This month I wanted to share my thoughts about obesity and give you some insight into why some struggle with fat loss. Additionally, I would like to give some recommendations on what supplements are most supportive and introduce a medication, Semaglutide, that has become very popular due to its ability to cause a significant amount of weight loss.
First, just a little on why we retain fat (energy). Fat is one of the ways in which we store energy on the body for later use when we are fasting for an extended period of time. This great biological adaptation has allowed us to survive historical times of famine. Without an ability to store energy as fat we would be very vulnerable to starvation and may not make it for more than a few days before needing to eat again.
One of the main hormones responsible for fat storage is insulin. Insulin comes from the pancreas and is excreted when blood sugar levels rise in the body. Insulin’s fat storage effect prevents us from accessing fat energy as fuel when blood sugar levels remain elevated. This is why obesity is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, fat retention promotes even more fat retention due to the fact that fat tissue reduces your sensitivity to insulin requiring higher levels of insulin to lower blood sugar–another biological adaptation. Obesity also disrupts energy production and hormone balance leading to physical inactivity and accumulation of environmental toxins.
Controlling and balancing insulin with other hormones in the body is key to starting any weight loss program. Remember, you cannot burn fat at the same time you are storing it. Strategies that begin to reduce insulin secretion are restricting carbohydrate consumption, eating more fiber or eating more fats, fasting, and sensitizing the body to insulin. A newer and popular medication called Semaglutide is being used to help people lose a substantial amount of weight by reducing appetite, lowering caloric intake, and decreasing glucagon secretion, a hormone that promotes increased blood sugar levels.
Sensitizing yourself to insulin involves increasing physical activity, achieving hormone balance, intermittent fasting and supplementing with things like Berberine, Cinnamon, Gymnema Sylvestre and Chromium Picolinate.
If you are struggling with obesity or would like to lose a few pounds please consider making an appointment. We are skilled at using nutrition, exercise, and medications and would love to help you develop a personalized weight loss strategy.