Weight Loss in 2023
As we kick off 2023 a lot of individuals will inevitably set their sights on optimistic goals of weight loss. In most cases, dietary modifications in combination with novel work out plans will be the two most common lifestyle tactics implemented to achieve their 2023 weight loss goals. However, in most cases the weight loss results are either insignificant and or non-durable which can be very frustrating. But why is this? Why is losing weight so difficult?
It’s simple. Weight loss is extremely complex and dependent on a multitude of variables.
The aesthetically pleasing online health influencer may argue otherwise and lead you to believe that weight loss is a very simplified process that requires you to buy their specific weight loss product or service, but the science says otherwise.
National Epidemic
Before we delve into the complex pathophysiology of weight maintenance, lets discuss the exponential growth of obesity in the United States. Currently, 42% of adults have a clinical diagnosis of obesity. When we combine the prevalence of obesity with the percentage of individuals that are overweight, we are met with a distressing statistic. 70% of Americans meet the diagnostic criteria for being clinically overweight or obese. It should also be noted that there is no current sign that this trend is slowing.
Pathophysiology of Obesity
Clinically, obesity is characterized by a positive energy balanced metabolic state which is accompanied by chronic inflammation of adipose tissue that impairs homeostatic processes leading to excessive fat deposition and dysregulated satiety/appetitive signaling. Obesity leads to a marked increase in hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia and a subsequent increase in all-cause mortality.
Underlying Causes of Obesity
Obesogenic Factors:
-Medical Conditions: Hypothyroidism, PCOS, Cushing’s, Obesogenic Tumors
-Positive Energy Balance: Excessive Caloric Intake, Low Quality Diet
-Sedentary Lifestyle: No Exercise Regimen, Lack Of Exercise Specificity
-Obesogenic Genetics: FTo/MCR4
-Lifestyle: Stress Induced Hypercortisolemia, Insomnia
-Socioeconomic: Poverty
Treatment Tactics
There are several weight-loss therapies that have demonstrated clinically favorable effects. However, one significant limitation is that in most cases these therapies are non-personalized leading to poor outcomes.
At EvoHealth we design personalized treatment plans that incorporate targeted dietary, lifestyle, and supplemental interventions that are tailored to the individual. These plans require a high degree of specificity in order to maximize weight loss outcomes.
If you’re interested in taking a personalized and science-based approach to weight loss, call or click to schedule a Free Functional Medicine Consultation at (785)-448-8796