Jarrell Weight Management Specialists

10/29/2025

Halloween doesn't have to derail your health goals - it can actually be a fun, active celebration!
From pumpkin carving to costume bingo with friends, there are so many ways to celebrate that get you moving and connecting with people you care about.
Our favorite activities on this list:
▪ Games with friends- socializing without food being the focus
▪ Halloween movie night- cozy entertainment that doesn't require endless snacking
▪ Your favorite treat- you heard right, enjoy one serving of your favorite treat and give away the rest
▪ Costume bingo - get out and enjoy seeing creative costumes in your community
Take a screenshot of the bingo card and go for a walk through your neighborhood on Halloween night- spot the costumes, mark them off on your phone, and see if you can get a full card!

What's your favorite non-food Halloween tradition? Share in the comments!

10/24/2025

Big news for patients struggling with both obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Zepbound (tirzepatide) has been approved by the FDA to treat OSA - making it the first GLP-1 medication approved for this condition. This is a game-changer for many of my patients.

Here's what you need to know:
-How it works: Zepbound improves blood oxygenation during sleep by reducing the weight that contributes to airway obstruction. As patients lose weight, their sleep apnea symptoms often improve significantly.
-Insurance coverage: Some insurance plans now cover Zepbound for patients who are treating both OSA and obesity. This is huge because cost has been a major barrier for so many people who could benefit from GLP-1 medications.
-What this means for you: If you have sleep apnea and have been struggling with weight loss, this medication might be covered by your insurance when it wouldn't have been before.
Sleep apnea isn't just about snoring - it increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and significantly impacts your quality of life. Treating it effectively matters.

If you have both obesity and sleep apnea, reach out to see if you qualify for coverage.
📞 Call for more info: 256.767.5940

10/21/2025

Everyone needs a reason to walk - and "because it's good for me" isn't always enough to get you out the door.
The secret to making exercise stick isn't forcing yourself to do something you hate. It's finding ways to make movement part of the life you already enjoy living.
Walking doesn't have to be a chore on your to-do list. It can be:
• Quality time with your dog
• Enjoying the walk with your kids on the way to the bus stop
• Exploring historical sites or local downtown shops
• Catching up on your favorite podcast
• Finding lcoal holiday lights and seasonal festivities
• Pursuing photography and capturing beautiful moments
• Connecting with friends and family face-to-face
When you tie movement to something you already love, it stops feeling like exercise and starts feeling like living.
What's your motivation? Make it fun. Make it last. Make a difference in your health.
What gets you out the door? Drop your favorite walking motivation in the comments!

10/14/2025

Let's talk about "natural GLP-1" supplements and weight loss pills flooding the market right now.
I'm seeing more and more ads for supplements claiming to mimic GLP-1 medications or provide miraculous weight loss results. My patients ask me about them constantly, and I need to be clear: save your money.

Here's what you need to know:
❌ There are no studies backing up these claims. None. The companies selling these products aren't required to prove they work before marketing them to you.
❌ There's no published data verifying they're safe. Unlike FDA-approved medications that go through rigorous testing, supplements can be sold without proving safety or efficacy.
❌ "Natural" doesn't mean effective or safe. Many natural substances can be harmful, and without regulation, you don't even know if what's on the label is actually in the bottle.

The supplement industry is largely unregulated, which means companies can make bold claims without evidence and sell products without proving they work or won't harm you. If there was a supplement that actually worked for weight loss, it would be studied, published, and prescribed by doctors. The fact that these products live in the unregulated supplement space should tell you everything you need to know.
The supplement industry is largely unregulated, which means companies can make bold claims without evidence and sell products without proving they work or won't harm you. If there were a supplement that actually worked for weight loss, it would be studied, published, and prescribed by doctors. The fact that these products live in the unregulated supplement space should tell you everything you need to know.

Have you been targeted by ads for these supplements? What claims have you seen?

10/09/2025

Carrying excess weight significantly increases your risk for serious health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea. These aren't just statistics - they're real health threats that impact your quality of life every single day.
But here's the good news: these conditions are often reversible or manageable with sustainable weight loss.
As a Board Certified Obesity Medicine physician, I don't just tell patients to "eat less and move more." I provide evidence-based treatment that addresses the root causes of weight gain and creates lasting change through:

▪️Personalized nutrition plans
▪️Behavioral modifications
▪️Physical activity guidance
▪️Medication when appropriate
▪️Ongoing support and accountability

If your weight is affecting your health, you don't have to figure this out alone. Let's create a plan that actually works for you.
Ready to take control of your health? Book an appointment today.
📞 (256) 767-5940
🌐 JarrellWeightManagementSpecialists.com

10/07/2025

Have you been thinking about weight loss but aren't sure where to start?
We get it. Taking that first step can feel overwhelming when you don't know exactly what you're dealing with or what help you need.
That's why we're offering a free 15-minute body composition scan—no strings attached, no pressure, just information.
This scan gives you the complete picture of where you are right now: your muscle mass, body fat percentage, and overall composition. It's not just a number on a scale - it's real data about your health that helps you understand what you're working with.
The scan also gives you a chance to see what we offer, ask questions, and get a feel for our clinic. No commitment required. Just come in, get your scan, and leave with valuable information about your body.
Whether you decide to work with us or not, you'll walk away knowing more about your health than when you walked in.
Ready to see where you stand? Call us to schedule your free 15-minute body composition scan.
📞 (256) 767-5940
Current patients—know someone who's been thinking about starting their weight loss journey? Share this with them!

