Can High Cortisol Cause Weight Gain?
The short answer is yes. The more important answer is that cortisol’s relationship with weight is far more nuanced than a simple cause-and-effect relationship. Because cortisol influences many systems throughout the body, it is frequently discussed when symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, poor sleep and brain fog do not have an obvious explanation. While excess cortisol can absolutely contribute to weight gain, the key question is whether cortisol is truly the driving force behind the problem, or simply one factor among many.
What Causes Thyroid Nodules?
Discovering a thyroid nodule can be alarming. Many patients immediately worry about thyroid cancer, but the reality is that thyroid nodules are extremely common, especially as we age. In fact, studies suggest that up to half of adults may have at least one thyroid nodule detectable on ultrasound. The good news? Most thyroid nodules are benign.
The Link Between Poor Sleep and Weight Gain
When discussing weight gain, most conversations focus on nutrition and physical activity. While these factors are undeniably important, sleep is often one of the most overlooked determinants of metabolic health. In clinical practice, it is not uncommon to see patients who are making thoughtful dietary choices, exercising regularly, and still struggling with weight gain, persistent hunger, fatigue, or difficulty losing weight. In many cases, inadequate sleep may be contributing more than they realize. Sleep is not simply a period of rest. It is an active physiologic state that influences appetite regulation, insulin sensitivity, energy expenditure, stress hormone production, and body composition.
10 Signs You May Have an Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
If you’ve been feeling “off” but can’t quite put your finger on why, your thyroid may be worth a closer look. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck. Despite its size, it plays a major role in regulating your metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, heart rate, digestion, mood, and more. When the thyroid isn’t functioning properly, the symptoms can be surprisingly broad and often mistaken for stress, aging, burnout, or simply having a busy life.
My Thyroid Labs Are Normal… So Why Do I Still Feel Awful?
When people experience fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, hair thinning, or low energy, the thyroid is often the first thing they think about - and for good reason. Thyroid disorders are common and can cause many of these symptoms. However, even when thyroid testing is completely normal, many patients continue to struggle because other disorders can produce very similar symptoms.
Why PCOS/PMOS Is More Than “Irregular Periods”
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) was never just about the ovaries. PCOS is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder linked to insulin resistance, weight dysregulation, infertility, cardiovascular risk, and mental health conditions. Ironically, many women diagnosed with PCOS do not actually have ovarian cysts and having ovarian cysts alone does not mean someone has PCOS. Experts have now renamed the condition to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), a name that better reflects what the disorder truly is: a systemic metabolic and hormonal condition.
Metabolic Syndrome: Where Cardiovascular Disease Begins
Metabolic syndrome often develops silently—long before abnormal labs or visible weight changes raise concern. Beneath the surface, subtle shifts like insulin resistance, visceral fat buildup, and early vascular changes may already be increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Even individuals who appear healthy or maintain a “normal” weight can be affected, making early detection and a deeper understanding of metabolic health essential.
Learn what metabolic syndrome really is, why standard lab tests can be misleading, and the early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore. More importantly, we explore how targeted lifestyle changes and personalized care can help reverse metabolic dysfunction and protect your long-term health.
Fueling Your Holiday Shopping Season
The holiday season is officially here and with it comes long shopping days, packed schedules, and countless tempting treats around every corner! Between gift lists, travel plans, and festive events, it’s easy to let healthy eating slide. But a little preparation can keep your energy (and your mood) steady through the busiest time of year.
Don’t let your wellness goals take a holiday! Here are some simple and satisfying ways to stay fueled and balanced!
The Ins and Outs of Nutrition: How to Have a Healthier Relationship with Food
Having a healthy relationship with food isn’t about rigid rules or moralizing what’s on your plate. It’s about ease, balance, and connection—with your body, your emotions, and your community. The truth? Building that relationship takes effort, but it isn’t impossible. In fact, it can start at any age. Here’s how we’re guiding both kids and adults at Evora toward more mindful, balanced eating habits in 2025.
Brainspotting: Find the calm in your body
Welcome to the world of brainspotting! An incredible opportunity for you to better get to know and understand your brain-body connection. Brainspotting offers a unique opportunity to explore your feelings both in your mind and the physical symptoms those emotions produce in your body.
Breathe Easy: How Acupuncture Can Help with Seasonal Allergies & Colds Naturally
Sniffling, sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes—whether it’s spring pollen or a surprise cold, this time of year can feel like an endless cycle of tissues and discomfort. If you're tired of reaching for over-the-counter meds that leave you drowsy or just don’t seem to help, you’re not alone.
Craving Control: How Acupuncture Can Help with Food Cravings & Support Weight Loss Naturally
Let’s be real—sticking to healthy eating habits is hard when cravings hit. Whether it’s sugar, salty snacks, or late-night munchies, those urges can feel overwhelming. But what if you could help calm those cravings naturally?
Acupuncture is a powerful, holistic tool that supports weight loss by addressing one of the biggest challenges: food cravings.
Waxing Do’s & Don’ts: Your Guide to Smooth, Healthy Skin
Whether you’re a first-timer or a waxing regular, following the right prep and aftercare can make all the difference in your results. Here’s what you need to know before, during, and after your waxing appointment to keep your skin happy and smooth.
Back Facials: The Skincare Treatment You Didn’t Know You Needed
When we think about skincare, most of us immediately focus on our faces—cleansers, serums, facials, and SPF. But what about the skin on your back? It's often forgotten, hard to reach, and just as prone to breakouts, dryness, and dullness as the rest of your body. Enter the back facial: a deeply cleansing and rejuvenating treatment that targets one of the most neglected areas of your body.
If I Were Taylor Swift's Registered Dietitian, Here’s Her Meal Plan We Would Create Together.
If Audrey was Taylor Swift’s registered dietitian, here is the meal plan she would create with her. Read to learn more about how to eat like a Swiftie!
Metabolic Adaptation: What It Is and How It Affects Your Weight
When attempting to lose or change weight, your body often resists, making the process more challenging. This is due to metabolic adaptation, where your metabolism becomes more efficient and slows down in response to eating less or increasing physical activity.
Understanding Retinol and Microneedling: Why Microneedling Might Be the Better Option
Preventing aging is a goal for many of us! There are multiple treatments to prevent and even get rid of fine lines and wrinkles. The most common treatments are retinol use and microneedling (SkinPen), so how do you know which to choose? Read the blog to learn more about both and why microneedling is often the better choice!
Blue Zone Living Benefits from a Primary Care Physician
The Benefits of Blue Zone Living and what we can implement in the Midwest. There are 5 blue zones in the world where people living there generally live longer for a multitude of reasons. Learn about Dr. Sarina Phatak’s experience in Costa Rica and what elements of Blue Zone Living she is bringing back with her. Individuals in Blue Zones are thought to live longer due to their largely plant-based diet, increased physical activity, rich social interactions, and low stress.
Navigating Nutritional Changes: Eating During Perimenopause
Eating healthy can look different at different times of your life. Learn how to fuel your body and improve perimenopausal symptoms through your food. The hormonal shift causing perimenopause may cause hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, and sleep disruptions. Focusing on specific nutrient rich foods may help with symptom reduction.
Navigating the Storm: Understanding and Managing Anxiety During Menopause
Don’t let anxiety during menopause wear you down. Learn all you need to know about the link between anxiety and menopause, symptoms to look out for, and different treatment options that may help you combat anxiety.