THE aTM METHOD
Assess, Test and Modify
Leave no stone unturned
Even if you think you’re eating well, sleeping great, walking enough, and so on, it doesn’t hurt to re-investigate with a different lens.
Health issues don’t often have neat and tidy explanations or solutions. Digging is often necessary to uncover the interconnected pieces underlying your health concerns. The magic happens when you can connect all the pieces and untangle the many loops of dysfunction keeping you stuck.
Investigative Process for your Metabolic Health
When it comes to restoring metabolic health and function, understanding how to investigate the key drivers of weight gain and weight loss resistance is critical.
No more guesswork, wasted time, money or effort on the wrong approaches.
Strategize and prioritize what matters.
The ATM Method Explained
01/02
An Analogy
Consider how car problems are diagnosed when there are issues with critical systems in your car.
Car Diagnostic Testing
Car diagnostic tests scan your car's systems to check for issues with engine control, emissions, braking, steering, and safety systems.
Investigate. Don't Guess.
Once the problem in your car is identified, a mechanic can follow the appropriate steps to fix the problem.
The ATM Method: Investigative Process
Assess, Test, Modify (ATM): A process I created to explain how I "scan" your body's internal systems for metabolic health issues, similar to a car diagnostic test.
01/04
Assess
Beyond basic screening analysis
Key Assessment Components:
Intake Form, PFM Analysis and Testing
A detailed intake form is used to capture key pieces of health information. It adds context to your current health concerns.
A PFM analysis (personal, family and metabolic health assessment) reveals your vulnerabilities /
risk for chronic disease.
At this stage, testing provides clarity, reveals hidden obstacles, and offers baseline data for tracking progress. All three components help me determine how to tailor phase 1 treatment to your needs.
Test
Adding deeper meaning to your risk factors & underlying health issues
Key Testing Components:
Blood Testing and/or Functional Testing (if indicated), and Biofeedback (CGM, HRV, etc)
I analyze the trends between multiple biomarkers rather than looking at each one in isolation. Looking at each one as “in range” or “out of range” is simply not good enough. We can do better!
In addition to the benefits of baseline testing mentioned in the "assess" section, retesting will provide objective data about your progress and how to adjust our approach after phase 1 treatment is complete.
Modify
The essence of strategy is knowing when to pivot.
Key Modifying Components:
Body Change Goals & Metabolic Compensation Reactions
Modifications to the plan are necessary if the metabolism shows signs of "pushing back".
Signs of "push back"
1. Biofeedback is NOT in check (appetite, cravings, mood, energy, sleep, menses, exercise capacity, recovery etc)
2. Weight Loss Resistance / Inability to lose weight with moderate healthy changes
Investigation of Carbohydrate Metabolism
This pattern of insulin release and blood sugar control reveals insulin resistance with a delayed blood sugar response.
None of this dysfunction would have been captured from a fasted blood test. For this individual, fasting insulin and fasting glucose (blood sugar) were within normal range.
To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, correcting this metabolic pattern is foundational. Targeted dietary and lifestyle strategies can help restore insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels.
Testing for metabolic issues with a 2-hour Insulin and Glucose Challenge Test
