The Link Between Insulin Resistance and Weight Gain
Losing weight is hard enough, but when you learn about the link between insulin resistance resistance, weight gain and health problems, you’ll be able to make the necessary changes in your life that can lower your insulin resistance for weight loss and decrease your risk for many common health conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, stroke and heart attack and cancer.
What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance is a condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. This decreased sensitivity can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which, over time, may result in weight gain and other health issues. Insulin resistance can be diagnosed through simple blood tests and and body composition measurements,
The Link Between Insulin Resistance and Weight Gain
Insulin resistance can contribute to weight gain in several ways. Firstly, the body may produce more insulin to compensate for the decreased effectiveness of the hormone. This excess insulin can promote fat storage, particularly visceral fat around the abdomen, leading to increased body weight.
My patient Maria came to see me for weight gain and a recent diagnosis of high blood pressure. She was worried about developing heart disease like her father, who had died in his 60’s of a heart attack. She was in a stressful job that required 2 hours of commuting every week day and often her work spilled over to the weekends. She had poor sleep, was exhausted all the time and had no time to exercise or make meals at home, so she survived on drive thru breakfasts and dinners.
We did Functional Medicine lab testing which revealed insulin resistance, high normal blood sugar and high cholesterol, along with inflammation.
I started Maria on the Mediterranean Diet with emphasis on a high level of plants in her diet, and taught her how to meal prep for the week ahead. She started on berberine, probiotics and therapeutic multivitamin, and was starting to walk for half an hour each day during breaks at work.
We also worked on creating good sleep habits and stress reduction techniques to practice every day.
Maria lost 20 pounds over the course of 16 weeks and her energy had returned. She also lowered her blood pressure, insulin, inflammation and other markers of heart disease. She now enjoyed making her meals in advance at home and had joined a local hiking meetup group and went to a yoga class twice a week.
Health Risks Associated with Insulin Resistance
Beyond weight gain, insulin resistance poses significant health risks. It is a precursor to type 2 diabetes, a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Additionally, insulin resistance is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.
If you are insulin resistant, you are more likely to create fat cells and not be able to break down fat cells. The resulting weight gain, inflammation and hormone disruptions raise your risk for different types of cancer.
Managing Insulin Resistance: Lifestyle Changes to Consider
While insulin resistance can seem daunting, lifestyle changes can help mitigate its effects. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, and maintaining a healthy weight are key strategies. These lifestyle adjustments can improve insulin sensitivity, prevent weight gain, and reduce the risk of developing diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Natural remedies like berberine, probiotics, and fiber supplements can help to lower your insulin resistance when combines with a healthyMediterranean diet, while eliminating ultra processed foods like fast foods, fried food, unhealthy fat, commercially prepared baked goods, sugar and alcohol.
It is my goal to help patients understand that taking the steps needed to lower insulin resistance is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
By making proactive lifestyle changes, individuals can manage this condition effectively and reduce associated risks.
In Health,
Dr. Helene
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