This is the fourth in a series of articles about obesity. In this and upcoming articles, Dr. Gardner discusses how obesity happens; why losing weight is seemingly easy for some and nearly impossible for others; common misunderstandings about weight loss and gain; and some exclusive information from Dr. Gardner that proposes a unique theory and answers many of your questions.
A lady came to my office a few weeks ago, frustrated because she had been working out at least an hour a day with a trainer, eating only good food (and very little of it), and she was not losing weight.
Upon further exploring her situation, I learned that she had hired her sister to work for her, and their relationship was a nightmare. Her business was failing, even though she was working 60 plus hours each week, her debt load was building, and she was ready to declare bankruptcy.
Were all of these issues somehow interconnected?
Putting All the Clues Together
In preceding articles, we have discussed the inflammatory responses our bodies mount when we introduce non-foods and allergen-inciting foods into them. Chronic consumption of unhealthy food can generate unhealthy weight gain: obesity is a form of inflammatory response.
But what about the situations where our food choices simply do not fit as a reason for obesity? What if, as my patient above, I’m eating all the right things, but I’m still gaining weight (or unable to get it off)?
If weight loss were a simple “calories in—calories out” bank account, my patient would have been extremely successful. Her balanced weight would be assured.
If her weight were due to the types of food she is eating, she would still have balanced weight, because she is eating healthy, fresh, organic food.
But no: Neither of those scenarios fits. She’s consuming a healthy, low calorie diet. She is moving and exercising diligently. Where’s the disconnect in this scenario?
It’s stress.
Some people might ask, “But I thought stress revved you up and burned calories?”
Sometimes That’s True—At Least for a Time
Perhaps in the short-term stress might cause weight to diminish, but long-term stress causes some metabolic pitfalls that act more like quicksand, sucking our bodies into a helpless downward cycle that is seemingly impossible to escape.
During the stress state, two systems are activated. The pituitary sends hormones to the adrenal gland which, among other things, secretes cortisol, our natural steroid. This causes the liver to release glucose, which is helpful—in the short term.
Unfortunately, over a long period of time, this rise in glucose is matched with a rise in insulin, eventually contributing to insulin resistance.
Now we have inflammation, increased fat conversion because of the elevation in sugar in the blood, and a decreased ability in the body to break fat down.
Wow, this doesn’t sound good. Fortunately, it takes time for this to take place, but we don’t want to ignore the early warnings.
And high steroid (cortisol) excretion doesn’t just stop there in causing damage to the body. Cortisol does two more serious things:
• it increases protein breakdown, including muscle mass
• it suppresses the immune system
As if that is not enough, stress stimulates the adrenal gland to secrete more aldosterone, a hormone that helps us retain salt and water. Of course, in a ‘fight or flight’ state where we might be bleeding, or our life in danger, this is a good thing. However, again, long term, there will be fluid retention. Our subsequent edema then creates discomfort upon movement, and has the appearance of obesity.
Additionally, when we are stressed, our sympathetic nervous system kicks into full gear. The life-saving mechanisms help us through the immediate danger, but their long-term effects will pull us down. Intestinal motility is slowed down, leading to constipation and reabsorption of more toxins (and more inflammation). All digestive processes are reduced—diminished gastric juices, decreased release of pancreatic enzymes and relaxation of the gall bladder so fat breakdown is impaired. When food is not digested, it likewise is not absorbed. This makes food for a wild party in the large intestine, which may include gas and bloating and cramping.
And, and, and if that isn’t enough, the sympathetic nervous system stimulation decreases blood flow to the kidneys and increases release of anti-diuretic hormone, both of which cause further fluid retention. Look out: swollen body coming soon.
We need to learn to manage our stress, before it manages us. Identify the likely stresses in your life—financial, relationships, work. Make sure you are doing what you are supposed to be doing in life, finding fulfillment and value in your life and in your life’s work.
I like the thoughts of the Serenity Prayer:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
We need to find a personal outlet to build up our internal reserves and help us with the perspective we need to stay rejuvenated. This may include
• Yoga,
• meditation,
• a walk in nature,
• energy work (Jin Shin Jyutsu, massage therapy, Reiki, acupuncture)
• and a host of other actions, which I’ll be discussing in upcoming articles.
If this and other articles I have written on weight loss are helpful to you (or not), I would appreciate your feedback and suggestions at this short survey:
https://www.stangardnermd.com/balancedweight
Please visit my website, www.stangardner.com, to get more information.
As you de-stress your life, your distress will ease. May it be so.
To your dynamic health and energy!
Dr. Stan
