There is a lot of talk about “wellness” in today’s medicine. The idea is that we spend too much of our resources (read: money) on treating sick people and not enough to prevent disease in the first place. Even though I have spent my professional life treating people who need neurosurgery, I have to agree with the argument that often, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This old saying is particularly relevant today as we struggle to push back the signs of aging. I love my older patients who are full of life. I always try and understand how they do it. Everybody has a different story, but a few constant threads are in every long and vibrant life. These patients all have a reason outside of their own happiness. In other words; they know their purpose. That is much of the reason for this site.

We Christians believe that implicit with design is purpose. And unquestionably, embracing that purpose goes a long way to living longer, healthier lives. Another thing these people have in common is something they all lack: excess fat. Please understand, this is not some doctor’s sermon about the excess weight problem that all those fast food restaurants have caused! No, I’ve got my favorites, and I love chocolate in all its forms. And I’d love to say that I see lots of fat ninety-year-olds in my office. But it’s just not the case.

Look at fat cells (adipocytes) under the microscope and they look like grapes—as shown above. At the heart of a grape is a seed, and the purpose of most of the pulp is to nourish the fragile seed until it can take root and grow. Similarly, our adipose tissue was designed with the purpose of supporting our very lives through the lean times. Fortunately, we don’t have those lean times as much, and many of us have too much of a good thing! For my overweight patients who ask advice, I confess there are no magic solutions. Everybody’s different. But one thing I have found in my own life: you have to have a “want to” great enough to take action. Nobody can lose weight better than a bride-to-be with a tight wedding dress! So, I encourage you to look again at your purpose: it is there. If you don’t see it easily, seek godly counsel and read God’s instruction manual. And live a long and healthy life.