Family physician shares weight loss tips for 2026

Doctor Nisarg Patel says obesity is a common struggle across the country.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Losing weight is one of the top new year’s resolutions, and a local doctor is sharing some tips for reaching that goal.

Dr. Nisar Patel, family medical physician at Piedmont Primary Care, says obesity is a common struggle across the country.

“Obesity is something more than 40% of Americans live with,” he said. “In my practice, I like to focus specifically on visceral fat, which is excess tissue that’s surrounding internal organs.”

Dr. Patel says walking and going to the gym are great ways to get started, but weight loss starts in the kitchen.

“If we think about calories in verses calories out, it is a lot easier to decrease the amount of calories you’re consuming than it is to increase the amount of calories you’re burning.”

With diet pills and shots becoming a common way to lose weight, Dr. Patel says they are fine. He just recommends getting a professional opinion first.

“There are many prescribed medications you can use to lose weight,” he said. “The new ones that are coming in the market, like GLP 1 receptor agonist, Ozempic, Mounjaro, etc., they are good. That being said, I would prefer you speak with your doctor first.”

As for those late-night cravings, Dr. Patel says we all get them. He adds that you’re only human and you shouldn’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, find a healthy snack to eat when those cravings happen.

“Something you should keep in mind is to figure out why you’re craving food,” he said. “Sometimes it might be related to appetite itself. For example, I start craving food when I’m bored, so being able to redirect that energy into a more actionable task will lead to decreasing calorie consumption by itself.”

Dr. Patel also recommends starting slow. Rushing into weight loss can lead to burnout and throwing in the towel.