MoKan Weight Loss and Metabolic Health

07/22/2025

It was an honor to be asked to be a part of this story and I'm so proud of these families for putting themselves out there as a face and voice for all the kids and families that struggle with obesity.

Austin is such an angel-human! He always make me laugh, has such a sweet disposition, and is simply a gentle soul.
These kids all have one thing in common: their obesity was not their fault. Whether it was genetics or a brain tumor, it was out of their hands.
The sad reality is, without treatment, kids with obesity are more likely to die earlier than their "normal weight" peers. This is why I love doing what I do! We can change a child's health trajectory dramatically the earlier we treat this.
If you could prevent your child from developing heart disease or cancer, I bet you would do anything. Well, now you know you can...

https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/health-obesity-teens/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLsw6BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKZnBTWk01Q2pFQndtaW5yAR5kcG_A7FbZMo6H1AYYQxP*PsMYgFwpzCFkm32zRa4blqmFYDrZ3w2BUMPl7w_aem_LLTJVhQy320reqIQQUKnvQ

Reuters delves into the experiences of four American teenagers with obesity who were among the first wave to take Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug.

03/11/2025

Great News for Aetna members!
MoKan Weight Loss and Metabolic Health is officially IN-NETWORK with Aetna (commercial-only).

Reminder we provide weight management for kids and adults with overweight and obesity.

01/27/2025

I just love a good underdog story, don’t you? ;)
Go !!

THE CHIEFS ARE HEADING TO THE SUPER BOWL FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR.

THEY ARE ONE WIN AWAY FROM A THREE-PEAT. 🔥

01/19/2025

Another year, another AFC Championship for the Kansas City Chiefs! 🎉🏈 But while we celebrate their success, let's take a moment to examine what they can teach us about obesity and the questionable use of BMI in diagnoses. Delve deeper into this important discussion! https://wix.to/fCQGllr

Another year and another Kansas City Chiefs AFC Championship game! 🎉 As we celebrate the Chiefs' success, let's take a moment to talk about something that's often misunderstood: using BMI to diagnose obesityWhen it comes to diagnosing obesity, Body Mass Index (BMI) is often the go-to metric. Howe...

01/04/2025

If "losing weight" is your New Year's resolution, we need to fix it! It’s time to be SMART about you or your family's weight loss goals! Find out how to effectively set resolutions that lead to real change. Read more here: https://wix.to/gUEpSv5
https://wix.to/IXZfeew

As we welcome the New Year, many of us are eager to set resolutions that will improve our health and well-being. One common resolution is to lose weight. However, setting a goal solely based on pounds lost can be discouraging and unsustainable. And by "can be" I mean "fails in the longterm practical...

12/19/2024

Anyone have obesity nerd in dress shoes and avocado socks using a battle rope on their bingo card?!

11/02/2024

Foods That Seem Healthy for Kids, But Aren’t! 🚨

Not all “healthy” foods are what they appear to be! 📦🚫 Here are 5 foods that often look like nutritious options for kids, based on clever packaging or marketing, but are actually highly processed and can be loaded with sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats:

1️⃣ Granola & Granola Bars – Sugary, low in fiber, and often packed with sugar
2️⃣ Fruit Snacks - Anything but!! These are mostly sugar and artificial flavors.
3️⃣ Flavored Yogurts – Looks healthy, but one cup can have more sugar than a candy bar! 🍫
4️⃣ Veggie Chips & Straws – Don’t be fooled! 🥦 They’re typically just potato chips with some vegetable powders.
5️⃣ Instant Oatmeal Packs – Watch out for the added sugars and artificial flavors in those flavored packs.

➡️ Instead, try offering whole fruits 🍎, plain yogurt with fresh fruit, whole oats, and real vegetables for snacks! Let’s make sure our kids are getting real nutrition and not just processed junk in disguise. 💪🍽️

10/27/2024

I’m an obesity-certified pediatrician and internist. Here’s why I make my family a breakfast smoothie every day :) 💪🏻🤓

Starting the day with a smoothie that fuels your body and keeps you full until lunch? Yes, please! Here’s what’s going into my breakfast blend and why each ingredient packs a punch:

🍌 Banana – Bananas give you a natural energy boost with healthy carbs (carbs are NOT the devil) and potassium, which helps with muscle function. Plus, they add a little sweetness without the sugar crash!

🌱 Spinach – Spinach is a powerhouse of iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support immune health and keep you feeling strong. And trust me, you won’t even taste it.

🍓 Frozen Berries – These little gems are full of fiber and antioxidants, helping fight inflammation and support heart health.

🥄 Protein Powder – Protein is ESSENTIAL for muscle repair, especially after a workout. Adding protein powder keeps you full and helps with weight management by curbing those mid-morning cravings. Pro-tip: Alternative here is Greek yogurt

🥜 Peanut Butter (or 🥑 Avocado) – Healthy fats from peanut butter or avocado keep you full and satisfied, and they help your body absorb all those vitamins from the other ingredients. Plus, they add creaminess!

