The Bergen County Girl Team 
This article is sponsored by Hackensack Meridian Health
We’ve all been there: trying to eat “clean,” sticking to a routine, and still wondering why that stubborn belly fat won’t budge. What often goes unnoticed is that many foods labeled as “healthy” can actually contain hidden sugars that work against those wellness goals. The team at Hackensack Meridian Medical Group in Fort Lee understands how frustrating that can be and is helping educate and support patients in creating realistic, personalized paths toward better health. Keep reading about Hackensack Meridian Health’s new Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction here in Bergen County, NJ.
Photo Credit: Hackensack Meridian Health
A Community-Focused Practice
Having a trusted local doctor makes all the difference, especially when it comes to feeling comfortable, heard, and supported. Hackensack Meridian Medical Group in Fort Lee prioritizes building long-term relationships with patients and families alike.
The practice provides comprehensive primary care for all ages, making it easy for entire families to receive care in one place. With a strong focus on preventive care, annual screenings, and education, the goal is to support long-term, generational wellness.
The team is fluent in Korean, Cantonese, and English, ensuring patients can access care and information in a way that feels natural and accessible.
A Personalized Approach to Wellness
Care at Hackensack Meridian Medical Group is designed to feel personal and approachable. Providers work closely with each patient to build a customized health plan based on individual goals, lifestyle, and medical history.
From preventive screenings to managing chronic conditions, the team focuses on whole-body wellness, not just quick fixes. Patients also receive guidance on how to make sustainable changes, including how to better identify hidden sugars when dining out or grocery shopping.
Hidden Sugars
“Many people don’t realize just how common hidden sugars are, even in everyday “healthy” foods,” says Dr. Anne Park, board certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists. While general guidelines recommend limiting sugar to about six teaspoons per day for women and nine for men, it is easy to exceed that without even realizing it (especially with all the great food options in NJ). As a Certified Nutrition Network Practitioner and expert in Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction, Dr. Park stressed that “Foods like rice, potatoes, and even oatmeal can break down into sugars in the body, contributing more than expected to daily intake.”
These hidden sugars are often linked to stubborn belly fat, the kind that doesn’t seem to respond to workouts alone (no matter how many crunches are added in). It can leave people feeling stuck and unsure of what to adjust in their routine.
At Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, physicians take a more comprehensive approach, helping patients understand not just what they’re eating, but how it impacts their overall metabolic health.
Photo Credit: Hackensack Meridian Health
Team Specialties
When choosing a healthcare provider, expertise matters. The team at Hackensack Meridian Medical Group also brings specialized experience in nutrition, obesity medicine, and therapeutic carbohydrate restriction, with a strong focus on improving metabolic health and preventing chronic disease.
Providers include experts in family medicine and internal medicine, including:
- Anne J. Park, DO, Internal Medicine
- Jae Hyun Shim, MD, Family Medicine
- Alex Fu, DO, Family Medicine
Photo Credit: Hackensack Meridian Health
Next Steps
Reaching health goals often starts with having the right support system in place. Hackensack Meridian Medical Group in Fort Lee is currently accepting new patients, making it easier than ever to take that first step toward a more personalized approach to wellness. To get started, click here to learn more or schedule an appointment.
