Weight Loss Resistance

Weight Loss Resistance 

Are you a little “fluffier” then you were a year ago?

If so, you’re not the only one.

A recent survey found that 61% of Americans that were polled (over 3,000)

reported weight gain, with 42% experiencing an average weight increase of 29 pounds

and 10% gaining over 50, since the pandemic began.

Moving less, higher stress, and unhealthy habits can all attribute to this rise and considering what we’ve been through this past year, the numbers are not all that much of a shock to Dr. Graves:

“We have all been under stress – whether we were directly or indirectly affected by the virus and with less movement (from no access to gyms to little time spent walking around the grocery store) it can affect any of us with weight gain.

Even our dog, Mowgli, has gained 4 pounds!”

But now that we are slowly coming out of hibernation and trying to shed the extra weight, some of us may be experiencing weight loss resistance.

Why is it that you can work out and eat right but still can’t lose weight?

It may all come down to high stress levels.

Stress produces the hormone cortisol.  Cortisol is the body’s natural reply to the fight-or-flight response in managing stress, and lately, this may mean that of the pandemic (such as social distancing, remote learning, loss of personal activities, etc.).

However, when stress is high, especially for an extended period of time (we’re looking at you most of 2020) it can actually store fat.

This means that no matter how hard your workouts are, if your stress levels aren’t properly managed, that fat probably isn’t going anywhere.

Click here to read more about exercise, unbalanced cortisol, and weight gain.

 So what should you do?

If you think stress is attributing to your weight loss resistance, it may be time to address that before doubling the iron you’re pumping.

Calming cortisol levels can actually be a relaxing and welcoming part of your daily routine.

One of the most effective exercises in reducing cortisol?

Walking.  Using this as a foundation to your day may help relieve stress and clear your mind.

Acupuncture can also be a highly powerful way to address high cortisol by calming the nervous system.

In addition to walking and acupuncture:

• eating healthy protein at each meal
• taking supplements such as Adrenal Response® by Innate Response and Lavela WS 1265™ by          Integrative Therapeutics®
• utilizing CBD
• drinking adaptogen teas such as Tulsi and Ashwaghanda
• practicing yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques
• journaling
• reflecting/talking with others about your day
• getting massages
• light weight training
• taking part in personal hobbies and interests

can all help manage stress and balance cortisol.

Note that it may not happen overnight – especially if your stress has been chronic.  Stay mindful that the body may need some time (days to weeks and even months, in some cases) to rebalance itself so give it the space it needs.

We know it can seem counterintuitive to lower the intensity of your workouts in order to lose weight.  However, working out smarter rather than harder may be exactly what you need in order to shed the extra fluffiness.

For naturopathic support (as well as testing for cortisol levels, hormones, etc.), please call us at (303) 688-6698 or schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves to talk about your issue.

The CNMA office provides naturopathic care, testing, massage, and holistic counseling to those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area.  For those outside of these areas, virtual appointments are available.

REFERENCES:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-weight-gain-30-pounds-pandemic/