Weight loss

WEIGHT LOSS

At any given time there is usually at least one book on dieting or nutrition in the New York Times best selling list, which illustrates the intense level of interest in dieting and weight.

Q. Despite doing a low calorie diet (1000 calories) for 6 weeks I only lose 2-3 lbs while my friend loses 10 lbs?

A. This illustrates frustration and upset that many people feel about dieting. It is unfair, but true, that people with similar diet and exercise levels have widely different weight loss. Undoubtedly, there are some unknown metabolic factors, but some of the reasons for the differences are outlined below. Overall, a combined programme including food intolerance, herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, can be successfully used in unexpected weight gain.

Patients attending the Clinic have often tried a variety of weight reduction diets with limited success. Initial assessment would include outruling medical conditions, e.g. Hypothyroidism, Diabetes and a fasting lipid profile to evaluate cholesterol / lipid metabolism.

Q. Can HRT and the Pill put on weight?

A. Yes, most certainly. On average, hormonal preparations can put on approximately 8lbs of weight. This appears to be due to affects on both metabolism and fluid retention. Many people gain a considerable amount of weight premenstrually and this can be successfully treated with diet and supplements.

Q. I seem to put on more weight and retain fluids with certain foods?

A. This is very common in patients with Food Allergy/Intolerance where specific foods have much more of an impact on weight gain and fluid retention than others. Usually other symptoms of Food Intolerance including Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Sinusitis, Eczema, joint pains etc. are present. I do feel that a comprehensive Allergy questionnaire combined with Allergy testing is important in patients with unexplained weight gain. A considerable amount of weight and fluid is often lost within a few weeks when the offending foods are removed.

Q. Can recurrent thrush contribute to weight gain?

A. You could very well have yeast/sugar sensitivity (Candida Syndrome). Foods containing sugars and yeasts are particularly prone to cause weight gain in this condition. Diagnosis is on history and sometimes on allergy testing. This condition generally responds well to a combination of diet, nutritional supplementation and anti-fungal medication.

Q. I have heard of a new drug to reduce absorption of fat. Should I use it?

A. Over the last few years, different medications have come on the market. Some of these aim to reduce absorption of fat from the bowel. They have some modest success in selected individuals combined with diet. Side effects include diarrhoea and loss of Vitamins and Minerals. Apart from the side effects, overall, I feel they are unlikely to be of benefit.

Q. Can Vitamins and Minerals help lose weight?

A. Yes. Depending on your history, different supplements are indicated including B Vitamins, Magnesium, Chromium (good for regulating blood sugar), Zinc and Q10 can be used.

It goes without saying that any good weight reduction treatment should always be combined with a regular exercise programme which would be recommended to suit each individual.