PRESS
Respected Medical Doctor, Champion Bodybuilder, Speaker, Author, Health and Fitness Guru for Individuals Over 40 Years of Age.
ABOUT DR. DRAPKIN
Dr. Robert Drapkin, MD, FACP, a distinguished and well recognized board certified physician in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care is now in his 36th year of medical practice. He lives and runs a highly regarded practice in Clearwater, Florida.
Beyond Dr. Drapkin’s formal medical training and achievements, he has decades of experience helping individuals improve their health through diet, nutrition and exercise. At age 70, Dr. Drapkin practices what he teaches and is a world-class champion bodybuilder awarded with numerous titles and contest wins.
Having achieved preeminence and distinguishing himself in medicine, natural health and bodybuilding, he has turned his attention to sharing his knowledge and experience for the benefit of people over the age of 40 through writing and public speaking.
April 13, 2019
Dr. M.R. is a famous scientist known for his work in the field of obesity. He has meticulously studied the carbohydrate and insulin model of obesity. His problem is that he is obese and unable to lose body fat despite diet, modest exercise, and his focused knowledge of nutrition. Dr. M.R. attributes his dilemma to his genetics since everyone in his family is obese and has given-up in regard to changing his risk for chronic metabolic diseases. He has embraced his obesity and his current lifestyle and medications. This situation may be politically correct and the least stressful solution for […]
November 21, 2016
There are conflicting views on the value of weight-loss diets. Some believe that if individuals have enough willpower to stick with a diet, they can lose an unlimited amount of weight. Others believe that weight loss attempts are rarely successful and weight regain invariably occurs. There are many questions to ask when evaluating “does dieting work?” Do dieters continue to lose weight? Does some of the lost weight return? Do some dieters gain back more weight than they lost? In one study, women participating in a weight-loss program reported their goal weight as an average 32% reduction in body weight. […]
October 14, 2016
Dr. Robert Drapkin knows a thing or two about aging. However, the 70-year-old doctor and bodybuilder also seems to know how to out-train this natural occurrence. In other words, Drapkin has found a way to build lean muscle mass in a demographic (those 55 years of age and older) that is naturally at risk of muscle mass loss and function, a condition known as agerelated sarcopenia or sarcopenia with aging; while addressing additional ageing factors in the process. “Cells are genetically programmed to divide a number of times. An aging cell loses the ability to divide and dies,” Drapkin explains. […]
September 3, 2016
Reaching retirement age means a number of life changes for most people. They may stop working, start collecting Social Security benefits and begin Medicare coverage. Should finding a new doctor who specializes in senior health care be one of those changes? “An 18-year-old isn’t going to have the same health concerns as a 65-year-old,” says Michelle Riddle, owner of Complete Dignity Healthcare Advocacy. However, Riddle and others working in the health care field say making a switch may not always be necessary.
September 3, 2016
Reaching retirement age means a number of life changes for most people. They may stop working, start collecting Social Security benefits and begin Medicare coverage. Should finding a new doctor who specializes in senior health care be one of those changes? “An 18-year-old isn’t going to have the same health concerns as a 65-year-old,” says Michelle Riddle, owner of Complete Dignity Healthcare Advocacy. However, Riddle and others working in the health care field say making a switch may not always be necessary.
September 3, 2016
Reaching retirement age means a number of life changes for most people. They may stop working, start collecting Social Security benefits and begin Medicare coverage. Should finding a new doctor who specializes in senior health care be one of those changes? “An 18-year-old isn’t going to have the same health concerns as a 65-year-old,” says Michelle Riddle, owner of Complete Dignity Healthcare Advocacy. However, Riddle and others working in the health care field say making a switch may not always be necessary. Read more…
August 4, 2016
Rising Elderly Population Causing Physician Shortage DMA: National Circulation/UV per month: 4,207,725 Targets: This program features guests discussing the latest issues, topics from around the world, and entertainment information suitable for the whole family.
July 12, 2016
Published in Health and Lifestyles, Las Vegas Tribune, July 13-19, 2016 By Sandy Zimmerman, Photos by Dr. Robert Drapkin Dr. Robert Drapkin, MD, FACP, board certified physician in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, is a man of many facets, a doctor who see his patients in different lights. Not simply specializing in health but adding fitness and happiness to the mix. He is not the usual doctor. Dr. Drapkin’s patients are men and women over 40 years of age, a time to watch the changes in their body to improve their lives by preventing the metabolic diseases of aging. Dr. […]
July 7, 2016
One of the leading causes of the rising rate of obesity in the United States is overconsumption of fat. With issues such as heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol, many are under the impression that dietary fat is something to avoid at all costs. The truth of the matter is that due to lack of education and a plethora of incorrect information presented by the media, people are painfully unaware that fat is actually an essential component to your diet. Robert Drapkin, M.D., a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, warns against the dangers of consuming […]
May 17, 2016
Listen NRA (Now Radio Active) interview of Dr. Robert Drapkin, MD, FACP, a highly-respected board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care. He is in now in his 36th year of active practice, working to save lives and improve people’s quality of life, over 40.
