Unlocking the Puzzle: How Your Metabolism, Gut Health, and Food Preferences Influence Your Weight and Well-being
Forget the old idea that losing weight is as simple as adding one plus one to get two. No, experts say it's more like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. The cheat code to success is about improving the quality of your food, not just counting calories.
Turns out, calories have a secret life of their own. The way your body processes calories is influenced by three key factors: your metabolism, your gut health, and the type of food you eat.
Metabolism
Your metabolism has a "set point" that controls your weight. This “set point” has a way of stopping your weight from going above or below a certain level. This can make it hard to gain or lose weight, leading to a plateau and making it easy to gain back weight after losing a lot. A prime example of this was seen in the show, The Biggest Loser. Intense diets and exercise routines resulted in significant weight loss, but their body's "set point” made it tough to keep the weight off after returning home and leaving the isolated environment.
Gut Health
Your gut has many tiny organisms. They play a big role in your body’s ability to absorb calories and in turn influence your weight. In a Harvard Medical School Study, researchers found that taking the gut organisms from lean participants and placing them into the overweight participants, showed significant changes on the scale. Weight loss magic. Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford said this happens because some gut organisms break down and use more calories from certain foods better than others.
Food Choices
A 2019 study published in Cell Metabolism found that eating processed foods makes people eat more calories than eating unprocessed foods. People who ate ultra-processed foods ended up eating around 500 more calories every day. Showing the importance of the type of foods you consume in order to manage your weight.
Some journeys are best taken with a guide. If you're ready to make lasting changes, consider reaching out to a professional. They can provide you with a tailored plan to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Take the first step towards a healthier you. Your future self will thank you!
Emmanuel Ofori - eMotivates
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Fitness Professional