Doctor Specialist in Physical Medicine and Weight Loss Treatments.
"BRASIL" COVER EDITION - SEPTEMBER ISSUE
Photos Jorge Scherer
A graduate of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Medicine, Dr. Lucas Gelatti is a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and a renowned expert in weight loss treatments.
Career
"I've always had a strong affinity for physical activity and the field of physical medicine, including neurology, rheumatology, and orthopedics. This motivated me to pursue physical medicine, where I also discovered acupuncture as a specialty that could benefit my patients. However, I realized that my patients needed more, which led me to seek further knowledge and pursue a Postgraduate degree in Obesity and Sarcopenia Sciences. Since then, I've been able to provide a more comprehensive approach to my patients' care."
Also a reference in weight loss treatment, he emphasizes that losing weight is not the same as losing fat.
"What we aim for in a weight loss process is the loss of fat with minimal muscle loss because losing weight at the expense of a lot of muscle mass is not ideal. Muscles play important roles in metabolism, so their loss can lead to metabolic, inflammatory, and even brain-related problems, considering that muscles produce a substance called BDNF, which is a growth factor for neurons."
Miracle diets?
"Miracles don't exist. What we often have are diets with different appearances, but essentially what will work is a diet with calorie restriction because losing weight without expending more energy than one is consuming is not possible. Some types of diets may benefit specific types of patients, for example, the ketogenic diet for type 2 diabetics."
Dr. Lucas and Luana
Regarding quality weight loss, Dr. Lucas explains that the most important aspect is for the patient to lose weight while primarily reducing fat with minimal muscle loss.
"This provides a significant metabolic benefit to the patient, especially when we consider maintenance. By maintaining an adequate muscle mass, the patient can sustain a slightly higher energy expenditure, allowing them to adhere to the diet maintenance during the post-weight loss period."
We must not romanticize obesity.
"When I say this, I mean that we need to face it for what it is. Obesity is a chronic disease that leads to other very serious chronic illnesses, even risking death. Obesity has been on the rise in Brazil, and this is due to several factors, one of which is the quality of information. Despite having a lot of information available, there is a lack of quality."
Cheat day, can it work?
"What we commonly refer to as a 'cheat day' can be a double-edged sword. The positive aspect of it is breaking the monotony of the diet, which can often help the patient adhere to the weight loss process. However, when the patient sees this 'cheat day' as a completely free day where they can eat and drink whatever they want without any control, it can undermine all the efforts of an entire week."
Lucas Gelatti completed the Medical Residency Program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Hospital São Lucas of PUC RS and pursued a specialization in acupuncture at CESAC – RS, earning the title of Specialist in Acupuncture from AMB.
