Eric C. Westman

Eric C. Westman, MD, MHS

I am board certified in internal medicine and obesity medicine, and I have a masters degree in clinical research. My clinical research and clinical care relate to lifestyle treatments for obesity, diabetes, and tobacco dependence, and I have over 90 peer-reviewed publications. I am currently the president of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, and a fellow of the Obesity Society and the Society of General Internal Medicine. I am co-editor of the medical textbook, Obesity: Evaluation and Treatment Essentials, and co-author of The New Atkins for a New You, and Cholesterol Clarity.

Selected Research Papers

Eric C. Westman, MD, MHS

Dr Westman's Seven Steps

Here are seven tips for low-carb living that can help you lose weight…and keep the weight off!

1. Avoid Sugar and Starch. Sugars and starches are also known as carbohydrates and can be measured in “grams.” Try to limit your carbohydrate intake to 20 grams a day by avoiding sugar, bread, fruit, flour, pasta or any other sugary/starchy food that has a lot of carbs. Read the labels!

2. Eat "Real Foods" That Have No Carbs. When hungry, you can have as much as you want of meats (beef, pork, lamb, veal, sausage, hot dogs), poultry, fish and shellfish, and eggs.

3. Eat Fat to Lose Fat. Oils and butter have no carbs. You do not have to limit quantities, but you should stop eating when you're full.

A Word about Vegetables: Always remember that fruits and vegetables are healthy but they do contain significant carbohydrates and can slow down ketosis and weight loss. While you are targeting about 20 grams of carbohydrates per day, weigh yourself every day as you add small portions vegetables to your diet. If your weight begins to increase, you may need to reduce the amount of vegetables you are consuming.

4. Eat Greens Every Day. Enjoy 2 cups of salad greens and 1 cup of non-starchy vegetables (measured uncooked) every day. Vegetables can include: artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, green beans, leeks, mushrooms, onions, peppers, pumpkin, shallots, snow peas, sprouts, summer squash, tomatoes, rhubarb, wax beans, zucchini.

5. Drink Lots of Liquids. In addition to water, drink bouillon as needed to minimize headache or fatigue. You may have up to three servings of coffee, tea or caffeinated diet soda per day (cream and/or artificial sweeteners are allowed).

6. Increase Activity/Reduce Stress. Inactivity and stress can negatively impact your health and even make it more difficult to lose weight. Stress management techniques may improve your ability to handle dietary temptations, such as sugar cravings. Increasing your activity level helps reduce stress, build muscle, decrease appetite and improve bone density.

7. Eat When You're Hungry, Stop When You're Full. Listen to your body…if you are not hungry you don't have to eat. A low-carb diet has a natural appetite reduction effect to ease you into smaller portions comfortably.

Few people have as much experience helping patients use a low-carb lifestyle to improve their health as Dr. Westman.  He has been doing this for over 20 years. (65 minutes)

Published by: Diet Doctor - January, 2020