If review of diet and exercise does not reveal more calories in than calories out then a metabolic affect or fluid imbalance must be behind weight gain. You may begin by using :
1.
http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/dee
to calculate how many calories you use live on. It takes a deficit of 3500 calories, (or expenditure of these calories through exercise). If you do not see any weight loss despite a documented calorie deficit get your thyroid, and other hormones checked.
In an effort to gain control over portions (or get motivated to exercise), acupuncture is considered an effective alternative intervention. Acupuncture, a 5000 year old Chinese art is safe and non-addictive and is reported to be effective for treatment for disruptions in proper body function. The goals for weight loss may include improved overall mood and well being, appetite suppression and increased metabolic rate.
An acupuncture physician determines-based on root causes of weight gain, which points should be used for each treatment. This assessment will look at issues of fat distribution, emotional status, eating habits and mood. Carefully choosing a reputable specialist is important since effective treatment calls for accurate technique and this is an invasive technique calling for good hygiene technique and clean equipment. The insertion of the hair like needles stimulates a natural release of endorphin, the body's own "feel-good" pain-relieving chemicals. It may be that one way acupuncture weight loss treatments help control appetite is by releasing endorphin. It's effects are mostly secondary so it should be included as part of an overall plan. A personal trainer and diet advisor is also excellent for focusing efforts and identifying stalling issues. This and support related help in dieting is said to have the highest correlation with long term significant success. I have also used yoga myself including yoga Nidre or image guidance yoga to focus efforts and improve mood. (I've lost 178 pounds total) The calories I burn are limited but it affects my appetite and well being.
A good supplement plan, including a multi-vitamin and essential fatty acids, and potential weight loss promoting supplements such as green tea extract, biotin, chromium and hoodia can stimulate weight loss, energy, mood and temporarily suppress appetite. Soy protein has been shown to regulate hormones, especially estrogen and improve digestion and metabolism overall. Read labels and be cautious but the body seems to use these nutrients in the process and these positive steps in the right direction may be enough to get some momentum.
I rely on the math when the weight loss stalls. I can read the numbers, know the rate I burn and ingest calories and can allow other fluctuations to fade next to other improvements and the promise of the eventual reward
Edited by cch771 on September 4 2006 at 8:09 AM
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