Magazines and well-intentioned trainers, doctors, weight loss clinics and weight loss programs give the same impression that losing weight is easy. They give the impression that you need willpower and diet to lose weight.
Usually these programs put you on a diet and ask you to exercise. You diet, exercise, maybe go to the gym and exercise for an hour or more. But are you getting the results you want? Losing body fat has never been easier! And if you’re missing out on scale what are you missing out on? Is it muscle, water or fat?
There’s no such thing as doing 100 or more sit-ups and losing belly fat. Doing one exercise won’t whittle your back. If You Are Exercising, Are You Using The Right Means For Weight Loss And Muscle Growth? Are You Doing Too Much Cardio? Are you doing weight training and if you are, are you over training? Are the weights heavy enough to elicit a metabolic response?
Losing body fat is not easy!
There are 119 million American adults who are overweight. It is estimated that 73% of adults may be overweight or obese by the end of 2008. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of 35 major diseases. The direct and indirect costs of obesity exceed $117 billion a year. This includes medical services and lost productivity.
After 15 years of helping hundreds of women and men lose excess body fat, I can tell you with certainty that no one can lose 20 pounds in 1 month, or similar claims. (Maybe they can get closer to this number in the first month but most of it is water weight). When you read these commercials and watch The Biggest Loser you are watching a weight loss scale. You are not told the fat-to-muscle ratio. This is important in any weight loss program as well as keeping the fat away.
Most weight loss on the scale will be muscle weight when you diet and don’t eat the right ratios of nutrients along with a proper form of exercise. When you lose muscle mass, your body’s BMR (calories burned at rest) goes down and your muscles are not as efficient. A poor fat-to-muscle ratio will have a negative impact on your healthy lifestyle. When you lose muscle you can become a skinny fat person. It is a term that describes someone who looks small but who has a soft, undefined presence. Additionally, because you haven’t lost body fat, your health risks are still elevated.
composition matters
If your goal is to trim your body and become healthier, the first step is to take your body composition seriously. In my studio we use BodyMatrix ultrasound measuring technology. This ultrasound technique has been shown to be more accurate than the caliper (skin fold) method for measuring human body composition.
Bodymetrics measures the thickness of tissue millimeter by millimeter by an ultrasound imaging. The information we receive helps us develop appropriate programs. It also gives the lean body mass by which we can determine the amount of protein our clients should have daily to maintain or build their muscles. Plus the fat-to-muscle ratio will give us an idea of how many calories our clients need to eat on workout days or on their off days.
We can keep track of the ratio of fat to muscle by re-measuring every 6-8 weeks. One-for-all weight loss or exercise programs simply don’t work. Body composition will give the information needed to develop an appropriate program.
Hormones and chemicals!
There isn’t an easy solution for the millions of Americans who are overweight. In my practice as a fitness professional and after working with hundreds of individuals who have tried every diet and exercise regimen with poor results, we have found that a multi-factorial approach to reducing excess body fat is perspective is required.
There are many other factors to take into account besides accurate body composition measurements. Hormonal function, toxicity, metabolism and nutrient imbalances must be taken into account for a complete personalized weight management, fat loss program
Hormones such as cortisol and insulin have been shown to be major factors in fat gain and fat loss. If in excess, the body will make more fat. Both these hormones are fat producing hormones. Too much stress causes the body to produce more cortisol, if you do a lot of exercise (especially aerobic exercise) and if you don’t get enough sleep. Insulin can be secreted in excess if your meals are not timed or if your ratios of proteins, carbohydrates and fats are not balanced for your metabolism.
Adrenal fatigue can cause an increase in body fat by not allowing the metabolism to shed excess fat. It is well known and researched that the thyroid is a major contributor to excess body fat, especially in women over the age of 35. Imbalances in female hormones, male hormones, perimenopause, menopause and birth control can all contribute to increased body fat storage.
The chemical messengers in the brain, called neurotransmitters, that relay signals between cells can be compromised by any hormonal imbalance. Imbalanced neurotransmitters can strongly affect weight management, particularly in terms of appetite control, mood elevation, and feelings of satisfaction. They are also involved in sleep patterns, stress management, and mental/emotional balance.
Toxins, Nutrition and Other Factors
If you have a toxic overload of heavy metals in your body, your ability to shed excess fat is compromised. Toxic metal load can also increase muscle soreness by increasing excessive inflammation. Inflammation in turn can cause the body to hold on to excess fat and water. Toxins in our fat cells can also contribute to inflammation and prevent the body from shedding excess fat.
The circulation of body fat takes place through the liver. If the liver is toxic it cannot detoxify efficiently and can affect fat metabolism. Yeast (Candida overgrowth), too little fiber and lack of adequate water are all major hindrances to body fat loss and can lead to increased body fat growth.
Food addictions such as: chocolate, cheese, wheat, gluten, and sugar can contribute to fat gain and prevent fat loss.
Imbalances in nutrients – including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and especially minerals – can be a major contributor to inefficient fat metabolism and a tendency to increase body fat.
Remember, if your muscle mass is less than optimal, the number of calories you burn at rest is much less. Ultimately increasing and protecting muscle mass is at the core of effective, long-term fat management programs.
a more balanced approach
The Maumee – Toledo area is staffed by incredible professionals who work with us to address these issues associated with weight loss and a healthier body. If you find that you are having trouble – especially if you are over the age of 35 – it may be one of these underlying issues that is hindering your results. Anyone who has given up on a “diet” is incredibly disciplined.
It is not your fault! It is all the misinformation and misleading headlines that are spoiling your results. Losing weight is not easy, but with the right information, a more balanced body and some hard work, it can be done in the most efficient way with excellent results.
Source by Maryellen Jordan
