Weight Loss
Given the hectic but sedentary lifestyle we lead these days, obesity and weight related issues are one of the most common problems faced by today’s generation. We spend hours sitting in the same position, eyes glued to whatever electronic device is in front of us, missing out on proper meals, and barely spending a moment to take a break. While most of us may feel that weight loss is not a big deal and that we could shred the extra kilos whenever we want, what we don’t realize is that there are many other conditions related to being overweight.
Researcher has attributed several diseases to obesity, including but not limited to high blood pressure, heart diseases, sleep apnea, inflammation, nerve damage, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
Gaining weight has always been easier than losing it. However, losing it doesn’t have to be horrible. With a good Nutrition Program, exercise, and expert individualized recommendations on medications and supplements, it should be achievable in a reasonable amount of time without enormous effort.
Here are a few things to consider for your weight loss journey:
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It is not about weight - it is about body composition and fat percent
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You may have been given the wrong advice on the best diet for you
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It is not about losing pounds in a few weeks, It is getting to be (the better) you for ever
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It is about feeling great in your own skin
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You should avoid cravings or intense hunger
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You are not alone on this journey- we will be with you every step of the way
It is not your fault that you are overweight
It is NOT lack of will power, or laziness. In reality there are a number of factors influencing our modern-day lifestyles that promote the wrong body composition for optimal health. Our experience is that most individuals put in the time and effort in different attempts to lose weight. But these efforts are not successful because of bad information or the wrong advice. Some facts to look into:
Genes-
Our brain is designed to react to the presence of carbs with cravings as a survival mechanism. So, in the summer and fall as a specie we would seek these fruits and vegetables (that were actually very scarce) then convert these to fat so we could survive the winter.
Current food supply-
Food scientists designed foods to trigger cravings so to sell you more of their products. Their goal is to produce the cheapest products that will sell the most. This usually results in nutritionally deficient foods that trigger cravings and promote fat accumulation.
SAD vs Recommended Diet-
Our Standard American Diet (SAD) is the result of governmental authorities recommending a disproportionate amount of carbs and sugar in our diets. Once we eat carbs and sugar, insulin production goes up and converts these calories to fat, and as long as insulin stays above certain range, it is impossible to mobilize this fat back into energy (hence the difficulty we all experience trying to lose weight).
Exercise is not the answer (initially)-
The notion that we are fat because we don’t exercise enough is wrong. You can’t outrun a bad diet. Referring back tot he previous paragraph, it doesn’t matter how much you exercise, if insulin levels are high, energy will flow into the cells making more fat. Exercise is appropriate after your physiology is ready for it. If we exercise before that, we are creating a
lot of pain and inflammation (joints/muscles) that rapidly leads to frustration (and increased cortisol levels). We must work with our natural physiology, not against it to achieve our goals much easier!
Physiologic imbalance-
Hormones like Thyroid, Insulin, Growth Hormone, Testosterone, Estrogen, Progesterone and DHEA play a central role in keeping your body and energy flow balanced. A deficiency on any of these will surely lead to weight gain. It is a matter of looking in the right place (with appropriate labs) and balancing your system. There are many other symptoms that can be improved by balancing your hormones.
Nutritional deficiencies-
Part of a comprehensive evaluation should measure levels of micronutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins. Without the right levels of these, it is very difficult for your body to mobilize energy in the right direction (out of your fat cells).
What is our strategy?
Even though the science behind our strategy is complex, implementing a successful program doesn’t have to be. After a thorough evaluation, recommendations are made taking into consideration your goals. We will use everything available to us to help you achieve your goals. Everybody asks about medications to help lose weight. And yes, we will prescribe these as needed. Note that currently there is a scarcity of certain medications for weight loss. There are options though, like other medications alone or in combination with specific supplements. The right diet (that will calm appetite and cravings), a reasonable exercise program, good sleep and stress management are very important. A targeted gut health check will go a long way into making your efforts more effective. We consider ourselves as part of your team that can lead to success.
Remember, losing weight is not about becoming skinny or starving yourself to fit into that slim dress or suit. It is about being and feeling healthy for the long haul. Keeping your weight and body composition easily with your new lifestyle. Being yourself without the drama. And, with proper guidance, it is really a piece of cake :)