Cary Spotlight | Issue #541

Functional Weight Loss Expert Interview, Why Colonoscopies at 45 Could Save Lives, Health Benefits of Laughter Are No Joke

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 Beyond the Scale: Functional Weight Loss with Dr. Jeff Lissenden

📰 Why Colonoscopies at 45 Could Save Lives—Even for the Healthy and Active

📰 The Health Benefits of Laughter Are No Joke

😀 Meme of the Day

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Question: What is the only country in the world without mosquitoes?

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Beyond the Scale: Functional Weight Loss with Dr. Jeff Lissenden

Summary

In this Wellness Wednesday episode of Cary Spotlight Connect, host Dr. Chris Coetzer welcomes Dr. Jeff Lissenden, founder of Alpha Weight Loss, for a candid conversation about functional weight loss and why traditional “eat less, move more” approaches often fall short.

With over a decade of experience helping patients achieve real, sustainable results, Dr. Lissenden explains how his practice addresses the root causes of weight gain—from underactive thyroids and adrenal burnout to toxicity, diabetes, and food cravings. He also shares why cookie-cutter diets don’t work and how his customized, doctor-supervised plans have helped thousands of clients—especially those preparing for life events like weddings and beach vacations.

Dr. Lissenden DC, CPT, also discusses the importance of habit change, the brain’s role in food cravings, and how his program blends nutrition with optional virtual personal training to support long-term success.

Keywords: Cary Spotlight, Functional Weight Loss, Doctor Supervised Weight Loss, Alpha Health Center Cary NC, Sustainable Weight Management, Root Cause Health Approach, Virtual Personal Training, Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options, Metabolic Health Support, Weight Loss Program, Wellness Podcast

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why 90%+ of Dr. Lissenden’s patients succeed with functional weight loss

  • What common health factors may be sabotaging your weight loss efforts

  • The difference between calorie restriction diets and functional weight loss

  • How personalized plans and assessments make the difference

  • Tips for breaking late-night snacking habits and sugar cravings

  • The truth about weight-loss medications and long-term risks

  • How virtual personal training can support your journey

Resources Mentioned:
📗 How to Lose Weight While Getting Healthy by Dr. Jeff Lissenden
Available on Amazon or Audiobook

Need help identifying what’s really holding you back from losing weight? Dr. Lissenden and his team are happy to guide you, free of charge. Begin your journey to better health and lasting results by scheduling a complimentary consultation at Alpha Weight Loss in Cary.

📍 1320 SE Maynard Rd Ste 102 Cary, NC 27511 | ☎ 919-650-2757
🌐 www.alphaweightloss.net

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know how familiar you are with Alpha Weight Loss, a local doctor-supervised program helping residents achieve sustainable results through functional weight loss:

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These articles are for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Why Colonoscopies at 45 Could Save Lives—Even for the Healthy and Active

Ajay Kohli, a healthy 42-year-old physician, almost skipped his colonoscopy in 2021. With clean test results and no family history, cancer seemed unlikely. But his wife encouraged him to follow through—and the screening revealed a tumor already damaging his colon. Emergency surgery and chemotherapy followed.

His case is part of a growing pattern: colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, prompting a nationwide change in screening guidelines. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now advises routine screenings starting at age 45.

At Duke, physicians emphasize the importance of factual health information and warn of the dangers of misinformation on social media platforms like TikTok. Despite discomfort around the colonoscopy prep, doctors continue to stress that it remains the most reliable way to catch colorectal cancer early.

Now in remission, Kohli marks each year by running the same half marathon he finished just before his diagnosis—a tribute to recovery and the power of early action.

Just curious…

Did You Know: Colorectal cancer is now the #1 cause of cancer-related death in men under 50—and #2 in women under 50?

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The Health Benefits of Laughter Are No Joke

Laughter, long seen as the universal language of joy, is proving to be a hidden powerhouse in the world of wellness. Studies show that a hearty laugh can do more than lift your spirits—it improves blood vessel function, reduces inflammation, and may even raise your good cholesterol.

It also strengthens your immune system by boosting antibodies and activating protective cells that help fight off illness. Even your lungs benefit, as laughter increases oxygen intake and gives your diaphragm a gentle workout.

On the mental and emotional front, laughter is a powerful antidote to stress. It reduces levels of cortisol and adrenaline while increasing the brain’s production of dopamine and serotonin—neurochemicals that help elevate mood and ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. People who laugh regularly tend to be more resilient, able to cope more effectively with life’s challenges, and maintain a healthier mental state overall.

And socially, laughter brings people together. Whether it’s sharing a joke with coworkers, watching a funny movie with friends, or joining a laughter yoga session, moments of shared laughter foster connection, ease communication, and build stronger bonds.

To add more laughter into your day, consider seeking out humor intentionally—watch something funny, connect with someone who makes you laugh, or even try laughter meditation. Your body, mind, and relationships will thank you for it.

Further Reading

For more in-depth information on the health benefits of laughter, you might find these articles insightful:

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Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

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The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

Iceland is the only country in the world completely free of mosquitoes—a fact that baffles many scientists. Despite having plenty of shallow water sources and a relatively mild summer season, Iceland’s unique climate and geology prevent mosquito larvae from surviving the freeze-thaw cycles. The island’s lack of standing water in warm months and absence of native species have kept it blissfully bite-free.