Why does it feel like we have to work twice as hard for half the results?
A Personal Note from Dr. Sophia Rahman
As a South Asian woman and physician, I get it — the weight loss journey can feel uniquely frustrating. You might be exercising, watching what you eat, and still not seeing results. It’s not a lack of effort. It’s often a mix of genetics, metabolism, and cultural habits that make the process more complicated for our community.
I recently shared a reel from the basketball court about this exact struggle — and the response made it clear: South Asians need a different conversation around weight, health, and prevention. That’s what I offer in my practice.
Let’s talk about why this happens — and what we can do differently.
Why We Have to Work Harder:
3 South Asian-Specific Barriers to Weight Loss
- Genetics & Body Composition
South Asians are more likely to store visceral fat — the kind that surrounds organs and raises the risk of heart disease and diabetes — even if we appear “normal weight” by standard BMI. Our health risks start at lower weight thresholds than the general population.
We may not look overweight, but the health risks are very real. - Insulin Resistance & Slower Metabolism
Many South Asians are genetically prone to insulin resistance, which makes it harder to manage blood sugar and burn fat efficiently. Combine that with lower muscle mass and a slower resting metabolism, and traditional weight loss advice often falls short.
The scale isn’t broken — our metabolic wiring is just different. - Cultural Diets & Social Dynamics
Our food is rich, flavorful — and often carb-heavy and fried. But it’s more than just diet: family dynamics, social gatherings, and guilt around changing habits all make consistency tough.
Any plan has to work within our culture, not against it.
A Smarter Way to Approach Weight Loss — Covered by Insurance
At my Plano practice, we don’t believe in crash diets or one-size-fits-all plans. Instead, I start with a comprehensive annual checkup, including labs that look at your full metabolic profile. From there, we create a custom lifestyle plan — one that fits your body, background, and goals.
This is not a separate, out-of-pocket weight loss program. It’s integrated into your preventive care and is often covered by insurance.
We focus on:
- Identifying early signs of insulin resistance or inflammation
- Exploring hormonal and nutrient imbalances
- Creating realistic, culturally aligned lifestyle changes
- Enrolling you in our long-term wellness and lifestyle program
Considering Medical Weight Loss Options
For some patients, especially those with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, we may also explore FDA-approved medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) or semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy). These medications work by targeting hormonal pathways that regulate appetite, insulin, and fat storage — offering a scientifically supported tool for those who haven’t had success with lifestyle changes alone.
They’re not for everyone, but when used thoughtfully — alongside nutrition, movement, and cultural sensitivity — they can be a game-changer. And yes, they are often covered by insurance when prescribed as part of a medical weight management plan.
This isn’t about shortcuts — it’s about support that works with your biology, not against it.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’ve been feeling stuck or like your body “isn’t responding,” it may be time to look deeper. Your annual checkup is the perfect starting point — not just to assess where you are, but to plan for where you want to go.
Schedule Your Checkup with Dr. Sophia Rahman
Let’s build something long-term — grounded in science, compassion, and culture.
