Preventing Long-Term Weight Gain
A recent study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, investigating the causes of weight gain, was published in the New England Journal of Medicine this past June. As a Naturopathic Doctor the results are confirmatory and predictable. However, this may be just the information that folks need to make some healthy changes long term.
*Minimally processed foods – Cutting back on processed foods and focusing on single ingredient foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
What was interesting was the recognition by the school of public health that making poor food choices impacts body metabolism and can change hunger, insulin responses, feelings of fullness, and influence eating behaviors related to portions and cravings. In essence, once we have changed the body responses chemically by choosing high carbohydrate, processed foods, it becomes challenging to re-set the metabolism. A sluggish metabolism can negatively impact hormone levels. This situation is something I routinely see in my patients who are overweight. A weight loss plan is necessary in conjunction with a hormonal balancing program as well.
Additional results showed that the amount of TV-viewed per hour, amount of daily exercise, and unbalanced sleep were contributing factors to weight gain.
As Frank Hu one of the head researchers puts it, “The findings of this study underscore the importance of making wise food choices in preventing weight gain and obesity.”
Note from Dr. P:
-Be Healthy, Happy & Holistic