Weight Loss: Understanding its Factors, Metabolism, and Solutions
In the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, weight loss often takes center stage. The journey towards shedding those extra pounds requires a nuanced understanding of various factors influencing weight gain, the intricacies of metabolism, and the impact of health conditions and age on our body’s weight management.
Factors Contributing to Weight Gain
Weight gain is a complex interplay of various factors, extending beyond mere indulgence in high-calorie foods. Understanding these factors can pave the way for more effective weight management.
1. Dietary Choices:
Consuming a diet rich in processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive calories can contribute to weight gain. Lack of portion control and mindless eating habits can also lead to an overconsumption of calories.
A continued pattern of eating unhealthy food plus overconsuming is a guaranteed way to develop poor eating habits which effectively lead to weight gain.
2. Sedentary Lifestyle:
Modern lifestyles often involve prolonged periods of sitting, be it at a desk or in front of a screen, leading to a lack of physical activity. Sedentary habits contribute significantly to weight gain and can adversely affect overall health.
A study conducted from 2019 to 2020 with 2867 participants comprised of respondents of different races (Chinese, Malay, Indian, Others) who are 18yrs old and above, showed that about 17% of the population did not meet minimum requirements for physical activity.
Source: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-021-11902-6
3. Sleep Deprivation:
Inadequate sleep disrupts hormonal balance, impacting the regulation of appetite hormones like leptin and ghrelin. Sleep-deprived individuals may experience increased cravings for high-calorie foods.
The hormone ghrelin is responsible for making you feel hungry. Leptin is the hormone in your body that helps maintain your normal weight on a regular basis. An individual who is sleep-deprived will have higher level of ghrelin and lower level of leptin, which then leads to weight gain.
Understanding Metabolism
Metabolism is a crucial component in the weight loss puzzle. It refers to the complex biochemical processes that occur within our bodies to maintain life. Several factors influence metabolism, affecting our ability to lose or gain weight.
1. Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR):
BMR represents the energy expended at rest to maintain basic physiological functions such as breathing and circulation. Factors such as age, gender, and muscle mass influence BMR. As we age, our BMR tends to decrease.
2. Physical Activity:
Regular physical activity, including both aerobic exercise and strength training, can boost metabolism. Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat, so maintaining or building muscle contributes to a higher metabolic rate.
3. Thermic Effect of Food (TEF):
TEF refers to the energy expended during the digestion and absorption of food. Protein-rich foods have a higher TEF compared to fats and carbohydrates, making them beneficial for weight management.
Health Conditions and Weight Gain
Certain health conditions can contribute to weight gain, making it essential to address underlying issues for successful weight loss.
1. Hypothyroidism:
An underactive thyroid can slow down metabolism, leading to weight gain. Proper diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism are crucial for weight control.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
PCOS can affect hormonal balance, leading to weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area. Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, play a crucial role in managing PCOS-related weight gain.
3. Depression and Stress:
Mental health conditions can contribute to weight gain due to changes in appetite and emotional eating. Incorporating stress-reducing activities and seeking professional support can aid in weight management.
For some who have sought the assistance of a medical professional, the added weight can be coming from their prescribed medication, as one of its side effects.
Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/managing-weight-gain-from-psychiatric-medications-202207182781
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Mental-Health-Disorders-Weight-Gain-and-Exercise.aspx
Solutions to Weight Gain: Striking a Balance
Embarking on a weight loss journey involves adopting a holistic approach that addresses both lifestyle and physiological factors.
1. Balanced Diet:
Opt for a well-rounded diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Practice mindful eating and be mindful of portion sizes.
2. Regular Exercise:
Engage in a mix of aerobic exercises and strength training to boost metabolism and promote overall health. Find enjoyable activities to make exercise a sustainable part of your routine.
Understanding what physical activities your body can easily do and what your mind enjoys is key to creating a sustainable workout regime. An individual enjoying what he/she does is more likely to continue that routine for a longer period.
3. Adequate Sleep:
Prioritise quality sleep to regulate hormones that influence appetite and metabolism. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a conducive sleep environment.
4. Supplements:
Consult with a healthcare professional before considering supplements. Some supplements, such as certain vitamins and minerals, can support metabolism and overall health
DSQ Elite offers LeanAge (a product of Lavier). It is the World’s First Weight Loss Formulation with White to Brown Fat Conversion That Burns 300x Calories More Efficiently. It requires no fasting and no excessive exercise.
The reality is that some individuals may have certain physical conditions that may not allow them to engage in physical activitie to help with weight-loss. Hence, it is a always beneficial to have a clinical-grade supplement like Lavier LeanAge to help aid with weight loss without unwanted side effects.
5. Physician-Prescribed Treatment
A prescription medicine that is housed in an injectable pen, peptide-1 GLP-1 acts like GLP-1 that is a hormone in the body that helps control appetite. By slowing down your gut, it helps you feel less hungry and supports weight loss.
However, medication as such requires recommendation from a medical physician as consultation is required for one to understand the kind of dosage and frequency they need to administer the peptide.
Health should be the ultimate goal for individuals in their weight loss journey. As one progresses towards their target weight, not only does it enhance their confidence and foster a profound sense of accomplishment, but it also acts as a continual source of well-being. Additionally, maintaining fitness and consistently making healthy choices serve as powerful preventive measures against weight-related diseases.
Adopting a balanced approach that encompasses dietary modifications, regular exercise, and lifestyle adjustments can pave the way for sustainable weight loss. And with the advancement in research and technology, we are also lucky to have alternative options to getting to our desired weight.
With the guidance of a medical aesthetician at Dermstétiq Clinic, you too can get your hands on your self-administered GLP-1 medication. Partner that with clinical-grade Lavier LeanAge via DSQELITE.COM and you are on your safe and effective journey to weight loss.
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Call us at +65-69800878 or submit the following form to make an appointment.
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