🌱 Chia Seeds – Small but mighty! Chia seeds are full of fiber, omega-3s, and antioxidants. They expand in liquid, helping you feel fuller longer and supporting gut health.

🥛 Soy Milk – A great source of plant-based protein and calcium, soy milk adds a creamy base while providing nutrients for bone health. I’ll sometimes do cow’s milk or oat milk. Just don’t do juice 🛑 (too much sugar)

This smoothie is more than just breakfast; it’s a nutrient-packed powerhouse that fuels your body, keeps your energy steady, and tastes amazing! Cheers to health in a glass! 🥂✨

10/15/2024

Not All Fat is Bad! Also, I DID AN ART!!

So I’ve had this art project in my head for sometime now and I finally finished it! Nerd alert: these are histology slides of white, beige, and brown fat tissue That I whimsically painted.
— Fun fact, I can’t tell you the last time I painted anything like this and it was absolutely delightful.

Alright, let’s talk fat—but not in the way you’re thinking. Did you know not all fat is created equal? Yep, there’s more to it than just the squishy stuff we all love to hate. In fact, some of it can actually be good for you. Let’s break it down:

1️⃣ White Fat: This is the stuff we usually want less of. It stores energy and cushions our organs, but too much of it can lead to health problems. Think of it like your body’s “rainy day” fund—only it starts to add up fast if we’re not careful.

2️⃣ Beige Fat: Now we’re getting to the interesting stuff! Beige fat is like a sleeper agent. It can switch over to burn energy like brown fat when we exercise, get cold, or activate certain hormones. 💪 It’s like having a hybrid car—efficient when needed.

3️⃣ Brown Fat: The good fat! Brown fat is like your internal furnace. It burns calories to keep you warm and actually helps regulate your metabolism. The more brown fat you have, the better your body gets at burning energy. 🔥

So next time you think, “Ugh, fat,” just remember—it’s not all bad! The key is finding ways to activate that brown and beige fat, whether it’s through exercise, staying active, or even braving the cold for a bit. ❄️💥

Thankfully, as we lose weight we typically lose the unhealthy white fat around our organs first 😅

10/03/2024

Please read!❗️COVID-19 vaccines and the RSV injection (Beyfortus) are available at all 3 locations. Please schedule an appointment for these if your child is eligible and interested.
💉COVID-19 boosters are available for children 6 months to 11 years old. Please talk with your provider about the specific details for your child (whether 1 or 2 doses are recommended). Older children (>12 years old) can get the booster dose at most major pharmacies.
🩹Beyfortus (RSV): Available for infants less than 8 months old during their first RSV season. Some children up to 24 months may be eligible if they remain vulnerable to severe RSV infection during their 2nd RSV season. Ask your P*P for specifics about those high risk conditions.
Please do not walk-in for these! Schedule an appointment to ensure there is availability. Any questions? Call or text us!
As a reminder, flu vaccines are available by walk-in or appointment!

09/26/2024

You need to hear this!
One of the most beneficial things I inform my adult and patients with and is one almost everyone has never heard before.

Comment below with questions or specifics. There is plenty of science to back this :)

www.mokanweightloss.com

09/10/2024

Skipping breakfast is a trap! Why You AND Your Kids Shouldn’t Skip Breakfast! 🍳🥛

Alright parents, let’s chat about why getting some fuel in the tank in the morning is especially important for your kiddos. I know, I know, this topic has been discussed to death BUT the whole intermittent fasting craze has made this much more common (not to mention your teen girls might be "skipping" on purpose to lose weight!)

Breakfast is kind of a superhero in disguise. For our little humans, it’s linked to:

1️⃣ Healthier Body Weight: Skipping breakfast has been shown to make kids more likely to gain weight or become overweight. And trust me, no one’s metabolism is excited about running on empty. Starting the day with a balanced meal kick-starts your child's metabolism and keeps them (and you) from reaching for junk food later. 🍩🚫

2️⃣ Better Memory, Attention & Test Scores: Studies show breakfast eaters have sharper minds—think of it like powering up their brains! 🧠 Kids who eat breakfast before tests get better scores in math, spelling, and reading. Bonus: it helps them handle frustration better. (Like, maybe your little one will actually finish their homework without a meltdown... maybe.)

3️⃣ Better Nutrition & Health: Breakfast helps kids avoid developing metabolic issues later in life. Think high blood sugar, cholesterol problems, and belly fat. No bueno. Eating breakfast sets them up for better health long-term. 🥑💪

So, moms and dads, don’t skip out on the breakfast club! A little morning meal can go a long way for your energy, weight, and especially your kids’ performance in school.

Fuel up, crush the day, and remember—breakfast is basically a superpower. 🦸‍♀️💥



If you're tired of being the food police or fighting with your kid to maintain healthy habits, it's time to come to the clinic!

You can register AND schedule here:
https://pp-wfe-101.advancedmd.com/157555/onlineintake/demographic