Weight Loss page- (Photo: jumping girl on beach)
Weight Loss
Difficulty losing weight can be a result of many factors; discovery of the cause or causes of overweight is crucial for long-term resolution. Once we know the cause, we can treat the problem! Examples of possible causes that I evaluate include:
1. Hormone imbalance – Estrogen excess, thyroid deficiency, high cortisol, high insulin, and leptin dysregulation can all be culprits. I use saliva, urine and blood testing to evaluate hormones, and herbal, nutritional, and bioidentical hormone prescriptions to bring hormones back into balance.
2. Food sensitivities – Believe it or not, food sensitivities or outright allergies can lead to weight gain. This is probably because antibody reactions cause inflammation and acidity in the body. Many people lose weight without effort after discovering and avoiding their reactive foods. In my clinic I most often use blood to evaluate IgG antibodies (delayed hypersensitivity) and/or IgE antibodies (immediate hypersensitivity or “allergy”) to foods. A typical food panel includes 96 foods, giving a good representation of what most people eat. Stool and saliva samples can also be used for a smaller selection of foods.
3. Carbohydrate overload – Many people eat too many carbohydrates. Examples of carbohydrates include wheat (flour, bread, pasta, desserts), potatoes, rice, and sugary beverages. These types of foods turn to sugar and increase insulin release- leading to fat deposition. Other substances such as coffee, alcohol, and diet soda also increase insulin and can make weight loss more difficult. Increasing protein, healthy fats, berries and vegetables in the diet while decreasing grains and starches often makes a huge impact on weight.
4. Detoxification – Poor liver detoxification and poor digestion leading to the re-circulation of toxins encourage the body to hang onto substances it doesn’t need. The liver is where fats, sugars, and hormones are metabolized (“detoxified”). Enhancing these body processes is necessary for general health and weight control.
5. Dysfunctional eating patterns- Emotional eating and food addiction are recognized components of some people’s eating issues. Cognitive behavioral therapy referrals and the use of particular amino acids for cravings are hugely helpful here. I also instruct my patients to enjoy food in a sensual way, eating slowly and mindfully, and to pay attention to the sensation of satiety. I also recommend that they quit their membership in the “clean plate club”!
6. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) – Some people need a metabolism “re-set” in order to lose weight and keep it off. The HCG protocol treats the cause of overweight by helping to “re-boot” metabolism and balance hormones. It is a very regimented, specific program I use at the clinic. It is a minimum of 23 days (average 36-42 days) of a low calorie diet along with administration of HCG (which increases fat loss). Average weight loss is ½ pound to 1 pound per day.
People utilizing HCG must a) be a patient of the clinic for whom other methods of weight loss have previously failed, b) have a BMI (body mass index) indicating overweight or obese, c) come to the clinic once per week for check-ins and weigh-ins, d) follow up at day 21 and day 36 or 42 for a longer (30 min.) visit. The protocol is followed by a 21-day period of no sugar, no starch, and no alcohol. Healthy eating for life (low sugar, nutrient-dense) is part of the teaching as well.
Difficulty losing weight can be a result of many factors; discovery of the cause or causes of overweight is crucial for long-term resolution. Once we know the cause, we can treat the problem! Examples of possible causes that I evaluate include:
1. Hormone imbalance – Estrogen excess, thyroid deficiency, high cortisol, high insulin, and leptin dysregulation can all be culprits. I use saliva, urine and blood testing to evaluate hormones, and herbal, nutritional, and bioidentical hormone prescriptions to bring hormones back into balance.
2. Food sensitivities – Believe it or not, food sensitivities or outright allergies can lead to weight gain. This is probably because antibody reactions cause inflammation and acidity in the body. Many people lose weight without effort after discovering and avoiding their reactive foods. In my clinic I most often use blood to evaluate IgG antibodies (delayed hypersensitivity) and/or IgE antibodies (immediate hypersensitivity or “allergy”) to foods. A typical food panel includes 96 foods, giving a good representation of what most people eat. Stool and saliva samples can also be used for a smaller selection of foods.
3. Carbohydrate overload – Many people eat too many carbohydrates. Examples of carbohydrates include wheat (flour, bread, pasta, desserts), potatoes, rice, and sugary beverages. These types of foods turn to sugar and increase insulin release- leading to fat deposition. Other substances such as coffee, alcohol, and diet soda also increase insulin and can make weight loss more difficult. Increasing protein, healthy fats, berries and vegetables in the diet while decreasing grains and starches often makes a huge impact on weight.
4. Detoxification – Poor liver detoxification and poor digestion leading to the re-circulation of toxins encourage the body to hang onto substances it doesn’t need. The liver is where fats, sugars, and hormones are metabolized (“detoxified”). Enhancing these body processes is necessary for general health and weight control.
5. Dysfunctional eating patterns – Emotional eating and food addiction are recognized components of some people’s eating issues. Cognitive behavioral therapy referrals and the use of particular amino acids for cravings are hugely helpful here. I also instruct my patients to enjoy food in a sensual way, eating slowly and mindfully, and to pay attention to the sensation of satiety. Finally, I recommend that they quit their membership in the “clean plate club”!
6. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) – Some people need a metabolism “re-set” in order to lose weight and keep it off. The HCG protocol treats the cause of overweight by helping to “re-boot” metabolism and balance hormones. It is a very regimented, specific program I use at the clinic. It is a minimum of 23 days (average 36-42 days) of a low calorie diet along with administration of HCG (which increases fat loss). Average weight loss is ½ pound to 1 pound per day.
People utilizing HCG must a) be a patient of the clinic for whom other methods of weight loss have previously failed, b) have a BMI (body mass index) indicating overweight or obese, c) come to the clinic once per week for check-ins and weigh-ins, d) follow up at day 21 and day 36 or 42 for a longer (30 min.) visit. The protocol is followed by a 21-day period of no sugar, no starch, and no alcohol. Healthy eating for life (low sugar, nutrient-dense) is part of the teaching as well.