Join the 10th Annual Symposium for Metabolic Health to explore the science—and the compassion—behind true healing
If you’ve ever thought obesity was just about overeating, Dr. Tony Hampton wants to challenge that belief—and he’s bringing the full weight of clinical experience, functional medicine, and community leadership to the 10th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, August 14–17, 2025.
Dr. Hampton, a board-certified family physician and obesity medicine specialist with a masters in nutrition and functional medicine, will return to the LowCarbUSA and SMHP conference to explore the deeper root causes of obesity, moving beyond simplistic advice like “eat less, move more” to address the biological, hormonal, and environmental factors that often underlie stubborn weight gain.
“So many of my patients are doing their best… but the scale is not budging,” he explains. “They’re left feeling like it’s their fault. We live in a society where we tell people it’s your fault. This topic will give patients a voice.”
From Blame to Biology
For Dr. Hampton, this presentation represents a shift from judgment to investigation. Drawing from his training in nutrition and functional medicine, he emphasizes that weight struggles often involve far more than food intake.
“If changing what we eat fails, we must ask ourselves why,” he says. “My goal is to say yes, what you eat is the foundation. It is absolutely the foundation, but it’s not the full story.”
In his talk, Dr. Hampton will cover under-recognized contributors to weight gain including hormones, gut health, toxins, inflammation, medications, and trauma—as well as the chronic stress that so often drives insulin resistance.
Building Health from the Inside Out—and the Ground Up
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Hampton is playing a key role in what may be one of the most ambitious public health initiatives in the country. Advocate Health, the system he works within, is investing nearly $1 billion to revitalize care on the South Side of Chicago, including a brand-new hospital, embedded community clinics, and chronic disease prevention programs. This ambitious effort aligns closely with the vision outlined by Advocate Health CEO Eugene Woods in his book Health, Hope, and Healing for All, which champions equitable, community-rooted healthcare.
“Our goal is to bring the powerful principles of the low-carb community into a large health system. When we combine this with a deep understanding of root-cause medicine, we move beyond just managing chronic disease — we truly begin to heal lives.”
Debunking the Sugar Diet Hype
Dr. Hampton also has a passion for teaching and raising awareness with his YouTube channel, which has recently grown from 30,000 to over 100,000 subscribers in just six months. His secret? Bite-sized, real-talk videos designed for everyday people.
One of his most recent shorts takes aim at the trendy “sugar diet” that claims to speed metabolism and aid weight loss. His verdict?
“This is not a diet. It’s a disaster,” he says. “They’re telling people to eat sugar all day, skip protein, avoid fat, and live off fruit and syrup water. And the worst part? People are falling for it.”
In both his short video and longer breakdown, Dr. Hampton explains why this trend is more than misguided—it’s dangerous.
“If you want energy, sugar only gives you short bursts. You want healing, sugar gives you insulin resistance. You want balance, sugar gives you chaos. This is not how you heal metabolism. This is how we destroy it.”
He reminds viewers that there is no such thing as an essential sugar and no credible science supporting this approach:
“There is no scenario where your glucose meter applauds your 160 spike after a natural sugar cleanse.”
For Dr. Hampton, the bigger issue is the influence this trend is having on vulnerable people searching for answers.
“We just have to counter that,” he says. “It’s not about being right or wrong. It’s about showing people there are other ways to heal—with real food, not fast fuel.”
Coaching Over Prescriptions
Dr. Hampton has been vocal about his concerns over the rapid expansion of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic.
“We weren’t born with a GLP-1 medication deficiency,” he says. “We became metabolically unhealthy because we were never taught how to support our health in the first place. The solution isn’t new medication—it’s rediscovering the principles that actually work.”
Instead of drugs, he champions ongoing support and coaching: “Only 20% of the solution is knowledge. The other 80% is: I need you to have a coach.”
Dr. Hampton acknowledges that for some individuals—especially those who haven’t found success with lifestyle changes—GLP-1 medications can be a helpful tool. “My goal isn’t to shame their use, but to ensure they’re paired with the kind of support that leads to lasting transformation,” he said.
In a recent interview with WGN News Chicago, he discussed the potential risks and side effects of these medications, offering a measured but critical perspective on their widespread use.
Why Show Up In Person?
Whether you’re a clinician or simply someone seeking better health, Dr. Hampton believes there’s no substitute for being in the room.
“You feel love. You feel that people care about you. They want to hear your stories. They want to encourage you,” he says. “It’s an opportunity to talk to experts one-on-one and get that cutting-edge education. Most importantly, you’ll be surrounded by a community of people who share similar life experiences—and who can walk alongside you as a powerful source of support.”
Join Dr. Hampton and dozens of other world-class speakers at the 10th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health. This isn’t just another medical conference. It’s a movement to transform health from the inside out—with evidence, compassion, and community.
Visit lowcarbusa.org to register and learn more.