March 16, 2016
Dr. Robert Drapkin proves that it’s never too late to get jacked. If you think you’re too old to start training, much less step onto a bodybuilding stage, don’t tell it to Robert Drapkin, M.D. “I didn’t start working out until I was 50,” says the competitive bodybuilder, who decided to pick up weightlifting after a vacation photo of his body shook him to the core. “I didn’t like what I saw and knew something needed to change.” Two years later, with the help of a personal trainer, Drapkin began prepping for his first competition. Full article at www.flexonline.com/training/muscle-doctor/
February 17, 2016
Cardiovascular disease remains the #1 killer of Americans, even though it’s largely preventable. No one wants to die, so what’s going on? A recent study reveals that 94 percent of us are not taking very good care of ourselves. More research and education on healthy lifestyles and heart disease prevention have been disseminated over the past two decades than at any time previously. Investigators from the Department of Family Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, compared the results of two large-scale studies of the U.S. population that shows the percentage of adults aged 40-74 with a body mass […]
December 14, 2015
Many Americans will reach the age of 65 unprepared for the staggering costs of disease or illness. But it’s never too late to improve your health. (Clearwater, FL) December 14, 2015—Bad habits and unhealthy lifestyles not only take a toll on the body, but can drain the savings and other resources of the elderly. People in America today can expect to live longer than ever before. Government statistics suggest that once you make it to age 65, you can live another 19.3 years on average. For many, then, senior living includes carefully managing chronic conditions to stay healthy. (1) Robert […]
December 14, 2015
Cardiovascular disease remains the #1 killer of Americans, even though it’s largely preventable. No one wants to die, so what’s going on? (Clearwater, FL) December 14, 2015—A recent study announced at the annual American Heart Association meeting reveals that 94 percent of us are not taking very good care of ourselves. (1) More research and education on healthy lifestyles and heart disease prevention have been disseminated over the past two decades than at any time previously. It comes down to a healthy lifestyle that includes seven basics: not smoking, healthy diet, managing weight, being active, and maintaining ideal levels of […]
November 4, 2015
Fasting has long been used in many religious practices, such as Ramadan, wherein fasting takes place between sunrise and sunset. However, studies show that fasting can benefit the body as well as the soul, with physical benefits including a longer lifespan. (Clearwater, Fla.) November 04, 2015—Per new research conducted by Robert Drapkin, MD, board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, intermittent fasting is actually a healthy dietary option for most people and can prolong lifespan. Dr. Drapkin notes that when properly done, intermittent fasting can also lead to reduced chances of disease and health complications. “Through following […]
October 6, 2015
Exercise will improve your memory [K. I. Erickson et al; PNAS 108(7); 2011; P3017-3011]. In the elderly the memory part of the brain called the hippocampus shrinks in size as memory decreases. Exercise and nutrition will increase the size of the hippocampus and cause memory improvement thus reversing the effects of aging. The University of British Columbia, researchers found that regular vigorous aerobic exercise [heart rate near maximal] increases the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning. Resistance training, balance and muscle toning exercises did not have the same results. [Br J Sports Med […]
September 24, 2015
Connection between brain activation, cardiorespiratory fitness and executive function is established, highlighting the relationship between exercise and improved cognition, and reversing the assumption that brain health always declines with age. (Tampa Bay, FL) September 24, 2015—A new study has revealed the connection between brain activation, cardiorespiratory fitness and executive function in older adults. Researchers from the University of Illinois Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology linked higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels with higher brain function, contradicting commonly accepted ideas that the aging process invariably leads to declines in executive function in the brain. (1) The study reinforces the long-held […]
September 19, 2015
“Obese three-year-old becomes youngest child diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes. [Sarah Knapton, Science Editor, The Telegraph, 9/17/15]. A three-year-old 77lb girl is the youngest known person in the world to be diagnosed with type 2-diabetes. This obese Hispanic Texan child was symptomatic with frequent urination and thirst. Her initial blood glucose [sugar] levels were elevated. Definitive blood and urine tests performed by Dr. Michael Yafi, MD [director Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Texas, in Houston] diagnosed type 2-diabetes. Both parents were obese and had fed the child both a high sugar diet and a high fat diet with excess […]
September 7, 2015
