Insulin Resistance & Weigh Gain

Lose weight by addressing insulin

Insulin resistance is becoming more and more common. Poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, a sedentary lifestyle, sleep deprivation, stress and some genetic vulnerabilities are some of the main causes behind it.

Symptoms can include:

·      Fatigue and sleepiness, especially after meals

·      Brain fogginess and an inability to focus

·      Increase hunger and intense cravings for carbs

·      High blood glucose levels

·      Weight gain, increased fat storage and difficulty losing weight

·      Increased blood triglyceride levels

·      Increased blood pressure

·      Difficulty conceiving

·      Depression

It is commonly diagnosed through a blood test that your GP can organise for you.

How it works

When you eat a meal that contains carbohydrate this gets broken down into sugar. Sugar then enters your blood stream which signals to your pancreas to release insulin which carries the sugar into your cells for energy production and other functions.

When you have Insulin resistance the cells are not responding to the insulin knock on their door. As such the pancreas will produce more insulin to force the cells door wide open and push the sugar in. As insulin is an anabolic hormone this often results in very rapid weight gain and belly fat.

You may find yourself that you are not eating that much yet your keep putting on weight. Further in time your risk of Diabetes increases as the pancreas fatigues from overproducing insulin or gets damaged from too much sugar intake.

Treatment

As this is a serious medical condition with many complications and risks and you need a solid strategy to get you back to health. This should include dietary and lifestyle modification often alongside promoting weight loss. Suggestions you can start with strait away include:

·      Avoid sitting down for more than 30 minutes

·      Exercise daily – particularly doing weight training

·      Get 8 h of sleep every night

·      Reduce your stress

·      Drink minimum 2-4 litres of water per day

·      Reduce intake of carbohydrates and sugar

·      Avoid coffee, soft drinks, juices, smoking and alcohol

·      Ensure a lower fat diet

·      Increase intake of protein, fibre and omega 3

Insulin resistance is a metabolic condition where many nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and inflammation are common. For proper management you need a lifestyle solution and the assistance of a health professional. An integrative dietitian can assess your presentation, identify the root cause of your problems and create a personalised diet and lifestyle strategy to ensure optimal long-term health.