This is the final blog in the series of why many people struggle with weight loss. I know how frustrating it is when you are doing everything right to lose weight, however the scale just does not seem to be budging. In this last article I will share with you 2 more reasons people tend to hit this weight loss plateau.
1. Hormones
While many people are familiar with the fact that we have hormones to control physiological functions in the body, many people do not truly understand how exactly they work to our benefit, and how they can work against our benefit.
Cortisol is a hormone that many people understand can lead to weight gain, especially around our mid-section, however the hormone that is even more responsible to weight gain is Insulin. When your insulin hormone is constantly spiking and crashing it can lead to fat storage instead of fat loss. This is one reason many experts recommend eating many small meals (5-7) throughout the day. This strategy can work against you because once you raise your insulin hormone with your first meal, your insulin levels never get a chance to return to normal before you eat again and this can lead to insulin resistance which in turn leads to diabetes.
Thyroid hormone is another powerful player in the weight loss and metabolism game. Research suggests that 1 in 5 woman and 1 in 10 men suffer from hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, many of these patients go un-diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Even if a doctor does suspect thyroid function as the culprit, many doctors do not test thyroid function properly. Nor do they treat it effectively through diet, supplements, and the right thyroid replacement therapy.
Sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen also play a key role in weight gain. Too much estrogen for both men and women leads to weight gain as does too little testosterone. Eating foods high in sugars, refined carbohydrates and alcohol all can spike estrogen levels. Additionally, these foods lead to damage to the digestive tract which means that you will have a difficult time eliminating toxins like pesticides and other xenoestrogens.
2. Genetics
You may have heard the phrase that our genes are like a gun, however our lifestyle habits are the trigger that sets off the gun. What does this mean? It means that even if you have the genetics for obesity, or diabetes, or cancer, etc. how you live your life determines if you turn theses genes on or off. This is the study of epigenetics.
In 2012, I purchased a DNA sequencing test through www.23andme.com. I received all of my DNA raw data and had several other online companies interpret my data. Some of what I found out is that I have gene mutations in both BRACA1 and BRACA2 genes as well as a variant in a vitamin-D metabolism gene. Yes, these are the same genes that Angelina Jolie was tested for and why she opted for double mastectomy and hysterectomy. The truth however, is that I can go my entire life and never get cancer unless I activate these genes by, for example, eating a lousy diet high in sugar, refined carbs, conventional dairy, damaged fats and “foods” loaded with food chemicals.
The takeaway here is that you do have at least some control over your genetics. So don’t just give in to the “I am doomed” mentality. Listen to your body. It will tell you if what you are doing is working for your benefit or not. Symptoms like acid reflux, stomach aches, headaches, drowsiness, constipation, muscle aches, etc. are all warning signs that your body is not happy with how you are living your life.
At Stanly Wellness Center, we are eager and ready to help you and your families achieve the best health possible. If you are looking for help with your health or you know of someone who is suffering with poor health, call the office of Stanly Wellness Center at 980-355-7600 and schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation with Dr. Patrick Ess to see how he can help. We specialize in nutrition, detoxification and neurological correction. You can also refer to our website at www.AskDrPatrick.com for more information.