The results from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES,1999) estimate that 61% of US adults are either overweight or obese; adult obesity nearly doubled, increasing to 27%, during the 14 years of study [National Center for Health Statistics. NHANES 1999 Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults: US, 1999. Hyattsville (MD): US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Ser- vice, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 1999.] Obesity is an independent risk factor for early mortality. Overall mortality begins to increase with BMI levels greater than 25 and increases most dramatically as BMI levels surpass 30 [Manson […]
August 12, 2015
A recent study of participants at the 2015 National Senior Games revealed that the typical participant had a fitness age much younger than their actual age. While many seniors feel that they are too old to exercise, the secret to longevity might actually lie in embracing an active life. (Tampa Bay, FL) August 12, 2015—A recent study of participants in the 2015 National Senior Games, also known as the Senior Olympics, revealed that the typical participant had a fitness age 20 years or more younger than their chronological age. (1) Fitness age, which was developed by researchers at the Norwegian […]
July 23, 2015
Proving that growing older doesn’t automatically mean one must lose physical activity and vitality, at the age of 70, Robert Drapkin, M.D., recently competed in—and won—the NPC Orlando Mid Florida Masters bodybuilding contest. (Tampa Bay, FL) July 23, 2015—A majority of seniors are physically inactive, with the Department of Health reporting that only 17% of men and 13% of women over the age of 65 are sufficiently active. However, maintaining an active lifestyle well into the golden years is conducive to healthy aging. Harvard University research shows that men who burn 2,000 calories a week via exercise, on average, […]
June 29, 2015
Many protein supplements, normally considered a vital factor in a healthy lifestyle, have been found to be unsafe after a Consumer Reports study revealed many protein products found on store shelves contain toxic ingredients, including heavy metals. These ingredients pose a risk for the general public, but can pose a specific threat to the elderly who require clean protein supplements the most. (Tampa, FL) June 29, 2015 – A study conducted by PubMedHealth found that up to 50% of elderly adults in U.S. nursing homes are not be getting enough protein in their diet (1) – leading many to […]
May 27, 2015
A focus on negative data fuels false assumptions that aging is always unhealthy. Instead of contributing to this expectation, physicians and healthcare providers should help seniors avoid disease by promoting healthy habits, says Robert Drapkin, MD, FACP. (Tampa Bay, FL) May 27, 2015—News reports focusing on negative data reinforce the expectation that poor health comes with age, and feed into a cycle that leads to extraneous medical procedures and skyrocketing healthcare costs, which reached $2.9 trillion in 2013 and are projected to grow an average of 6% annually through 2023. (1) To reverse this unsustainable trend, Robert Drapkin, MD, […]
April 16, 2015
As Americans live longer—but not necessarily healthier—lives, families often cover exorbitant medical costs. Robert Drapkin, MD, FACP rejects the notion that aging means a deteriorating quality of life, advocates proper exercise and diet to launch a lifetime of good health. (Tampa Bay, FL) April 16, 2015—As Americans’ lifespans grow, so do their expenditures on healthcare, particularly during the late stages of life. A recent study by Caring.com revealed that nearly half of caregivers spent more than $5,000 a year on elderly family members, including medication, medical supplies and home renovations to accommodate aging parents. Seven percent said they spend upwards […]
March 17, 2015
While the economic benefits would greatly impact the U.S. healthcare system, Robert Drapkin, MD, FACP advocates health screening in addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle to counteract the prevalence of both impotence and heart disease across America. (Tampa Bay, FL) March 17, 2015— New research shows that prior screening of all erectile dysfunction (ED) patients for cardiovascular disease could successfully prevent both cardiovascular disease and erectile dysfunction recurrence – additionally, identifying and treating men with previously undiagnosed heart-related risk factors stands to avert more than one million heart attacks and strokes, and over 20 years, the U.S. would see cost […]
February 23, 2015
Recent research reveals that 40 percent of men who experience erectile dysfunction are aged 40 or under. Robert Drapkin, MD, FACP, asserts that standard drug therapies are not the sole solution; adopting a healthy lifestyle offers men of all ages an alternative way of dealing with this common problem. (Tampa Bay, FL) February 23, 2015—While popular belief portrays erectile dysfunction (ED) as a problem limited exclusively to the older generation, the latest research on the subject debunks this myth. In fact, an article published less than three weeks ago reported that “ED affects about 10 percent of men in each […]
CURRICULUM VITAE
Dr. Robert Drapkin, MD, FACP, a distinguished and well recognized board certified physician in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care is now in his 36th year of medical practice. He lives and runs a highly regarded practice in Clearwater, Florida.
