He Just Couldn’t Lose Weight

He had been everywhere and I could sense his frustration.  Here’s the funny thing.  He came in asking for my “weight loss” program.  What’s funny is that at the time I didn’t have a “weight loss” program.  Turns out, his sister had gotten help and while she got HEALTHY, she also happened to lose weight.  I hear that all the time, but the body has an uncanny way of changing things when it gets the right ingredients. But what if you’ve tried everything? I believe people need to have alternative options for when the mainstream doesn’t work. They need to know they can still have a plan and it might just mean a little extra help to pull it altogether.

First and foremost, it’s not about the weight, it has to be about the health.  But, weight and weight gain can be an indicator of a potential need, letting us know to pay attention. It’s just like a dashboard indicator for any other need.  Just like ridges on your nails can be a sign of poor metabolism, and thinning hair can be a sign of thyroid dysfunction and darkened under eyes can be a sign of a food intolerance, weight can be a “dashboard” light too, letting us know that the body has a challenge it’s trying to alert us to, particularly if one has made the effort to lose weight and it didn’t happen.

Weight and Health

While weight can be a factor in overall health expression, it is important to recognize that health is not solely determined by body weight or size. Many other factors contribute to overall health, including:

Physical activity: Regular physical activity can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, regardless of body weight.

Nutrition: A balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can help support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Sleep: Getting adequate sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health, as it helps regulate hormones, supports cognitive function, and promotes recovery and repair.

Mental health: Mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking support for mental health concerns can help improve overall well-being.

Stress management: Chronic stress can negatively impact physical and mental health, so finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through mindfulness, meditation, or exercise, is important.

The Role of Genetic Testing

This blog is actually not even about weight loss, that’s just the story to segue into a particular tool that's quite unused but gaining ground more and more frequently! Genetic testing. While it doesn't fill all the gaps it certainly is a step closer to a completed puzzle. So what can we learn from genetics?

Genetics can provide valuable information about an individual's health risks and predispositions to certain diseases or conditions. Some examples include:

Inherited conditions: Some genetic variations can cause inherited conditions that increase the risk of certain diseases or conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or Huntington's disease.

Risk for chronic diseases: Certain genetic variations can increase an individual's risk for developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.

Response to medications: Genetics can impact how an individual responds to certain medications, which can influence treatment decisions and outcomes.

Nutrient metabolism: Genetic variations can affect how the body metabolizes and absorbs certain nutrients, such as vitamin D or folate, which can impact overall health.

Carrier status: Genetic testing can also identify carrier status for certain conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, which can inform family planning decisions.

Can Genetics Help This Client With His Weight?

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that genetics can play a role in why some people may have difficulty losing weight. Several genetic variations have been identified that can influence a person's metabolism, appetite, and fat storage, all of which can impact weight loss efforts.

For example, some people may carry genetic variants that make them more prone to store fat, or that cause them to burn fewer calories at rest. Others may have genetic variations that affect their appetite and make it harder for them to stick to a calorie-restricted diet. Additionally, some studies have found that genetics can also impact a person's response to exercise, which can further impact their weight loss efforts.  In this particular client, there were in fact certain genetic variations that would suggest a more difficult time with body composition.  But we’ve seen variants showing more than just weight loss. 

It is important to note that while genetics can provide valuable information about health risks, they are not the sole determinant of an individual's health. Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and stress management can also have a significant impact on overall health and well-being.

What Would I Do If Genetics Are an Influencing Factor?

Talk to your healthcare provider: If you have received genetic testing results that indicate an increased risk for a certain condition, it is important to discuss these results with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand what the results mean for your health and recommend appropriate screening and prevention measures.

Engage in regular screening: Regular screening for certain diseases or conditions can help identify problems early and improve outcomes. Your healthcare provider can recommend appropriate screening tests based on your individual health risks.

Make lifestyle changes: Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and stress management can impact health outcomes. Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing stress-reducing activities such as yoga or meditation, can help reduce the risk of developing certain diseases.

Consider genetic counseling: If you have a genetic variant that increases your risk for a certain condition, you may benefit from genetic counseling. A genetic counselor can help you understand the implications of your genetic testing results and provide guidance on managing your health risks.

What Specifically Genetics Showed My Client

If genetics are making weight loss difficult, it is important to approach weight management in a holistic manner and focus on making sustainable lifestyle changes. Here are some tips that may be helpful:

Consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to develop a personalized weight loss plan based on your individual needs, health status, and genetic profile. There have been a number of times that I may have wanted to follow a particular dietary plan, but upon seeing genetics results, changed up the protocol. Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics are the science of how your nutrition relates to your genetic expression and how your genes relate to how you will utilize your nutrients. Sometimes, when all else has seemed to fail, it may be helpful to look at your nutrition from this angle.

Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, as exercise can help increase metabolism and promote fat loss. Choose activities that you enjoy and can stick to in the long-term. In this client, the exact OPPOSITE of what we would normally suggest is what his genetics showed would more benefit him. In this way, we saved him months of endless struggle when he thought he was doing all the “right things”.

Pay attention to your diet and focus on making healthy food choices. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals, and avoid highly processed foods and added sugars.

Get enough sleep, as sleep deprivation can disrupt metabolism and increase the risk of weight gain.

Consider working with a behavioral therapist or counselor to address any emotional or psychological factors that may be contributing to your weight management challenges.

The Final Word

Overall, health is about taking care of the whole person, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While weight can be a factor in overall health, it should not be the sole focus, and individuals should strive to adopt healthy habits that support their overall well-being, regardless of their body size or weight. If you’ve had challenges with your health in any way, consult with us so that we may potentially find some hidden secrets.

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To check out our Healthy Weight Support program where we address body, mind, and mood in relationship to diet and exercise, click here.