Problems with losing weight
 |
|
For more information and advice on how to proceed
or to make an appointment.... |
Phone 01753 851276 0930-1730hrs, Monday-Friday or Email me at any time |
Off and on again !
There's no losing sight of it today - what we weigh is one of the big issues. Whether it's media reports that we are the most obese nation in Europe, and that obesity is one of the biggest causes of ill-health, or it's the daily diet we are all fed of images of desirable men and women with "perfect" bodies. Our size and the way we look has become a huge issue for almost all of us.
A huge proportion of us, particularly women, are on some kind of diet to control our weight most of the time. Yet the sad reality is that, for all the dieting we do, we are spectacularly unsuccessful ! We might lose it for a while, but before long, it has crept back on again.
The Diet Maze
When it comes to selecting a diet, there's certainly no shortage to choose from. Low fat, high fibre, low carbohydrates, high protein, weightwatchers ..... you name it, and there's probably been a diet featuring it. But do they work,and which one is right for me ? Then, there's the massive range of foods to help you lose weight - "light" this, and "low fat" that; but do they really help ? It's no wonder that many of wander aimlessly from one diet solution to another and still seem relentlessly to put on weight.
Return to the top of the page
What's my body saying to me?
What we typically eat and drink is only one element of a western contemporary lifestyle which is profoundly challenging to our natural health and wellbeing. The pace at which we feel we need to live, whether at work, or at "leisure" promotes levels of stress which cause significant imbalances to our digestive and immune systems. The fast foods and drinks we consume reinforce our stress and encourage cravings for more of the same as our bodies try to cope with the pressures we put upon them.
Our steadily increasing weight, and our apparent inability to deal with it, is just one way that our bodies are telling us that something is wrong. There are often other symptoms which point to an underlying problem which needs to be addressed.
Factors which may hinder weight loss
There are a wide range of factors which may be behind an inability to lose weight. These will include:-
| Blood sugar imbalance | The most common cause, resulting from, and leading to, sugar cravings, stimulant dependence, consumption of refined carbohydrates, stress, and nutrient deficiencies. |
| Food intolerance | This can cause bloating and water retention; it may also overload the liver with toxins, which are then stored in fat. |
| Hypo-thyroidism | This results in a lowered metabolic rate which means that energy is stored, rather than burnt. |
| Hormone imbalances | Hormone imbalances coincidental with ovulation, menstruation, menopause and andropause, for example, where oestrogen dominance is involved, increases fat storage and fluid retention. |
| Nutrient deficiencies | Insufficient Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), chromium and some other minerals can lead to a slower metabolic rate and poor energy production. |
| Dehydration | This slows down the metabolism and digestion.It can lead to increased toxicity and cause lethargy which in itself can cause cravings for stimulants and sugar. |
| Digestive imbalances | Imperfect digestion leads to impaired absorption of nutrients with knock-on effects. |
| Lack of exercise | Lack of exercise promotes a decrease in metabolic rate (the rate at which you burn energy) and encourages a whole range of negative health factors. |
Return to the top of the page
How we can help you
Our approach to weight loss is to start with a clear understanding of what your current diet consists against the background of your occupation and lifestyle. Once we have this, we can begin to analyse the reasons why you may be having difficulty losing weight, and keeping it off.
Whilst, there may be one key factor, it is more often our experience that there are several which need adddressing. If we suspect food intolerances, for example, it may be important to investigate these further by testing.
Our aim is to provide you first with a clear understanding of all the dietary challenges you are facing - including weight loss. We can provide you with a dietary plan, and possibly programme of nutritional supplements, that should get you healthily, and sustainably, back on track.
Return to the top of the page