VIEW CURRICULUM VITAE
ROBERT DRAPKIN
Doctor – Bodybuilder – Author – Public Speaker
April 13, 2019
Dr. M.R. is a famous scientist known for his work in the field of obesity. He has meticulously studied the carbohydrate and insulin model of obesity. His problem is that he is obese and unable to lose body fat despite diet, modest exercise, and his focused knowledge of nutrition. Dr. M.R. attributes his dilemma to his genetics since everyone in his family is obese and has given-up in regard to changing his risk for chronic metabolic diseases. He has embraced his obesity and his current lifestyle and medications. This situation may be politically correct and the least stressful solution for […]
September 18, 2016
The latest scientific data reveal that hormone therapy is safe and effective for the majority of women and most women do not know this. In summary estrogen supplements will decrease the risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer, dementia, and heart disease in women with low estrogen levels. This means that most women entering or in menopause should be taking estrogen. Why this information is not available and the data explaining these facts will constitute the rest of this essay. On July 9, 2002, the Journal of the American Medical Association [JAMA] published the initial results of a research study, the Women’s […]
August 17, 2016
AGING AND INDEPENDENCE Loss of independence is the worst fear of the aging adult. For many elderly adults this loss is a slow gradual process due to chronic metabolic diseases. Few people today understand how their bodies actually work and they assume that it is “natural” or part of the “aging process” to develop high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, memory loss, cardiovascular disease, impotence and muscle weakness. The medical culture in the USA focuses on treating the symptoms of the sick and does very little to prevent the common chronic diseases that are the leading causes of death […]
July 11, 2016
THERE MAY BE A METHOD TO INCREASE LONGEVITY EXCITING NEW DATA Many theories have been proposed to explain why people age. Most theories blame aging on damage to your DNA [deoxyribonucleic acid]. Before you can understand the theories regarding aging and how to increase longevity we must define our terms. The cells in your body contain your genetic information in the form of 23 pairs of chromosomes-each cell contains the same genetic information-the same 23 chromosomes-this is your DNA. Each chromosome is made up of sequences of 4 nucleic acids-adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine. You are a multicellular […]
May 13, 2016
Most men lose some physical strength and sexual ability as they age. Many men attempt to prevent these changes with diet, exercise and by taking testosterone. Approximately 2.3 million men ages 40 to 60 years filled testosterone prescriptions in 2013. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved testosterone for men with low blood levels of testosterone [hypo-testicular function]. Testosterone supplements increase muscle mass, decrease body-fat, strengthen bones, and correct erectile dysfunction. There is evidence that exercise increases the beneficial effects of testosterone [JL Vingren et al; Sports Med 40 (12);2010; 1037-1063].There is also evidence that testosterone […]
April 25, 2016
IT IS POSSIBLE TO BUILD MUSCLE WHILE LOSING BODY FAT WHY IS THIS POSSIBLE? In order to build muscle cells your body needs a diet that supplies all the essential nutrients for muscle cell growth and a setting in which fat cells are used as a source of energy for the muscle cells. HOW TO USE YOUR BODY FAT AS AN ENERGY SOURCE Normally the preferred source of energy for the cells of your body is from the sugar present in carbohydrates. On a low carbohydrate diet your body will use the energy present in fat cells. […]
April 1, 2016
What is BFR Training? It is now possible to cause muscle hypertrophy and strength gain with low-intensity resistance exercises-“light weights”. Your muscle tissue grows when the genes inside the muscle cells produce a protein called mTOR. This mTOR signaling pathway must be activated for muscle protein synthesis to occur. The mTOR pathway is stimulated after an acute bout of high-intensity resistance exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends lifting a weight of at least 70% 1RM to achieve muscular hypertrophy as it is believed that anything below this intensity rarely produces substantial muscle growth. Low intensity exercises – […]
March 7, 2016
BODY FAT AND CANCER HOW DO WE MEASURE OBESITY: In the United States the majority of adults over 20 years of age have a percent body fat that increases their risk for metabolic diseases [NHANES Results CDC and NCHS No.237.March 2016]. The definition of obesity is based on a measure called BMI – body mass index-your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. This measure is not precise since it does not distinguish lean body mass from fat body mass. For most people however, BMI can be used as a measure of relative health as follows: […]
February 23, 2016
