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Eight Weight Loss Issues: Beyond Food b y D r . B a r t P r e c o u r t
I s it possible that you are eating all the right things, exercising, avoiding sugar, no gluten, no processed foods, and many other modifications and you still can’t lose weight? Yes! Unfortunately, this is very common. Don’t give up! Sometimes you just need a new strategy. Below are eight reasons why some people don’t lose weight, even when exercise and diet are good. (Note: In clinic, I notice that usually people are experiencing more than one of the following at any given time.) INFLAMMATION: This is probably the most common. In simple terms, inflammation inter- rupts insulin signaling. This can lead to de- creased energy and, even worse, Insulin Resis- tance. Insulin is a fat storage hormone. The more you produce, the more you store in your
Several will benefit from having the proper lab work done and then creating a strategy with your health practitioner to pinpoint your course of action.
LIVER TOXICITY: Environmental toxins, or what we call “obesogens” are everywhere. GMO foods, gly- phosate, lotions, makeup, water, any non-Organic foods: these ALL have chemicals that your liver must
fat cells. Inflammation also impedes immune function. This in turn causes you to use more stress hormones such as cortisol, another hormone that leads to fat storage. Mold, bacteria, viruses, food allergens all can cause in- flammation. Cytokine reactions from viruses can block input from insulin, leading to more insulin resistance. This is why we saw so many people gain weight after having COVID. NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY: Classic over fed and under nourished. Too many calories, not enough nutrients. One of the biggest contributors is the depletion of vitamins and minerals from our soil. Empty calories tell your body to eat more. These are found in simple carbs such as bread, muffins, pasta, etc. MICROBIOME DYSFUNCTION: This is all about your gut health. When the bad bacteria overwhelm the good bacteria, the result is stubborn weight loss and gain. The primary culprit is the use of antibiotics. Often, they destroy good and bad bacteria. It’s not uncommon to see weight gains start roughly eight weeks after antibiotic use. SOCIAL NETWORK: This may be the most overlooked on this list. Your personal network of friends determines your lifestyle. Behavior is very influenced by your social network. For example: your friends drink wine at lunch, then so will you. These behaviors often impede weight loss goals. Conversely, they do yoga and have green juice after, so will you. Our behaviors are contagious to those around us. Consider putting yourself in environments that serve your wants.
Dr. Bart Precourt
deal with. Slowing your liver down with toxins slows down your entire metabolic system. Toxins are cumula- tive. So, it’s no surprise that for many their ability to lose weight is harder as they get older. Yet it’s not age, its toxins slowing down liver function. Learn to love your liver. MITOCHONDRIA ISSUES: Mitochondria are the power- house for the body. When healthy, they are giving us en- ergy and preventing the aging process. Chemicals, stress, alcohol, drugs, poor sleep, and a lifestyle of abuse is what breaks mitochondria down. The first sign is low energy levels. This is metabolism. Fortunately, with new gene testing we can measure how well they are functioning and improve through lifestyle choices. Imbalanced hormones fall into this category. You can gain and inhibit weight loss when there is a communica- tion breakdown. Stress, especially prolonged, will be the biggest reason for hormone imbalances. High estrogen is another reason your body will hold onto fat. Stress causes an increase in cortisol. Makes you hungrier, essentially so you can eat to have energy to deal with your stress (vi- cious cycle). This in turn leads to belly fat often accom- panied by skinny arms and legs. When eating under stress you can’t absorb nutrients. Stress also tells our cells to hold onto fat.
GENES: Some people have a predisposition to easily gain weight. Some have propensity to gain weight fast with certain foods like carbs. Although it may be in your genes, it does not have to be your destiny. Paying atten- tion to what works for you and knowing your own body is key. If you find yourself unable to lose weight yet are exercising and trying to eat right, don’t give up. These are smart and healthy actions to take. Take a look at the list. Some of these you can get to work on yourself. Several will benefit from having the proper lab work done and then creating a strategy with your health practitioner to pinpoint your course of action. Whatever it takes. You are worth it! Dr. Bart M. Precourt, D.C., is a Holistic Doctor, chiropractor, acupuncturist and nutritional consultant. For nearly 20 years he has helped people get healthy, lose weight and create healthy sustainable lifestyles. He currently practices in Seagrove Beach, FL at Balance Health Studio, www.balance30a.com. For a consultation, contact Balance Health Studio at (850) 231-9288.
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