Weight loss occurs for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons for weight loss are: a change in body size resulting from growth, metabolism or remodeling, changes in eating habits or activity, changes in the physiology of the body such as growth or metabolism and/or serious illness, such as cancer or heart disease. The major cause of death from obesity is obesity related deaths. Losing weight may slow the aging process and slow the development of serious illnesses such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and colon cancer. It also helps people to achieve their optimum physical health.
A weight loss doctor is an experienced professional who will help you evaluate your present health status, determine your ideal weight, discuss treatment options, and provide referrals to qualified providers. Weight loss is usually a result of a reduction in body fat, increased muscle mass or fluid, decreased body water and tissue mass or increased usage of energy. Other contributing causes for weight loss are, but aren’t restricted to, viral infection, cancer, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, depression, viral infection (including CMV or HIV) and gastrointestinal tract infection. Other uncharacteristic conditions that frequently accompany a weight loss disorder are sleep apnea, hypoglycemia and nutritional deficiencies. The most important nutritional factor in the fight against weight loss is adequate nutrition and regular exercise.
Metabolism normally decreases with a body weight of about ten pounds. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that a person losing ten pounds (out of a total body weight of forty pounds) would have the normal rate of metabolism. The decrease in metabolism can be slowed considerably by severe caloric restriction or excessive exercise. Because the decrease in metabolism is most pronounced at the heavier end of the body weight range, persons who are severely obese can expect to lose ten pounds after a period of ten percent weight loss.
In spite of the slowing of metabolism, exercise can play an important role in prolonging the weight loss process. The amount of calories required by the body in order to maintain its basal rate of metabolism increases with body fat percentage. Therefore, exercise duration needs to be tailored to increase calorie expenditure relative to body size. Weight loss can also be increased by the combination of dietary changes and regular physical activity. Combining a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrate with regular physical activity can help to sculpt a leaner, meaner body. Furthermore, the combination of dieting with exercise can reduce the potential for serious dieting related complications such as osteoporosis and kidney stones.
It is common for individuals to lose weight without realizing it until they reach a healthy body weight. This phenomenon is known as weight regain. Weight regain occurs when a person regains all of the weight they had lost during a period of rapid weight loss. This is often caused by nutritional deficiencies. This is why it is important to talk to a qualified nutritionist or healthcare provider before beginning a new diet and to make sure there are no nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing to weight loss.
It should be clear that dieting and physical activity habits play an important role in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. However, it is also important for people to realize that a successful weight loss and maintenance plan involve making more than just one change to their lifestyle. These changes include the modification of dietary habits, the addition of some type of regular physical activity habits, and the modification of an overall exercise program. Any of these changes can have a meaningful effect on the health and well-being of an individual. The key is for people to be willing to commit to these changes in order to see real, lasting results.