Weight Loss

Body image and health conscious individuals are becoming more of a norm in the society today, as everyone is more aware and desirous of being in better shape. Statistics show that over the last half-decade, close to half the adult population in America has shown a concentrated effort in losing significant amounts of weight in the span of a year. While the numbers increased with higher levels of disposable incomes and increased weight, the overall level of concern over weight loss is what remains noteworthy. While women have reported a more dedicated effort in losing weight across age groups, the highest percentage of individuals working toward weight loss was concentrated in the age group 40 to 59 years.

The methods commonly used to aid weight loss include altering food habits, incorporating more activity in the routine, and adding greater proportions of fruits and vegetables to the diet. These have been found to work in most instances by reducing a few pounds initially but, for sustained weight loss, it is imperative that we first understand and identify the root causes of weight gain and being overweight.

What Causes Obesity or Overweight?

Several factors contribute to obesity. An individual’s metabolism has a crucial role in defining the body type and structure. Those with a high metabolism find it easier to digest foods and burn them without gaining weight. Certain others, conversely, find that a slower metabolism leads to slower burning of calories to release energy and a higher deposition of fat in the body. We tend to blame the basal metabolic rate for weight gain or inadequate weight loss; however, we need to understand that there are tools and techniques that can improve metabolism and regulate weight better. Unfortunately, people today look to supplements to address basal metabolism issues, resulting in either poor results or a host of accompanying side effects.

The impact of hormones on weight gain has long been established. The most common hormonal imbalance is an underactive thyroid gland, a condition most of us are familiar with as hypothyroidism. Another common condition is Cushing’s syndrome or the over-secretion of certain steroids in the body, which leads to menopausal weight gain in women. Other deficiencies that could accelerate weight gain in the body include a vitamin D or serotonin deficiency.

Obesogens are less talked about but silently contribute to obesity. Functional medicine recognizes that obesogens are toxic chemicals that interfere with the delicate hormonal balance in the body and make the body prone to unnatural weight gain and obesity. Pollutants from the atmosphere and chemicals in foods and other consumer products are the largest contributors of obesogens.

Weight Loss 101

Detoxification

The first and most important step toward weight loss is detoxification, the flushing out of toxins from the body. This, in itself, is a rather complex process that involves various modifications. Detoxification can be done by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day and working up a good sweat through exercise. The intake of large amounts of natural dietary fiber also helps regulate the natural elimination of toxins from the body. In addition, opting for organic produce keeps harmful chemicals away, thereby reducing obesogens in the body.

Diet and Exercise

The biggest evil weight watchers fall prey to is crash dieting. It is catastrophic for the body since it depletes the body of vital nutrients, drains energy, and can cause serious ailments over time. Never starve the body for long durations. Instead, eat intelligently planned, small meals at regular intervals to help the body maintain optimal functioning.

The most natural instinct for those looking to lose weight is to opt for a diet low in fat. Interestingly, extensive studies have shown that low-fat diets are far less effective than low-carbohydrate diets. Look to replace or lessen the amount of carbohydrates you consume through the day and choose healthy fat substitutes instead of regular ones.

Regular exercise is vital to losing weight. It is something recommended to every person, regardless of how morbid the condition or the amount of weight that is required to be lost. While you may need to begin with smaller, simpler activities, it is necessary to increase the levels of activity and movement progressively. Monitoring and maintaining a journal of daily physical activity can help keep you on track and also plan further course of action.

Other Factors

According to Dr. Adonis, most people usually are rather unsuccessful in their weight loss program as they do not realize that the approach they have chosen is highly unscientific. The result of this is, inevitably, individuals who are working toward weight loss but are unable to achieve it; individuals who drop out of programs; and, in many cases, individuals who experience energy deficit from following poorly structured or self-developed weight loss programs.

In several instances, the cause of weight gain and its complications can be traced to psychological conditions like stress and depression. Treating underlying problems leading to weight gain is as important as addressing weight itself. Looking for a counselor or support group can help provide quicker results and help manage your condition in the long run. This is how functional medicine looks at the weight loss journey in cases where mental health lies at the core of the problem.