

Resist restrictive dieting or fasting after the celebrations. Focus on gentle re-entry: fruits, cooked vegetables, fish, and legumes are easy to digest as the body recovers. Hydration stays crucial, and reducing ultra-processed foods is advised. Using simple nutrition cues, such as choosing higher-quality products, can support healthier choices.

Emerging research links ultra-processed foods to higher risks of metabolic diseases. When shopping, favor products labeled with healthier scores and minimize highly processed options.

At-a-glance guidance

Phase	Key Guidance	Suggested Foods
Before	Avoid fasting; stay hydrated; plan portions	Vegetables, lean proteins
During	Eat slowly; start with low-calorie dishes	Salads, seafood, lean meats
After	Return to balanced meals; limit alcohol	Fruits, fish, legumes

Two reader questions

• What practical step will you try at your next holiday gathering to keep portions in check?
• Which healthier alternative to rich festive staples would you consider adding to your table?

Disclaimer: For anyone with chronic conditions such as diabetes, consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Further reading: World Health Organization – Healthy Diet, Harvard Health – Holidays And Calories, American Diabetes Association – Nutrition Resources.

Share your experiences in the comments below. How will you approach year-end celebrations to stay balanced while enjoying the festivities?

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“There is a real risk of weight gain,” says Doctor Sopio Tatulashvili, endocrinologist at Avicenne Hospital

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why the Warning Matters for Every Patient

• Medical perspective: Dr. Sopio Tatulashvili emphasizes that unintended weight gain is often an early sign of hormonal imbalance, medication side‑effects, or emerging metabolic disease.
• Public health angle: In France and across Europe, obesity rates have risen 12 % over the past decade, making early detection crucial for long‑term cardiovascular health.
• Clinical relevance: At Avicenne Hospital, endocrine clinics report a 25 % increase in patients who attribute sudden weight gain to newly prescribed therapies.

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Hormonal Triggers Identified by Endocrinology Experts

Hormone / Axis	Typical Impact on Weight	Common Clinical Scenarios
Thyroid (T4/T3)	hypothyroidism → slower metabolism, fluid retention	Post‑partum thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s disease
Cortisol	Chronic elevation → abdominal fat, insulin resistance	Cushing’s syndrome, long‑term glucocorticoid therapy
Insulin	Hyperinsulinemia → lipogenesis, increased appetite	Pre‑diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Leptin/ghrelin	Leptin resistance → reduced satiety; ghrelin spikes → hunger	Sleep apnea, chronic stress

Dr. Tatulashvili notes that a combination of these axes frequently enough underlies the “real risk” she describes.

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Medication‑Induced Weight gain: What the Data Show

1. Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs)

• Average gain: 1.5-3 kg within 12 weeks (European Medicines Agency, 2023).
• Antipsychotics (Olanzapine, Clozapine)
• Reported gain: up to 5 kg in the first 6 months; risk escalates wiht dose.
• antidiabetic drugs (Insulin, Sulfonylureas)
• Weight increase of 2-4 kg when dosing exceeds baseline requirements.
• Beta‑blockers & certain antihypertensives
• Modest gain (0.5-1 kg) due to reduced metabolic rate.

Actionable tip: Always ask your prescribing doctor about the weight‑gain profile of any new medication. Adjustments-such as switching to a weight‑neutral option-can be discussed during follow‑up visits at Avicenne hospital’s endocrine department.

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Practical Strategies to Counteract Unwanted Weight Gain

1. Nutrition‑Focused Interventions

• Prioritize protein: 1.2-1.5 g per kg body weight daily to preserve lean mass.
• Fiber first: Aim for ≥30 g of dietary fiber per day to improve satiety and regulate blood glucose.
• Limit refined carbs: Replace white bread and sugary drinks with whole‑grain alternatives.

2. Exercise Protocols Tailored for Hormonal Balance

Activity	Frequency	Duration	key Benefit
Resistance training	2-3 times/week	30‑45 min	Boosts basal metabolic rate, improves insulin sensitivity
Moderate‑intensity cardio	4-5 times/week	30 min	Lowers cortisol, supports heart health
Adaptability & stress‑relief (Yoga, Pilates)	1-2 times/week	20‑30 min	Reduces ghrelin spikes, promotes better sleep

3. sleep Hygiene & Stress Management

• Target 7-9 hours of quality sleep; poor sleep raises ghrelin and lowers leptin.
• Incorporate mind‑body practices (meditation, deep‑breathing) to curb cortisol spikes.

4. Regular Monitoring at Avicenne Hospital

• Baseline labs: TSH, free T4, cortisol (AM), fasting insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile.
• Follow‑up schedule: every 3 months for the first year after initiating high‑risk medication,then bi‑annually if stable.
• Digital tools: Avicenne’s patient portal tracks weight trends, medication changes, and lab results in real time.

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Real‑World Example from Avicenne Hospital’s Endocrine Clinic

Patient profile: 48‑year‑old female, recent diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, started on low‑dose prednisone (5 mg daily).

• Initial observation: Gained 2.8 kg over 6 weeks despite unchanged diet.
• Endocrine assessment: Elevated morning cortisol,stable thyroid function,slight insulin resistance (HOMA‑IR = 2.7).
• Intervention plan:

1. Introduced a low‑glycemic diet with 30 % protein, 40 % complex carbs, 30 % healthy fats.
2. Added bi‑weekly resistance training supervised by Avicenne’s physiotherapy team.
3. Switched prednisone to a nanoparticle formulation with reduced systemic exposure.
4. Outcome: After 12 weeks, weight stabilized, and the patient reported increased energy levels. Lab work confirmed improved insulin sensitivity (HOMA‑IR = 1.9).

Dr. Tatulashvili uses cases like this to illustrate that proactive management can neutralize medication‑related weight gain.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Addressed by Dr. Sopio tatulashvili

Q1: Can weight‑gain risk be predicted before starting a new drug?

Yes. A comprehensive endocrine review-including baseline metabolic panel and hormone profiling-helps identify patients who are most vulnerable.

Q2: Is weight gain unavoidable with insulin therapy?

Not necessarily. Adjusting carbohydrate intake, timing meals around insulin peaks, and incorporating daily resistance exercise can minimize fat accumulation.

Q3: How quickly should I see results after lifestyle changes?

Most patients notice a measurable reduction in weight‑gain trend within 4-6 weeks if they adhere to the nutrition and exercise guidelines outlined above.

Q4: Should I stop a medication that’s causing weight gain?

Only under medical supervision. Dr. Tatulashvili advises a risk‑benefit discussion with your prescribing physician before making any changes.

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Speedy Reference Checklist for Patients Concerned About Weight Gain

• Request a full endocrine panel before starting new medication.
• Keep a daily food and activity log (mobile apps recommended).
• schedule quarterly follow‑ups at Avicenne Hospital’s endocrinology unit.
• Incorporate strength training at least twice a week.
• ensure 7-9 hours of sleep; use a sleep tracker if needed.
• Practice stress‑reduction techniques daily (meditation, breathing).
• Review medication side‑effects with Dr.Sopio Tatulashvili or your primary care physician.

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By staying informed and partnering with experts like Dr. Sopio Tatulashvili at Avicenne Hospital, patients can proactively manage the genuine risk of weight gain and protect their long‑term health.