'Heartache can lead to improvements': Local doctor shares weight loss story in new book
NEW BEDFORD — After losing 125 pounds, Dr. Kevin R. Gendreau switched from family to obesity medicine, so he could share his journey with patients and add optimism to their weight loss goals.
Now, he wants to share his story with the world in his new book, "Fasting While Furious: How I Turned Anger and Sadness into Motivation for Weight Loss."
"Sometimes heartache can lead to improvements in oneself," said Gendreau.
In 2016, Gendreau weighed 306 pounds and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease and depression.
"I put a lot of my weight on over the years between the rigors of being a pre-medical student," Gendreau admitted.
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However, he started to gain a majority of his weight after losing his father to cancer. “I kind of ate myself to death," he said. "I was kind of using food as an antidepressant and comfort."
Then, when his sister was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer, it was the wake-up call he needed.
"I was kind of like; she can't choose this life, she's been dealt this awful hand of cards with this cancer diagnosis at age 32," he said. "I can choose differently, I actually have a choice and the ability to control what I'm putting in my mouth every day."
It took Gendreau 18 months to meet his goal weight.
In 2017, his sister died.
Switching career paths
In 2020, Gendreau became board certified in obesity medicine by the American Board of Obesity Medicine. He now works at the Fresh Start Program through South Coast Health.
“The transition seemed so fitting because I'm passionate about helping people lose weight," he said, adding that a majority of his patients know his personal weight loss journey.
“I'm getting encouragement from my own patients, and they're getting inspiration and motivation from their doctor."
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Additionally, since his transformation, Gendreau has attracted fans on social media with 34K followers on Instagram. He posts healthy tips, photos and recipes.
Having previously written two children's books, he decided to write a self-help book recalling his personal journey as a way to reach people out of state the didn't have access to his medical program.
"With the pandemic, I just decided to kind of put my entire story to print because I wanted to just get it out on paper," he said. "And so people could kind of get a glimpse into what I did for weight loss."
The 122-page paperback includes his story, a "getting started" guide and a meal plan with 21 recipes as well as thoughts on low carb supplements and other tips.
Gendreau said he's already sold 1,000 copies.
"I hope that people are motivated and inspired," he said. "I hope that they kind of can relate to my story and learn how to love themselves.
"But, also forgive themselves when they make a mistake."
Heightened weight gain during the pandemic
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines obesity as one of the most dangerous and prevalent health conditions in the nation.
According to Gendreau, binge eating is the most common eating disorder among both men and women in the United States — the biggest trigger is stress.
"With high cortisol levels (stress) and ghrelin, the hunger hormone, being elevated... it's very easy to put weight on, particularly over time," he said. "You start to crave all the worst kinds of foods, like super ultra processed carbohydrates and refined sugars."
Gendreau said, during the pandemic, most of his patients gained an average 20-plus pounds. In fact, according to a USA Today article, people are calling it the "quarantine 15" similar to phrase "freshman 15" that some people gain during the first year of college.
Recent polls by WebMD confirm its readers reported an average weight gain of about 8 pounds, in 2020. Among Americans, most (34%) said they gained 4 to 6 pounds. Only about one-fifth (21%) said they gained 10 to 20 pounds.
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Gendreau said his personal weight loss plan is similar to what he suggests to patients. It focuses solely on the diet and less on exercise.
“It wasn't actually until I reached my goal that I started exercising," he said. 'I didn't have surgery, or use any medications for weight loss. Just diet changes."
His plan was eating less than 40 grams of carbohydrates per day and eliminating ultra-processed foods, refined sugars and focusing on protein, fiber and healthy fats.
Diet first, exercise later
Gendreau said he understands that life can be chaotic and out of control, however the one thing people can manage is their diet plan. "Patients are shocked to hear that I'm only recommending diet the first time I see them," he said.
However, Gendreau admits that statistically 89% of people will gain all of their weight back after losing it within one year, that's why his program focuses on accountability and maintenance, too.
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After meeting with patients every six to eight weeks, and after they've lost 10% of their body weight, he switches them to "maintenance mode," where patients meet three to six months but are still held accountable on their goals.
"One of my biggest intentions with the book is to help people lose weight, not just for the number on the scale, but their overall health," Gendreau said.
"And all of these comorbid conditions that people are dealing with on a day to day basis."
On Feb. 12, Gendreau will be at New Moon, located at 4 Hartwell St. in Fall River, from 3 to 5 p.m., discussing his new book, signing copies and holding a brief Q&A about weight loss and sharing tips for 2022.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: South Coast Health Dr. Kevin Gendreau publishes new weight loss book
