"Weight loss is no mystery. It's just a mathematical equation: energy in minus energy out equals fat loss or fat gain," I was informed by a paradoxically large-girthed weight loss expert. "Should make perfect sense," I replied, "but a lot of people do seem to do the right thing and still struggle. And there's more than one reason why things can go wrong, and they all relate to a sluggish metabolism."

Unfortunately, for many of the overweight and obese individuals in Australia today who do the right thing and still struggle to lose weight, the maths just don't seem to add up and it becomes more of a mystery than an equation. And just like all good mysteries, it is the subplots that prove just as important as the main story.

Years ago, I found myself stuck in my own personal 'Groundhog Day'. The recurring problem involved patients swearing that they ate like a bird and exercised often. The mystery deepens.
Despite there being a new book or expert appearing around every corner, all touting the latest diet to "melt away those unwanted kilos", the number of heavier Aussies overtook their slim counterparts at an increasing rate of six to four.

The plot thickens. I do acknowledge that there are a good many overweight, over eating, binge drinking couch potatoes who are very deserving of their increased girth. No mystery there. But I am also aware that there are many people who do the right thing with fair adherence to the golden rules of weight loss and yet still meet with problems in losing their excess fat. Thus, it has gradually become very clear to me that there is no one perfect weight loss rule or remedy that suits everyone.

For some lucky people, eating from smaller plates and adding an extra 15 minutes of puffing a day is enough, but for the rest, an individualised approach is required.

For starters, let's look at exercise. While many people trying to lose weight take up walking, not everyone achieves the expected fat loss. Walking is touted as the perfect form of exercise, but unless the pace is stepped up to make you puff it may not be adequate to induce fat loss. This makes perfect sense when you realise that puffing is designed to get more oxygen to your cells to accommodate an increase in your cells' rate of metabolism. Such a metabolic increase means a faster burning of fat. Therefore, walk at a brisk pace and puff for an hour and you will burn more fat than if you stroll for an hour. Add to this the fact that the faster walk leaves you with an elevated metabolism for the rest of the day and the total calories burnt through more vigorous exercise become even greater. Move it faster to lose it faster.

Consider also, the fact that heavier individuals have an advantage if they wish to use it - the extra weight. Researchers at the University of Iowa found that wearing weighted vests increased the metabolic cost in walkers. So, while overweight walkers may already achieve this effect, as they lose weight the same walk may not offer the same metabolic challenge. By adding weights they can prevent hitting a weight loss wall. Get heavier to get lighter.
Many overweight females have an ovarian dysfunction called Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), which many have been led to believe caused their weight problem. This alibi will not stand up. PCOD is actually caused by insulin resistance, whereby the body's cells become less effective at responding to the blood sugar controlling hormone insulin. The primary culprit, insulin resistance, is a lifestyle disease which is sweeping the nation caused by a variety of influences including inactivity, stress, over-eating and deficiencies, resulting in about a quarter of the population having the condition which has dire health consequences.

Dysfunctional thyroid and adrenal glands can both also contribute to weight gain and do so frequently, bringing with them an array of telltale symptoms that let on that there is more to this individual's weight problem. These glands tend to be very susceptible to stress, an obvious big issue these days.

Chronic inflammation, low androgen hormones (testosterone, DHEA and androstenedione), low muscle mass, free radical excess, nutrient deficiencies, infections and depression are just a few of the problems which can impede weight loss.

It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to work out that many people are overweight because they simply eat too much and don't get enough exercise. But for many others, the answer can be more complicated. So, if you have found yourself embroiled in a weight loss mystery, perhaps it was the serving size that did it after all, or maybe it was the fact that your butt rarely left the seat. But before you convict the usual suspects make sure you consider the obscure characters lurking in the shadows. Solving your own personal mystery can help reveal a better state of health and wellbeing, so go seek.

Good health,

Jeremy Hill.
Jeremy Hill (Diploma of Natural Therapy)
is a Qualified Naturopath

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