10/01/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while I don't provide primary care services, your overall health is incredibly important to me.
My focus is weight management, but the whole point of losing weight is to gain better overall health - and that includes staying on top of preventive care like mammograms and regular screenings.
If you haven't had your mammogram this year, please make that appointment. If you've been putting off that doctor's visit, schedule it. Your weight loss journey is just one part of your health story, and it should support all the other ways you're taking care of yourself.
I encourage all my patients to maintain strong relationships with their primary care physicians and stay current with their screenings. Weight management and preventive care work together to give you the healthiest life possible.
Early detection saves lives. Take care of yourself in every way possible.
Are you current with your screenings? If not, what’s holding you back?

09/28/2025

Fall quiz time! Which of these popular Starbucks fall drinks has the fewest calories?
The answer might surprise you - it's the Pecan Oatmilk Cortado at 120 calories, while the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai clocks in at a whopping 460 calories. That's nearly a full meal's worth of calories in a drink!
This is exactly why I talk to my patients about liquid calories. They add up fast and rarely leave you feeling satisfied the way food does. You could have that chai and still be hungry, or you could have the cortado plus a protein-rich snack for the same calories.
Here's how to enjoy fall flavors without derailing your progress:
• Ask for sugar-free syrups or half the pumps
• Choose almond or oat milk instead of whole milk
• Skip the whipped cream (saves 50-100 calories easily)
• Try a splash of pumpkin spice in your regular coffee at home
• Remember that "grande" isn't the only size - go smaller
The goal isn't to never enjoy seasonal drinks, but to make informed choices. When you see that a single drink has 460 calories, you can decide if it's worth it or if there's a better option that still gives you those fall flavors you're craving.
What's your go-to fall drink order?

09/27/2025

Fall in North Alabama is absolutely stunning - and we're right in the heart of it here in the Shoals!
As someone who encourages my patients to stay active, I love that we have such beautiful places to walk, hike, and enjoy the outdoors. Getting outside doesn't have to feel like exercise when you're surrounded by this kind of scenery. Here are some gorgeous spots that will be showing off their colors this fall:
• Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve (18 miles of trails!)
• Spring Park in Tuscumbia
• Natchez Trace Parkway
• Joe Wheeler State Park
Peak fall color is happening mid-Cotober through the first week of November, so if you've been looking for motivation to get moving, this is it. Whether it's a challenging hike or a peaceful stroll, there's something for every fitness level.

Have you been to any of these spots recently? Would you add another trail to this list?

North Alabama has many breathtaking spots to see some gorgeous, vibrant fall foliage.

09/24/2025

Happy Fall! The leaves are turning, the weather is cooling down, and... the holiday challenges are just around the corner.
I love this season, but I also know it can be tricky for my patients. From Halloween candy to Thanksgiving feasts to holiday parties, the next few months are packed with food-focused social events that can derail your progress.
Here's how to enjoy the season without sabotaging your goals:
Plan your alternatives now: Think pumpkin protein smoothies instead of pumpkin spice lattes, roasted fall vegetables instead of casseroles loaded with cream, or baked apples or pears instead of apple pie.
Make activity part of the celebration: Plan a hike to see the fall foliage, organize a family walk after dinner, or suggest active outings with friends instead of always meeting for food.
Set your boundaries early: Decide ahead of time which treats are worth it and which you'll skip. You don't have to eat everything just because it's there.
Focus on the social, not the food: Holiday gatherings are about connection, not consumption. Put your energy into enjoying the people, not filling your plate.
The key is planning ahead instead of reacting in the moment. What's your biggest holiday challenge, and how are you preparing for it this year?

09/21/2025

Fresh, colorful, and absolutely delicious - this tuna salad is everything a healthy meal should be.
Canned tuna mixed with cherry tomatoes, green onion, cilantro, cucumber, avocado, and a splash of lemon juice. Simple ingredients that come together to create something so much better than the sum of its parts.
This isn't your typical mayo-heavy tuna salad. The avocado gives you that creamy texture while adding nutrients instead of empty calories, and the fresh vegetables add crunch and flavor without any guilt.
Why this works so well for weight loss:
• High protein from the tuna keeps you satisfied for hours
• Fresh vegetables add fiber without extra calories
• Ready in 20 minutes with minimal cleanup
Make a big batch on Sunday and you've got protein-packed lunches ready for the week. Eat it on its own, with crackers, or stuffed in a tomato.
Check out our page for the full recipe and measurements - this one's definitely worth saving!
Are you team mayo? Would you try this version?

09/18/2025

Think you can get by on just 5 hours of sleep? Your metabolism disagrees.
Research shows that getting only 5 hours of sleep (compared to 8 hours) creates a perfect storm for weight gain. Take a guess at what happens to your body.
The quiz answer? All of the above. Your BMI increases, your hunger hormone (ghrelin) spikes by 15%, and your satiety hormone (leptin) drops by 15%. Translation? You feel hungrier, less satisfied after eating, and your body is primed to store fat.
This is why I always talk to my patients about sleep as part of their weight loss plan. You can eat perfectly and exercise consistently, but if you're chronically sleep-deprived, you're fighting an uphill battle against your own hormones.
Your body needs adequate sleep to regulate the hormones that control hunger, fullness, and metabolism. It's not just about willpower - it's about biology.
How many hours of sleep do you typically get? Have you noticed a connection between your sleep and your eating patterns?