Weight Loss For Women
Menopausal weight gain
As women get older, maintaining a healthy and consistent body weight becomes increasingly difficult. The years leading up to menopause (perimenopause) often lead to weight gain, specifically in the abdominal area. A woman’s hormonal changes, genetic factors and/or lifestyle are often times the direct cause of weight gain.
During perimenopause a woman’s ovaries stop releasing eggs and for some women this stage may last only a few months or continue for 10 years. Since the ovaries produce less estrogen during this phase, the body searches for other ways to obtain estrogen and since fat cells produce estrogen, the body therefore converts calories to fat in order to compensate for the loss of estrogen.
Another factor that contributes to menopausal weight gain is the loss of muscle mass. As women age, their muscle mass decreases, which in turn causes the body fat to rise creating an overall increase in the individual’s body mass index (BMI).
Other factors such as life changes like divorces, deaths, and stress with one’s career or children can cause stress during this time as well. Genetic factors certainly play a role in weight gain, as many who find themselves’ experiencing menopausal weight gain see a similar composition in those of whom they are genetically related to.
Women who experience weight gain during menopause are certainly at risk for cardiovascular issues, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, all of which have serious implications if not treated accordingly. Weight gain can also increase a woman’s likelihood of getting certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
Our program can help women avoid these complications that often come with sustained weight gain. Give us a call to learn more about what we can do for you.
Healthy weight loss during the post partum period
The importance of eating foods full of vital nutrients is just as imperative during a pregnancy as it is during the post partum period. A healthy and relatively slow weight loss regiment is desired in order to maintain effective results and a healthy body especially for breastfeeding. Dramatic weight loss can increase a woman’s risk to releasing toxins to the milk, which in turn creates health issues for the baby.
Although women’s breast milk can stay adequate even if the mother is not eating a perfect diet, it is still important to note that women who have a diet that consists of low calories or completely excludes certain food groups can in turn affect their baby’s health. It is also normal for a woman to listen to her body during the breastfeeding phase. Often times, a new mom will find herself hungry since the body is working 24/7 to produce breast milk for the new baby. One effective way to handle this situation is to eat smaller and more frequent healthy meals in order to prevent the body from drawing from reserves, which can cause depletion, exhaustion, and loss of stamina for the mother.
Slow weight loss is the most important element to post-baby weight loss. Moderate exercise is also encouraged in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, since each woman’s body is genetically different, losing weight after a baby will vary. Many factors contribute to weight loss for the individual woman including factors such as metabolism, activity level, food choices, and the person’s genetic makeup.
Food choice is important in terms of variety and balance during this time. Your food choice can also determine how hungry you get during meals. Meals full of protein, carbohydrates and good fat found in olive oil and fatty fish, can help balance a woman’s diet. It is also safe to choose fruits and vegetables that include a low level of pesticides, or to avoid these completely and choose organic fruits and vegetables. If breastfeeding, women should also maintain a consistent level of DHA in thier diet (found in cold water fish), Vitamin D, and Calcium in order to maintain the nutritional value of the breast milk.
Make an appointment today to speak with our specialist about losing weight in the most effective and efficient way after having a baby.
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
You don’t have to be in menopause to experience a decline in your hormone levels. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy promotes better well being and vitality as well as addresses many of the aliments surrounding decreased hormone levels.
We are pleased to present BioTE® Bio-Identical Hormone Pellet Therapy for women and men. It is a safe and effective way of optimizing one’s hormones with no harmful side effects. The pellets will promote better well-being and vitality as well as address many of the ailments surrounding decreased hormone levels.
If you have any of the following symptoms you may be a candidate for BioTE® Pellet Hormone Therapy:
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Extreme fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low sex drive
- Memory loss
- Mental fog
- Confusion
- Joint aches and pain
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
As we age, our bodies slows its production of some hormones. Chemists draw unique compounds from plants often soybeans or yams to process them chemically into bio-identical matches to the hormones your ovaries or adrenal glands produced. The hormones include the 3 types of human estrogen, estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA.
You may need just one or a combination of hormones. We will identify exactly what your specific needs are through extensive lab work and to decide exactly how hormone replacement therapy can work. Together, we will identify the cause of your symptoms and design a plan that suits you.
As part of your evaluation and treatment plan, your WMS provider will take a thorough history of all of your current medications, including supplements. Current medical literature supports the use of certain supplements in certain cases to inhibit inflammation, prevent bone loss and even reduce your risk for certain cancers. If appropriate for your clinical situation, supplements may be suggested as part of your treatment plan. We offer specific supplements that are manufactured under FDA approved processes and from reputable companies such as SphinxMD. You will have the option and convenience of purchasing them directly from our office, or you may order directly from their web site.
Make an appointment today
to speak with our specialist about losing weight in the most effective and efficient way during this life milestone.
