Losing Weight It's Not Just About Eating Less and Exercising More

By Jessica Hardy, NP

It's no secret, America has an obesity problem. Obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable death in our country affecting more than 34.9 percent of Americans.

Most of us are familiar with these facts yet still struggle to lose weight. Then why is losing weight so hard? No one says, “I want to be fat” or “I want diabetes”. It may not be entirely your fault. Losing weight is not just about eating less and exercising more.

Food Addiction

The food industry shares much of the blame as they purposely manufacture their food to be addicting and to keep you coming back for more, never satisfied (NYTimes.com, 2013). Couple with this with over-saturation of these unhealthy foods and you are doomed. It doesn't help that we live in a society that overly celebrates

food either.

Food is the central theme of socialization and good fun in our culture. It's no wonder weight loss is a struggle for some. Liken it to a recovering drug addict who is offered their drug of choice at every encounter.

Genetics

Genetically, some people are designed do better with certain diet plans than others. They may be more inclined to crave certain foods more than others or lose weight better with certain types of exercise.

Medical Problems

Certain medications can promote weight gain, and some medical conditions can limit fat loss. Finding the balance between these is critical in combating obesity.

Hormonal Shifts

Of course as we age our hormonal changes can interfere with weight loss, but daily hormonal fluctuations can also play a major role. Medical guidance may be essential for those that find that diet and exercise alone has not solved their weight problem. Having a medical professional that understands the dynamics of obesity is critical in your long term success.

The best medical weight loss treatment plan starts with a thorough assessment to identify your unique challenges (mentally, emotionally and physically). Treatment may include disease management, nutrient supplementation, prescription therapy, behavior therapy, and/or ongoing support.