Trying to lose weight

I see overweight people pounding the pavement or cycling in a desperate attempt to lose weight, and I know it might make a small difference short term, but it will not make any difference long term and might even make things worse.  We have all heard the cry, “eat less and move more” to lose weight, but this is just plain wrong.  There are no long term studies to support this.  In fact some studies have shown the opposite. What to do?

Your body is an amazing piece of engineering and technology.  When you eat less, resulting in less calories in, then after a while your body recognizes that there is less nutrition and energy available so it begins to see where it can reduce your energy consumption in an attempt to maintain homeostasis.  This is your body trying to keep things on an even keel, maintain a stable environment.  In other words as you reduce the calories in, your body will try to reduce the calories out (energy use) to match.

What happens to a person if the level of energy (calories) is cut back, forcing their body to operate on a lower level.  Cuts have to be made somewhere.  Energy for thinking and cognition can be reduced creating foggy thinking.  Energy for body repair and cell replacement is reduced, so wounds take longer to heal, hair might fall out, nails become brittle and you are always tired.

Many bodily functions will now run at a reduced level which is like trying to run your household on a reduced budget.  Life becomes difficult.

How will you feel?  Obviously you will be hungry, you may get headaches and aches and pains that are linked to reduced cellular maintenance.  Your skin will lose its radiance and your hair will get dull and lose its shine.  Your regular tiredness and cravings for food will eventually force you to abandon the battle and return to your old diet.  But here is when things continue to go wrong.

In an attempt to maintain equilibrium your body has reduced your resting metabolic rate.  When you return to your previous eating level, it is now too much for the reduced metabolic rate and you restore your old weight quite rapidly.  “The Biggest Looser” show never had a reunion because almost all contestants put the weight back on.

Your weight is controlled by hormones and you have to work with these if you are trying to lose weight.  Insulin is the master weight control hormone and you have to reduce this and cycle it down regularly each day in order to lose weight.  Ways to do this include: lower incoming glucose; intermittent fasting;  no snacking; avoiding stress; or sequencing eating to control glucose spikes.

Find links to my books, my health coaching clinic or subscribe for health blogs at www.takebackyrhealth.com.  Seek professional advice before dietary changes, particularly if on medication.  George Elder, Certified Health Coach, Author, Diploma in Nutrition.  The best thing you can do for your health is eat better.