Photo by Andrew George on Unsplash
When looking for expertise, consider Albert Einstein; and not just for physics, either. He is credited with saying, “You don’t really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother.”
Essentially, if you find yourself confused by experts, maybe those aren’t the ones you should be listening to. I take a lot of pride in being able to talk to patients and clients about their body, the effects of medication, and physiology that makes it all possible. To me, that’s a core difference between gate-keeping and advising. Today, let’s explore the different approaches between gate-keepers and advisors.
Gatekeeper: Unlocking or Restricting Access
A Gatekeeper holds the metaphorical key to certain opportunities, information, or decisions. They have the authority to permit or deny access based on predetermined criteria. Gatekeepers regulate entry to specific realms, ensuring only those meeting specific criteria are granted access. In medicine, this can mean the literal writing of prescriptions, but it can also mean limiting options. You may also see “gate-keepers” often possess the power to make pivotal decisions, influencing outcomes and determining who gets what.
Adviser: Guiding and Supporting
Meanwhile, an Adviser plays a supportive role, offering guidance, expertise, and recommendations to individuals seeking assistance in making informed decisions. Advisers provide insights, information, and recommendations, helping individuals navigate choices and challenges. Their goal is often to empower others, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to make their own decisions.
Advisers educate individuals on relevant information, ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of the choices. They offer emotional support and encouragement, fostering a sense of autonomy in decision-making. Advisers contribute to individuals making well-informed decisions, considering various perspectives and factors. The advisory role can empower individuals, enabling them to take ownership of their choices and actions.
Obviously, I don’t take medical weight loss lightly. I wanted to focus on it as my specialty partly because it’s so much more complicated than just one magical diet, food, or pill. In fact, there are entire schools of thoughts around genetics, hormones, body chemistry, and (of course) the effects of different types of caloric intake– all containing truth. It can be a lot for anyone.
Consuming fewer calories doesn’t always mean one is eating better and even eating less (or exercising more) isn’t always enough to see improvement in wellness. This is where I think professionals should come in– to help clarify, not confuse.
There shouldn’t be a reason someone needs to dive into buying 5 nutrition books, follow 6 wellness podcasts, or read 7 dieting blogs. Similar to financial planning, find what works for you and stick with it over time. Don’t sweat 1 or 2 pounds daily; just consider long-term goals and focus on actionable, manageable, daily habits.
If you don’t know what those should be, talk with an expert one-on-one. And if you feel like you want to talk to me about your body, your health, and your options, schedule a consultation today!
