Sustainable Weight Loss

Sustainable Weight Loss

If you had the option to lose 20 pounds in 30 days and likely gain it back, or lose 20 pounds over 10 weeks and be more likely to maintain it for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

It's officially one month into the New Year and like most people, we've all made New Years resolutions. There's one that never seems to fail making it into the top 5: “lose weight”.

Our society seems to be fixated on finding a quick and easy way of losing weight. In fact, today I read  “How to lose 20 pounds in 30 days (without exercise)” on the back cover of a top selling book. Advertisements seem to be selling their secret formula to weight loss everywhere you look! 

The truth of the matter is that not everyone needs to lose weight even if they don't fit the stereotypical mold, and there is no secret, quick, and easy weight loss formula. Even if there was, there are a number of downfalls to losing weight quickly including gaining the weight back rapidly. 

Would you be surprised to hear that the ideal rate of weight-loss that is sustainable is 2 pounds per week?

Everyone has a unique body, with it's own optimal weight, shape, and size. Being healthy isn't about losing weight, it's about being at the weight that is right for you. 

I propose that the goal be changed from “lose weight” to “achieve and maintain a healthy weight”. 

There are many different factors that cause us to stray away from our optimal weight, whether it be hormones, emotional conflicts and stress, our metabolism, smoking, mental illness, exercise, diet, food sensitivities... just to name a few. 

For this reason, I suggest that the task be approached in a way that is tailored to fit each of us as unique individuals.

I believe that achieving a healthy weight is simply one of many side-effects of optimizing your health. 

By optimizing your health, you can achieve your healthy weight and experience it's many benefits. Maintaining a healthy weight is linked to a positive self-image, and is preventative against a number of  conditions including depression and other psychiatric disorders, high cholesterol, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disorders, sleep disorders, osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal disorders, and cancer. 

If you are looking to lose weight, you should consider working with a professional that can help you develop a personalized plan. Some important principles that work for most people include the basics: a healthy diet (suited to your body), not eating while on the run, and an individualized exercise plan at least 3 times a week. 

Whether achieving your healthy weight requires a loss of 5 pounds or 105 pounds, naturopathic medicine can support you. Naturopathic medicine can help you identify the cause and contributing factors of your excess weight and develop the best treatment plan that suits both your means and lifestyle. 

It is important to remember that achieving your healthy weight is not a quick and easy fix. It is an individualized lifestyle change that is an investment in your health and can impact your health for a lifetime!

Dr. Cristina, ND