The Truth Behind Weight Loss
Most people assume that weight gain or loss is the result of a simple formula:
calories in - calories out = weight gain/loss
In many cases, this formula is an accurate way to predict whether you will gain or lose weight. For example, if you eat 3,000 calories in a day but only burn 2,000, you're left with 1,000 calories stored as body fat to be used when needed. If the next day you were to eat 1,000 calories and burn 2,000, your body could use the 1,000 calories it had stored from the day before. The problem is that for most people who consume more calories than they burn, the pattern is a continuous one. The equation rarely gets an opportunity to tip in the other direction and balance itself out.
However, the problem with this equation is that it is extremely two-dimensional. The truth is that there are multiple factors that affect weight loss/gain; calories vs calories out is only part of the picture.
Other Factors That Affect Weight Loss
1. Stress
2. Sleep Schedules
Getting adequate sleep each night is an important step to losing weight. Losing sleep at night (potentially as little as 30 minutes) stimulates your body to produce more hormones that signal feelings of hunger, even when you're full. By ensuring 7-9 hours of sleep per night, you'll be less likely to crave food unnecessarily.
3. Dehydration
Experts recommend that you drink at least 64 ounces (eight 8-oz glasses) of water per day. If you aren't hitting this baseline, it's possible that you're consuming additional calories simply because your body is dehydrated. Experts recommend that you drink at least 8 ounces of water before every meal. By filling your stomach with water, you'll be less likely to consume extra calories at your meals. This is especially important before breakfast, since most people get dehydrated throughout the night.
4. Genetics
As much as we might like try to convince ourselves otherwise, the tendency towards obesity really is genetic. If you have a certain gene called the FTO gene, you will be more vulnerable to obesity and type 2 diabetes. It's important to recognize that having this gene does not automatically guarantee that you will be overweight, but most likely it will (unfortunately) make your weight loss journey more challenging.
5. Skipping Meals
If you're trying to lose weight, skipping meals may seem like an obvious strategy. While it's true that missing a few meals will lower your calorie intake, it likely won't help you reach your weight loss goals. If you wait several hours between meals, your body will likely lower your metabolism to conserve energy. While it may seem counter-intuitive, eating small meals every 2-3 hours is likely the better option.
The Lime In The Coconut Can Help You Meet Your Weight Loss Goals!
If you have been struggling to lose weight, consider our Lake of the Ozarks compounding pharmacy your go-to resource. We offer a variety of weight loss solutions, including the HCG diet and Metaid, our new exclusive high fat, low carb dietary lifestyle. For more information about our weight loss services in central Missouri, contact our pharmacy at 573-964-6786. We look forward to helping you!
Feel As Good On The Inside As You Do On The Outside!
111 Crossings West, Suite 6
PO Box 2145
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
(573) 964-6786
Hours:
Monday-Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday-Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
