DR S Govender
General Practitioner (GP) (MBCHB – WSU)
Diploma in Occupational Health (UKZN)
Travel Medicine (WITS)
Diabetes Practitioner (CDE)
Paediatric Care
Metabolic Health
Meerensee Medical Centre
Advanced Medicine
Why you should I see Dr S Govender regarding my Weight Loss?
When people ask their doctor about weight loss, a thyroid function is ordered, and if normal, they told to eat better and exercise. If the thyroid function is abnormal, they started on medication, told to eat better and exercise.
I RUN MORE THAN A THYROID FUNCTION.
Some people reach menopause – they sweat, eat like a rabbit and still cannot lose weight. Most are told that they are ageing and that gaining weight is normal.
Some doctors may even recommend an appetite suppressant.
WEIGHT GAIN IN YOUR 40’S AND 50’S – LET’S DISCUSS THE HORMONAL CHANGES HAPPENING HERE AND HOW TO CORRECT THEM.
If you are struggling to lose weight, reached a weight loss plateau or gaining weight unintentionally. You most likely have an underlying issue that needs attention.
A healthy diet and exercise is essential. However, it will be more effective if we correct the underlying metabolic condition.
This is achieved by correcting an abnormal glucose metabolism, correcting hormonal imbalances, correcting micronutrient deficiencies & improving gut health.
You should see me if you are:
- Struggling to lose weight
- Struggling to keep the weight off
- Gain weight easily if you come off your diet or take an exercise vacation
- Central adiposity
- For men – Gynaecomastia “Man Boobs”
- Wanting to start lifestyle changes and want an assessment
- Insulin Resistant
- Leptin Resistant
- Adrenal Fatigue / High Cortisol
- Adrenal Burnout / Low Cortisol
- Estrogen Dominant
- Pre-diabetic
- Diabetic
- Hypothyroid
- PCOS
- Unwanted Hair Growth
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Endometriosis
- History of Gestational Diabetes
- Family history of diabetes, hypothyroidism
- Need to lose weight to fall pregnant
- Benign Prostate Hyperplasia – Enlarged Prostate
- Peri-menopause
- Menopause
- Low Testosterone levels
- Hormonal hair loss or hair thinning
Glucose Metabolism, Hormone Imbalance, Micronutrient Deficiencies can affect the way you feel and your weight. Correct these abnormalities to live your best life.
Dr S Govender is a CDE accredited Diabetic Practitioner. My focus is on weight loss and improving your metabolic health to achieve the best possible outcome.
Paediatric Care
Having spent 5 years working in Paediatrics. I know how to make kids feel comfortable.
Will soon launch a Childhood Development & vaccine clinic.
Weight Loss
Your Metabolic Health can affect your weight and actually prevent you from losing weight. Correcting these issues will assist you in your weight loss journey. We can also prescribe drugs to make weight loss easier.
Gut Health
More and more studies and attention is around gut microbiome. Assessing and helping to heal your gut can result in better metabolic health.
General Practitioner
Dr S Govender provides preventative care and treats acute and chronic illnesses.
Menopause Clinic
How controversial is Hormone Replacement? Finally a Doctor that will give you the facts, I will Discuss the Pros & Cons of Hormone Replacement. We will Discuss your Individualised Risks. Then let you be in the Driver Seat.
Travel Medicine
Dr S Govender is a travel medicine practitioner – to be launching soon
The 4 Pillars to Weight Loss
Embarking on a weight loss journey can be a transformative experience, but it’s essential to have a solid foundation to ensure lasting success. The four pillars of weight loss are—Metabolism, Nutrition, Exercise, and Gut Health. All are key components that work together to help you achieve your goals and maintain a healthy weight.
You can explore each pillar in detail, by clicking on the relevant link. We wish to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to create a sustainable weight loss plan.
Your metabolism plays a crucial role in determining how many calories your body burns and how much it stores as fat. Understanding, correcting and optimizing your metabolism is essential for effective weight management.
Nutrition is the cornerstone of any successful weight loss plan. What should I eat?Trending Diets or not? What does a balanced meal look like?
We all know that exercise is important. Did u know that a 30 minute brisk walk, 5 times per week; is all that is required to improve cardiovascular health.
The gut microbiome is a community of microorganisms living in your digestive system, they play a crucial role in weight regulation and overall health.
Request an Appointment
Dr S Govender
Our Location
Dr S Govender
Meerensee Medical Centre
1 Cod Cove, Meerensee, Richards Bay, 3901
Competition Answers
Question 1: Can weight gain be linked to hormonal imbalances?
Yes, weight gain can indeed be linked to hormonal imbalances. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, appetite, and fat storage. When there is an imbalance in hormones, such as insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, estrogen, or testosterone, it can lead to changes in how the body processes food and stores fat. For example:
- Insulin: Elevated insulin levels can lead to increased fat storage and difficulty losing weight.
- Cortisol: High levels of cortisol, often associated with chronic stress, can lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
- Thyroid Hormones: Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone levels, can slow metabolism and lead to weight gain.
- Estrogen and Testosterone: Imbalances in sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, can affect fat distribution and appetite, especially in women during menopause.
Addressing these hormonal imbalances through medical treatment and lifestyle changes can help manage weight more effectively.
Question 2: A person gains weight after they stop their diet because they are weak-willed.
Weight gain after stopping a diet is not simply due to a lack of willpower. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
- Insulin Resistance: Dieting can affect insulin sensitivity. After a period of restricted eating, resuming normal eating can lead to a spike in insulin levels, promoting fat storage and weight gain.
- Adaptation: During dieting, the body may slow down its metabolism as a response to reduced calorie intake. Once normal eating resumes, the slower metabolism can lead to weight gain.
- Hormonal Changes: Dieting can alter levels of hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin, increasing appetite and cravings after the diet ends.
- Psychological Factors: Strict diets can create a sense of deprivation, leading to overeating once the diet is over as a response to previous restriction.
- Sustainability: Many diets are not sustainable long-term, making it difficult to maintain weight loss. Adopting a balanced, healthy eating pattern that is sustainable is more effective than short-term dieting.
Therefore, weight gain after stopping a diet is influenced by complex physiological and psychological factors, not just willpower.
Question 3: Perimenopause and menopause are linked to weight gain.
Yes, perimenopause and menopause are often linked to weight gain. Several factors contribute to this association:
- Hormonal Changes: During menopause, estrogen levels decline. Estrogen helps regulate body weight and fat distribution, so lower levels can lead to increased abdominal fat.
- Loss of Muscle Mass: Lack of estrogen is associated with a loss of muscle mass, which can reduce the body’s overall calorie-burning ability.
Addressing these changes through a combination of hormone therapy (if appropriate), regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and other healthy lifestyle habits can help manage weight during perimenopause and menopause.