Weight Management

Overweight, Obesity, Weight Management

Obesity refers to an excess amount of body fat and weight. Most health care providers agree that men with more than 25 percent body fat and women with more than 35 percent body fat are clinically obese. Another measure used is body mass index, with 30 or higher being considered obese. It is estimated that one-third of American adults are either overweight or obese.

How Does Becoming Overweight/Obesity Develop?

In scientific terms, obesity occurs when an individual consumes more calories than he or she burns. Although the cause of this imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned differs from person to person, overeating, eating for the wrong metabolic type (resulting in a chronically low metabolic rate) and lack of physical activity are the main factors. Other risk factors include a high fat diet; psychological factors that cause one to eat when faced with a problem or stressful situation; genetics; environment; gender, with women at higher risk; age; cigarette smoking; pregnancy; and illnesses or medical problems.

For example, hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, depression and certain neurological disorders that can lead to overeating can also lead to obesity or a tendency to gain weight. In addition, medications such as steroids and antidepressants may cause a person to gain weight.

Obesity is more than just a cosmetic concern – it is a serious health hazard. Approximately 280,000 adult deaths in the United States each year are related to obesity. Several serious medical conditions have been linked to obesity, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Obesity is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer in both males and females. Obese men have a marked increase of colon cancer, rectal cancer and prostate cancer. Obese women are more likely to develop cancer of the gallbladder, breast, uterus, cervix and ovaries.

Additional risks of obesity include:

Gallbladder disease and gallstones
Liver diseases
Osteoarthritis
Gout
Sleep apnea
Reproductive problems
Menstrual irregularities and infertility

What are the Symptoms of Weight Gain/Obesity?

Accumulation of excess fat below the diaphragm and in the chest wall may put pressure on the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath, even with minimal exertion. Difficulty breathing can seriously interfere with sleep and cause sleep apnea, as mentioned above. Obesity may also cause various orthopedic problems, including lower back pain. Osteoarthritis may also get worse, particularly in the hips, knees and ankles. Excessive sweat and swelling in the ankles are also symptoms.

Discover why we believe that natural treatments are the best way to treat obesity.

Natural vs. Modern Medicine's Approach to Being Overweight, Obesity, Weight Management

Modern Medicine to Weight Management

Many individuals who seek medical help for obesity have usually tried repeatedly to lose weight any number of ways, usually in the form of diets, the choice of which is never-ending and ever-increasing. In addition, individuals may have tried over-the-counter weight-loss aids, most of which are ineffective, and some of which are actually dangerous. And although most everyone knows the value of exercise, establishing a routine of physical activity is difficult for most individuals and especially so when excess weight is involved.

Traditional medical treatment for obesity focuses on calorie reduction, increasing physical activity and decreasing alcohol consumption if excess alcohol consumption is a factor in the obesity. The problem with low-calorie diets is that although the patient may lose weight initially, the diet causes the metabolism to slow, making it difficult to exercise and continue the weight loss without reducing caloric intake even more.

The Natural Approach to Weight Management

People who struggle with weight issues, particularly those who are obese, need natural medicine. Natural medicine doctors test a patient’s body chemistry and overall health to get to the root cause of the weight gain. First, individuals would receive a detailed diet analysis that includes recommendations for eating plans specifically designed for his or her individual metabolic type.

Some patients are placed on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet based on metabolic testing. One of the best sources of protein in the diet is soy protein. Soy has many health benefits including balancing estrogen levels (irregular levels can contribute to weight gain). Soy also helps lower cancer risk in women by blocking estrogenic activity. By eating for one's metabolic type, an overweight person is able to increase his or her metabolic rate, thus speeding up metabolism and losing weight.

Other lab tests that may be performed on obese patients include:

Hormone testing (to determine if male or female hormones are low)
Metabolic profile (to check kidney, liver and thyroid functions)
Bleeding time (to check the thickness of the blood, which correlates with heart disease risk)
Nova 8 (to check mineral and electrolyte levels)
GITT (glucose insulin tolerance test, which tests for Hyperinsulinemia/Syndrome X)

Because hormones play a major part in a person’s energy and metabolism, one of the natural medicine treatments used for obesity is Natural Hormone Replacement.

Exercise also plays a role in weight and obesity. As a patient becomes able to exercise, he or she will be encouraged to start on a sensible exercise program to raise heart rates and burn fat. Supplements would also be prescribed to enhance the above effects and accelerate weight loss and fat reduction. In summary, the natural medicine treatment approach to obesity takes traditional medical treatments one step further by testing for underlying conditions and factors contributing to the weight gain, and customizing diet, exercise and supplements to affect healthy and successful weight loss and maintenance.

If you are interested in more information about natural treatments or to schedule an appointment, please contact Central Health and Wellness at 817-649-9800 or use the online Inquiry Form

Disclaimer: The preceding is to provide information about relief and the benefits that may be derived. It is not intended to claim a cure for any disease or condition. It should not take the place of your doctor’s.

Dr. Lane Chiro
Central Health and Wellness

Weight Management

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