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR WEIGHT LOSS There are conflicting views on the value of weight-loss diets. Some believe that if individuals have willpower and if they diet they can lose an unlimited amount of weight. Others believe that weight loss attempts are rarely successful and weight regain invariably occurs. On October 19,2015, Oprah Winfrey made news by buying a 10 percent stake in Weight Watchers. A study of four diets-Atkins, Zone, South Beach, and Weight Watchers –demonstrated nearly equal weight loss of approximately 6.6 to 13 pounds pounds at approximately 12 months [Atallah et al; Circ. Cardiovasc. Outcomes; 2014; (6); […]
January 29, 2016
DOES DIETING WORK? There are conflicting views on the value of weight-loss diets. Some believe that if individuals have willpower and if they diet they can lose an unlimited amount of weight. Others believe that weight loss attempts are rarely successful and weight regain invariably occurs. There are many questions to ask when evaluating “does dieting work?” Do dieters continue to lose weight? Does some of the lost weight return? Do some dieters gain back more weight than they lost? Women participating in a weight-loss program reported their goal weight as an average 32% reduction in body weight [G.D. Foster […]
October 6, 2015
Exercise will improve your memory [K. I. Erickson et al; PNAS 108(7); 2011; P3017-3011]. In the elderly the memory part of the brain called the hippocampus shrinks in size as memory decreases. Exercise and nutrition will increase the size of the hippocampus and cause memory improvement thus reversing the effects of aging. The University of British Columbia, researchers found that regular vigorous aerobic exercise [heart rate near maximal] increases the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning. Resistance training, balance and muscle toning exercises did not have the same results. [Br J Sports Med […]
September 19, 2015
“Obese three-year-old becomes youngest child diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes. [Sarah Knapton, Science Editor, The Telegraph, 9/17/15]. A three-year-old 77lb girl is the youngest known person in the world to be diagnosed with type 2-diabetes. This obese Hispanic Texan child was symptomatic with frequent urination and thirst. Her initial blood glucose [sugar] levels were elevated. Definitive blood and urine tests performed by Dr. Michael Yafi, MD [director Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Texas, in Houston] diagnosed type 2-diabetes. Both parents were obese and had fed the child both a high sugar diet and a high fat diet with excess […]
September 7, 2015
The results from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES,1999) estimate that 61% of US adults are either overweight or obese; adult obesity nearly doubled, increasing to 27%, during the 14 years of study [National Center for Health Statistics. NHANES 1999 Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults: US, 1999. Hyattsville (MD): US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Ser- vice, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 1999.] Obesity is an independent risk factor for early mortality. Overall mortality begins to increase with BMI levels greater than 25 and increases most dramatically as BMI levels surpass 30 [Manson […]
September 7, 2015
We are not critical in our food choices. Here are three additional reasons we make bad food choices: 1.The obesity epidemic in this country has been aided by the low cost of high glucose containing carbohydrates. These foods are inexpensive because their production and storage [soy beans and corn] is subsidized by the US government in the Farm Bill. For the past 50 years, U.S. farm policy has been directed toward driving down the price of farm storable carbohydrates [corn and soybeans]. At the same time the cost of growing fruits and vegetables has increased as has their […]
June 7, 2015
We are bombarded with advertisements for pills to lose weight, build muscle and increase our performance. This marketing must be separated from scientific data. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines “drug” as anything intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease and anything other than food intended to affect the structure or function of the body. These specific words permit the FDA to stop the marketing of products with unsubstantiated claims on their labels. The marketing of dietary supplements is under the control of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] according to a […]
May 30, 2015
WE ARE BORN TO EXERCISE We are Homo sapiens, and our species evolved from archaic species in East Africa according to objective fossil evidence from the Middle Awash of Ethiopia. According to geneticist Rebecca Cann, the region where people have lived the longest should have the most genetic diversity, and Africa has the most genetic diversity. Based on mitochondrial DNA evidence, we are all related to a woman who lived in Africa 100,000 to 200,000 years ago. The Middle Awash region of Ethiopia may be the place where people/hominids have lived the longest. Fossil evidence there reveal the presence […]
May 17, 2015
BODY FAT AND DIET The reason you have difficulty losing body fat is that you need to understand how your body works. The more sugar there is in the blood, the higher the insulin levels and the greater production of fat. When insulin levels are low, triglycerides residing inside fat cells get broken down into fatty acids for energy, and the fat cells shrink in size; this is a decrease in body fat. Wheat products are able to raise serum glucose levels quickly, and subsequently raise insulin levels. The half-life of insulin is hours, and may continue to rise […]