Shedding extra pounds can be tricky as we age.
What's the deal?
Sponsored by HormonalbrHealth and Wellness Center
By Samantha Pailes RN,brMSN, ANP
Why is it that the ability to lose weight becomes morebrdifficult with each passing year? In ourbr20's and early 30's, we can “cut back” or occasionally hit the gym and easilybrfit into our “skinny jeans”. However, asbrwe age, weight loss is no longer as simple as calories intake equates to caloriesbrouttake.
Diet is a dreaded word for most. However, there is not a one-size-fits-allbrdiet because each person's genetic make up is different. We all know thatbreating too much can make you fat, but it is crucial that caloric intake bebradequate. Eating too few calories can put the body into starvation mode,brhalting any weight loss and can actually cause weight gain in some. In healthy individuals, a diet should consistbrof adequate amounts of lean protein, low glycemic vegetables and fruit, wholebrgrains, healthy oils (think olive and canola), nuts and legumes.
Weight management is complex and includes many facets. Althoughbrdiet and exercise are the most obvious ways to manage weight, hormonebrrestoration and balance can also play a major role as well.
For instance, testosterone is both a male and female hormonebrwith many functions in the body. As webrage, testosterone levels decrease — setting us up for weight gain in severalbrways. When testosterone levels decrease,brcortisol and insulin levels increase. brOver time, elevated insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance,brresulting in unwanted belly fat. Consequently, low levels of testosterone makebrit difficult to maintain muscle mass, which decreases one's resting metabolicbrrate, possibly resulting in weight gain. brHowever, optimizing testosterone levels improves body composition bybrreducing fat mass and increasing lean body mass. Additionally, testosterone helps to stabilizebrblood glucose and insulin levels making weight loss easier.
Just as low testosterone can make weight loss morebrdifficult, an underactive (hypothyroid) or suboptimal thyroid can also lead tobrweight gain and the inability to lose weight. The thyroid gland plays a majorbrrole in our metabolism. Thyroid hormonesbrcontrol the efficiency and speed at which all of our cells work. Some symptomsbrof hypothyroid may include fatigue, hair loss, dry hair, skin and nails, weightbrgain, depression, constipation, and cold extremities: Hands and feet. Hypothyroidism has become an epidemic in ourbrcountry and often goes undiagnosed. It is possible for an individual to bebrhypothyroid and have “normal” blood test levels. This phenomenon is known asbrthyroid resistance or type 2 hypothyroid. brThe thyroid is actually producing hormones, but the body tissue isbrresistant to those hormones. Have you ever thought it was your thyroid but werebrtold your thyroid labs were "normal"? Normal is not always optimalbrwhen it comes to hormones and thyroid. Hundreds of thousands of Americans arebrbeing left untreated because the labs levels were "in the normalbrrange" — even though patients have the physical signs and symptoms of lowbrthyroid or low testosterone.
Are you struggling with unwanted pounds? Are you sick and tiredbrof being sick and tired? Speak with your health care provider — or find abrprovider that is well versed in hormone balance — about having your hormonesbrtested and getting on a food plan and exercise regime that is right for you.brNot only will you fit into those skinny jeans, you will have more energy, whichbrwill help prevent many chronic diseases!
Samantha Pailes is a Certified Adult Nurse Practitionerbrspecializing in weight management and natural hormone restoration and balancebrat Hormonal Health and Wellness Center in Southlake. She has spentbrthe last 4 years in bariatric/weightloss medicine and hormone balance andbrrestoration. Sam lives in Southlake with her 2 boys.