- October 12, 2020
- 12:02 pm
Obesity has become epidemic in the 21st century, with the World Health Organization (W.H.O) describing it as a disease because of its impact on health, on the ability to work, on sociability as well as on quality and life expectancy.
Despite the fact that there are hundreds of diets and other suppressive agents, the proportion of people with extra pounds is constantly increasing, rather that decreasing. “What are we doing wrong?”, scientists and obese people are wondering. Is there an effective solution to the problem of obesity?
The epidemic of obesity has reached every country in the world, and the number of people with physical overweight and obesity continues to grow in most parts of the world. Obesity is responsible for a variety of diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, fat in the liver, cardiovascular disease, and various other pathological conditions such as insulin resistance, coagulation disorders, endothelial disorders, Infertility, cancer, depression and joint problems.
And of course, we must not forget the social and family exclusion experienced by obese people, which is linked to difficulties in looking for a job, in career development, dressing options, etc. Obesity must therefore be dealt with promptly and effectively.
Why did the classic diets fail?
Before we look for “magical” solutions to the problem of obesity, we have to answer the question of what we are doing wrong today. Classical diet guidelines for weight loss include a few fat, many fruits, vegetables, cereals, pasta and rice, several legumes and fat-free dairy products, not much meat and limits to calorie, fat and quantity. Unfortunately, however, not only they do not allow you to lose extra pounds, but they trigger weight gain and most of all disturb your hormonal balance and your overall health.
By following the usual guidelines for slimming, you create hormonal chaos, premature aging, and aggravate fat accumulation. Scientific data are relentless: Obese people are up to 16 times more likely to suffer heart disease or stroke, and are estimated to live 12-16 years less than people with normal weight.
It’s enough with the ketotic, alkaline, hypothermic or other diets according to the blood groups or even worse of those that promise a quick effect by only drinking water or eating only fruits. It’s amazing how much lack of scientific documentation is most of what you hear and you read everyday from every kind of “expert”.
Aren’t you tired of listening to them saying “eat pasta!” and then “do not eat pasta,” or “eat fat,” and then “do not eat fat”? And while you are initially happy that you’ve lost a few pounds quickly, then you find that you’ve gained all the weight again. And you stay with the question “but why?”.
Because they change your metabolism and hormonal balance, causing you to risk chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, or even premature death.
Six vital signs for weight loss & normal slimming
Combating obesity is a lasting struggle, a marathon, that should not just focus on limiting calories. Combating obesity has to do with cell biology, there are six vital signs to control metabolism, hormonal balance and normal weight.
Fat burning and metabolism.
The right burning of fat requires a diet that will not increase the levels of insulin in the blood. As long as you eat meals that offer fast and sufficient quantity of sugar (glucose) and carbohydrates, you cause the body to resist insulin and block the burning of fatty tissue.
The right brain function.
Leptin, a hormone produced by adipocytes, gives the brain the signal that you are full and enhances the body’s ability to properly use and burn fat. But when you consume few fat, leptin production decreases and therefore the brain does not receive the saturation signal, which slows the metabolism. Also, proper neurotransmitter secretion, such as serotonin, plays an important role in the secretion of leptin, and thus a proper metabolism.
The hormonal regulation.
For the existence and maintenance of good metabolism, harmonic secretion of hormones is important. Classical conditions that deregulate metabolism are polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause, hypothyroidism and stress. When the body experiences permanent stress, that is, cortisol levels are constantly high (hypercortisolaemia), the body continues to burn and therefore needs more frequent supply with energy sources such as fat and sugars. Cortisol also binds to receptors in the brain, causing increased secretion of corticosterone (CRH) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), resulting in leptin reduction and increased hunger. In addition, adipose tissue cells convert inactive cortisone to cortisol and at the same time immature adipocytes mature.
The ability of the cell to regulate inflammation and oxidation.
High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), two indices of internal inflammation in the body, are evidence of high storage capacity of fat. Also, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a cytokine involved in systemic inflammation, induces insulin resistance in adipocytes and skeletal muscle. And elevated levels of free radicals promote mitochondrial dysfunction and increased fat deposition, as well as exacerbation of insulin resistance.
The toxicity.
The effect of toxins on metabolism is through five stress mechanisms: hormonal, neuroendocrine, mitochondrial, immunomodulatory and oxidative. Toxins can affect hormone regulation of weight and include insulin, thyroid hormones, cortisol, adiponectin, estrogens and other intestines such as ghrelin.
The amount of essential vitamins and nutrients.
Vitamins and proper nutrients found in natural and less processed foods complement the “puzzle” of the biology of obesity science as essential components of proper metabolism. These six points derive from the study of biology of obesity. And what they are telling us is that weight loss can be achieved by regulating these mechanisms.
These six points derive from the study of biology of obesity. And what they are telling us is that weight loss can be achieved by regulating these mechanisms.
That is, by restoring the normal functioning of all the functions of the body. Like many pathological conditions, obesity is the result of altering the biochemical balance of the body.
The only real solution is to restore normal metabolic performance. Functional Medicine restores the cell to its ideal function, without chemicals, drugs and exhausting diets. It achieves weight loss while increasing muscle mass and bone density and decreasing visceral and body fat. And the most important of all is that you can eat delicious and hearty meals without sabotaging your health.
Dr. Nikoleta Koini, M.D.
Doctor of Functional, Preventive, Anti-ageing and Restorative Medicine.
Diplomate and Board Certified in Anti-aging, Preventive, Functional and Regenerative Medicine from A4M (American Academy in Antiaging Medicine).
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