In my holistic and integrative medical practice, I am often consulted about weight loss. There are a number of little-known reasons why weight loss can be difficult. Many of these underlying causes can also contribute to weight gain. Some of the factors I consider when consulting with a patient who is having difficulty with weight are:
- Current medications
- Food sensitivities/allergies
- Yeast overgrowth/intestinal flora
- Digestive problems
- Unstable blood sugar
- Dehydration
- Fatty acid deficiency
- Mineral imbalances
- Hormonal imbalances such as thyroid
- Toxin exposure (obeseogens or mold exposure)
- Stress/adrenal fatigue
- Sleep deprivation/poor sleep quality
- Brain chemistry deficiency
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Exercise patterns
- Emotional eating
Just as with any other health issue, for weight loss it is important to take the time to consider the patient’s full history. To say that weight loss is a matter of “calories in equals calories out” is an oversimplification. There are so many factors both large and small, that impact weight loss.
Nutrition is Key
Nutrition often has the largest impact over time. The majority of the items listed above are impacted by nutrition. When the body has all of the vital components that it needs to heal, and is not ingesting substances which are toxic to it, many health issues including excess weight often resolve themselves.
Fad diets, deprivation, and fake package diet foods are never the answer. When your body is correctly fueled with real whole food, and your metabolism is functioning optimally, you’ll understand how marvelous “normal” can be.
Additional Benefits of Resolving Issues Related to Weight Loss
Once the factors that affect your body’s ability to lose weight are identified and addressed, and your body has the nourishment it needs, you’ll see results. Those results won’t only consist of weight loss. Many patients also experience:
- Relief from digestive upsets and bloating
- Elimination of yeast infections
- Relief from chronic constipation
- Sounder, more restful sleep
- Less fatigue, and elimination of energy crashes during the day
- Freedom from sugar and carb cravings
- Improved immunity (fewer colds and flu’s)
- Reduced PMS and mood swings
- Reduction or elimination of headaches and migraines
- Improved health of skin, hair and nails
- Increased concentration and focus
If you struggled with being overweight, there’s probably more than one factor at work. My approach involves making traditional medical checks (and treatments where necessary), integrated with traditional Chinese medicine, allergy treatment, naturopathy, psychotherapy and professional nutritional advice where necessary to get results. Because we have a staff of professionals and a wide range of treatments available in one clinic, you can be sure that we will pay attention to every factor that has prevented you from losing weight.
You may have heard the old story: “When all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.” That’s the kind of thinking that has resulted in the proliferation of prescriptions written by many traditional medical practices. In our holistic and integrative practice, we offer a fully stocked toolbox, and know how to identify the correct tool(s) to address your particular challenges.
If you are in Hong Kong and struggling with weight gain, call us today at (+852) 2523 8044 to set up your appointment. You can also email for your appointment if that is more convenient.
