Metabolic Imbalances Leading to Excess Body Weight
Understanding metabolism and the science behind the imbalances that lead to excess body weight reveals why diets don’t fix this problem in the long term and may actually lead to additional weight gain. Because obesity is a symptom of a metabolic condition, which is a medical problem, abnormal weight gain is not your fault.
Scientific research, particularly in the past 25 years, has shown that obesity is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Many individuals are ‘weight prone’ while some are ‘weight resistant.’ The scientific evidence illustrates that while exercise and nutritious eating bring health benefits, they don’t have the power to reverse metabolic dysfunction or lead to meaningful long-term weight loss for those who are affected by obesity.
Excess body weight is not a problem in itself, but rather a symptom of underlying metabolism malfunction.
Another counterintuitive reality is that excess body weight is not a problem in itself, but rather is a symptom. In fact, 50% of people with obesity have healthy blood pressure and cholesterol and blood glucose levels, while 25% of normal-weight people have unhealthy levels. Therefore, obesity does not automatically indicate that someone is unhealthy or unfit, just as being in a normal-weight range does not mean someone is healthy or fit.
At CCM, we perform a precise, individualized medical evaluation of adults and children with weight imbalance. This workup includes indicators that identify underlying causes of obesity which are often medically treatable. We then develop an individualized strategy emphasizing medical treatment along with a supportive lifestyle to help restore normal metabolic function. Though the vast majority of patients respond to treatment, the results don’t happen overnight.