The two primary hormones that control appetite are ghrelin and leptin. They serve as biological on/off switches. Ghrelin is mainly produced in the lining of the stomach and switches on appetite. Leptin is secreted by fat cells and turns off appetite by signaling when you’re full.

My take on this new research is that we have a lot more to learn about treating thyroid disease. Clearly there are some treatments that don’t seem to provide much benefit, or at least no more benefit than a placebo pill. But, my experience in treating patients in the real world is vastly different.

Scott Isaacs, M.D.. F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E has been certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) as an ABOM diplomate. ABOM diplomates are physicians who undergo rigorous training and an extensive examination process to achieve this designation.

Yet another reason not to let your weight seesaw: You'll hamstring your metabolism. "My patients with the lowest metabolisms are the weight cyclers," says Scott Isaacs, MD, clinical instructor of medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine. "When you lose weight, you lose muscle and fat, but when you gain it back, it's mostly fat, which burns fewer calories."

A common misconception is that losing weight quickly is not healthy, not sustainable, and will just lead to future weight re-gain. To the contrary, numerous clinical studies demonstrate that following a lifestyle change program which promotes fast initial weight loss can result in better long-term success.