A Stealthy Saboteur: Understanding the conditions that can ruin a weight loss plan
Losing weight can be a challenging journey, especially for individuals dealing with health issues or taking medications known to cause weight gain. The process of shedding those extra pounds can often be an uphill battle, requiring patience and determination to reach desired goals.
There is a relationship between some chronic diseases and weight gain that might be affecting your ability to lose weight. Although this relationship does not mean weight loss is a hopeless cause, it does mean understanding the medical conditions that have a weight promoting effect and developing strategies to deal with them are and important first step in achieving weight loss goals.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid, a small but mighty gland, regulates metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid is underactive, which can lead to a low down of metabolism and make losing weight an uphill battle. Knowing your numbers such as your TSH levels and seeking medical guidance for the treatment of this condition is crucial in navigating this hurdle.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps the body respond to stress, or danger. Excessive cortisol, often a result of conditions like Cushing's syndrome, can disrupt the delicate balance of weight regulation. Excessive release of this hormone contributes to fat accumulation in the abdominal area.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common health condition that affects women of reproductive age. Common symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual periods, excessive hair growth on the face and body, darkening of the skin, particularly along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts, acne, and thinning hair on the scalp. PCOS can significantly disrupt efforts toward weight management. The presence of insulin resistance in individuals with PCOS often results in unwanted weight gain.
Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin help the body absorb glucose (the sugar from food that the body uses for energy) into the cells in the body. When the body does not respond well to insulin, the body cannot regulate efficiently and this dysregulation an lead to weight gain. This effect is referred to as insulin resistance and is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Balancing blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medications is key to overcoming this obstacle.
Depression and Emotional Eating:
Mental health plays a significant role in weight management. Conditions like depression may lead to emotional eating and a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to weight gain. Addressing the emotional aspect is as crucial as focusing on the physical to achieve sustainable weight loss.
Recognizing the relationship between health conditions and weight regulation is a vital step towards a more informed weight loss journey. There are many symptoms of these conditions, but the best way to know if you are being affected by these disorders is to see your health care provider for preventative screening and blood work. When individuals acknowledge these health conditions, healthcare providers can assist to tailor strategies for more effective and sustainable results.
Are you ready to transform your life and achieve your weight loss goals? Look no further than our medical weight loss clinic at Tiffany Adult Wellness and weight loss! Our team of experienced professionals is here to support you every step of the way on your journey to a healthier you. With personalized plans tailored to your specific needs and goals, we provide a comprehensive approach to weight loss that includes medical supervision, nutritional guidance, and ongoing support. Don't wait any longer to take control of your health - get started today with Tiffany Adult Wellness and let us help you achieve lasting results. Request an appointment today!
The information in this post is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Always consult with healthcare professionals to create a personalized plan that aligns with both your health needs and weight goals.
The Role of Fitness in your Wellness
““If you don’t make time for your wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for your illness.” ”
Every person of all ages needs exercise to be healthy. Regular physical activity has many benefits and reduces the risk of developing injuries and diseases that are painful, expensive, and deadly. Unfortunately, despite the benefits, most people in the United States do not prioritize participating in regular physical fitness programs because they do not understand the tremendous health benefits of an active lifestyle in the maintenance of good health and overall quality of life.
The Cost of Illness
Being sick is expensive. People complain that healthy food and gym memberships are expensive, but medical care costs, imaging, hospitalizations, and multiple daily medications will run you a lot more ducats than salads and smoothies. The CDC estimates the cost of treating chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke at a whopping $216 billion per year and causing $147 billion in lost productivity on the job.
The Risk Sedentary Lifestyles
When the body becomes deconditioned due to a sedentary lifestyle, it becomes more prone to injury and pain. A regular exercise program promotes increased bone density, improved muscle strength, increased flexibility, and improved stability. Improvements in these physical attributes contribute to decreased risk of injuries sustain in accidents and injuries, particularly as people age. People with strong muscles and flexibility are less likely to sustain a debilitating injury from a fall such as a fracture or muscle strains from lifting and increased movement.
The Mood Matters
Endorphins, also known as the feel-good neurotransmitters, are chemicals that are released during exercise that decrease pain and improve mood. Feeling down? Although underutilized, research has shown that exercise can be an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. Additionally, outdoor activity increases exposure to sunlight and can boost vitamin D levels, which, when deficient can contribute to an increased risk of depression.
The Obesity Factor
Regular cardiovascular exercise improves heart health, and respiratory efficiency and acts to reduce weight when paired with a reduced-calorie diet. Many risk factors for diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers are decreased when risk factors such as obesity are removed.
In summary, physical fitness is not just about looking good. It is a pathway to maintaining overall good physical health, mental health, and financial health. Encourage your family and friends to be active and challenge yourself to make physical activity goals that get you moving.
Are you ready to transform your life and achieve your weight loss goals? Look no further than our medical weight loss clinic at Tiffany Adult Wellness and weight loss! Our team of experienced professionals is here to support you every step of the way on your journey to a healthier you. With personalized plans tailored to your specific needs and goals, we provide a comprehensive approach to weight loss that includes medical supervision, nutritional guidance, and ongoing support. Don't wait any longer to take control of your health - get started today with Tiffany Adult Wellness and weight loss and let us help you achieve lasting results. Request an appointment today!
The information in this post is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Always consult with healthcare professionals to create a personalized plan that aligns with both your health needs and weight goals.