Sugar photosExcess weight is associated with food intake; but it is also innately related to the hormones that affect the body’s metabolism. Achieving weight loss is one of today’s most common health concerns. In recent US studies 17 percent of children and 66 percent of adults were shown to be either overweight or obese. For the person who is overweight, not only is weight loss associated with looking better but it is also connected to feeling healthy and staying healthy. READ MORE

Achieving weight loss is one of today’s most common health concerns. In recent US studies 17 percent of children and 66 percent of adults were shown to be either overweight or obese.

For the person who is overweight, not only is weight loss associated with looking better but it is also connected to feeling healthy and staying healthy.

Excess weight is associated with food intake; but it is also innately related to the hormones that affect the body’s metabolism.

Several factors can interfere with blood sugar metabolism. The most common metabolic malfunction in adults is Insulin Resistance Syndrome. It is a syndrome defined as a decreased sensitivity or responsiveness of target cells and organs to the metabolic function of insulin. If Insulin Resistance Syndrome is not arrested in its earlier stages it can lead to adult-onset or Type 2 diabetes.

Currently there is no single test that is generally accepted as the gold standard in diagnosing Insulin Resistance Syndrome. One of the most practical clinical tools is simply assessing body height and weight along with fat distribution-patterns or body mass index (BMI). The association between obesity, especially abdominal obesity, and Insulin Resistance Syndrome is well established.

Symptoms of Insulin Resistance Syndrome may initially be as subtle as a gradual increase in appetite. Other symptoms include a feeling of fatigue or an increase in hunger shortly after eating a normal-sized meal. For those who have Insulin Resistance Syndrome, the higher the carbohydrate intake is, the faster the weight increases and the harder that weight is to take off. As this syndrome progresses, glucose and insulin blood levels rise together instead of counterbalancing each other as part of a malfunction in carbohydrate metabolism. Insulin Resistance Syndrome is also called Metabolic Syndrome due to this malfunction in food metabolism.

The liver and the adrenal glands play a key role in regulating blood sugar control. Chronic diseases, medications and environmental factors can interfere with how the liver regulates blood sugar conversion. Increased stress impacts the adrenal glands critical role in directing hormones like cortisol, involved in sugar metabolism.

Successful treatment of weight issues and Insulin Resistance Syndrome is best achieved through an integrative medical approach. This includes not only dietary modification, but also liver cleansing, supportive nutrients and hormone balance. A comprehensive approach includes relaxation techniques, acupuncture and exercise. Laboratory tests track metabolic markers and the hormones specific to fat-burning and sugar regulation.

If there were one single diet that helped everyone lose weight, there wouldn’t be so many diets to choose from. Successful weight-loss depends on finding a diet that works with metabolic individuality. Most people respond to a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Resetting the metabolic thermostat encourages fat-burning efficiency.

There are numerous supplements and medications that are designed to speed up metabolism, burn fat, or decrease appetite. However, these range from mildly helpful to potentially dangerous, therefore it is best to consult with a specialist who has experience with diabetes and weight loss.

A good weight-loss plan is not one that measures its success within one month but measures its success beyond six months or more. It is one that not only changes body weight and food choices but enables longer lasting health and a better sense of well-being.