Maintaining metabolic balance can be a complex problem for some people. One of the most common signs is weight gain and the inability to shed that weight. This problem usually appears with increasing age and seems to worsen over time. Patients sometimes say, “When I was young, I could lose weight quickly and easily. Now I cannot lose weight, and I just see my weight going up each year.” Here are some of the issues that need to be investigated in order to have success: 

·  Thyroid insufficiency or underactive thyroid: Underactive thyroid function slows metabolism and causes under utilization of calories consumed.

·  Insulin resistance or blood sugar imbalance: Insulin resistance makes it difficult to get glucose into the cells to be burned as energy.

·  Hormone imbalance: Hormone imbalances, including estrogen dominance and low testosterone, lead to increased fat deposition. 

Each person is different and must be analyzed to see which metabolic factors are at play. Someone may have one or all of these imbalances going on at once, so diagnosis is a required initial step in order to have success to returning the body to proper balance and weight.

Programs that include calorie restriction and exercise will work if all systems are functioning properly. Those that have tried diet and exercise and have failed or were unable to maintain proper weight have something missing in their program.

 

Kenneth Haas, DC, CCSP, is the founder of Haas Wellness Center, located at 3315 Springbank Ln., Ste. 102, in Charlotte. For more information, call 704-837-2420, email [email protected] or visit HaasWellnessCenters.com.