Why does weight not go down no matter how much you try to lose weight? You have tried various methods such as fasting, controlling diet, calorie restriction, intermittent fasting (IF), or even ketogenic diet, while others using the same methods lose weight! For this reason, in-depth testing at the DNA Nutrition and Fitness level, full-body fat analysis with DEXA Scan, and Urine Organic Profile to assess the metabolism process of the body’s systems are important. Because each person’s body is different, weight loss methods must be personalized to be successful and sustainable.
Obesity, Overweight… Why Should You Be Concerned!
Obesity is a common problem and an important reason why everyone should pay attention to it because it can lead to risks of various diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or osteoarthritis. Currently, more than 30 percent of the global population, or over 2 billion people worldwide, are classified as overweight or obese.
In 2016, it was found that 32.2% of the Thai population were overweight or obese, ranking second in ASEAN. Considering the total population of about 60 million, Thailand has about 19 million obese people, which is about one in three.
Eating Less but Still Obese… Common Causes of Obesity
This is a question many people want to know because most believe obesity results from eating more than the body needs. However, obesity can arise from many causes, commonly including:
- Eating too much food, causing the body to store it as fat cells
- Living a sedentary lifestyle, such as sitting for long periods, driving instead of walking, not exercising, etc.
- Improper eating habits, such as consuming foods high in high-fructose corn syrup, often found in sweetened beverages, soda, candies, ice cream, creamer, yogurt, and fruit juices
- Using certain medications that cause weight gain, such as steroids or some antidepressants
- Genetics, with a higher chance if there are obese family members
- Hormonal changes in the body, such as reduced thyroid function lowering metabolism, entering menopause, adrenal fatigue, low sex hormones, insulin resistance, imbalanced cortisol hormone, decreased growth hormone, which affect muscle building, etc.
Weight Loss Not Working… May Need (Testing) to Identify the Cause
When self-managed weight loss fails, it means weight loss is no longer just about losing weight by any method but requires deeper investigation. Therefore, consulting specialists and relevant tests are good options to identify the causes of excess weight and obstacles to successful self-weight loss. For evaluation in overweight problems, doctors will consider the following:
- Detailed history review, including underlying diseases, medication use, daily routines, lifestyle, diet, and exercise
- Recording height, weight, and calculating BMI (Body Mass Index can be calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared, or BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²))
- Measuring waist circumference and body composition to assess fat and muscle mass in different body parts, as those with higher muscle mass may have misleading BMI results
- Additional appropriate tests for each individual, such as hormone levels, vitamins, vascular inflammation, metabolism of different nutrients, or genetic testing to plan suitable diet and exercise for clearer results
Let’s Look at What Genetic Testing Circle Fitness Diet Pro, DEXA Scan, Urine Organic Profile Are
How Genetic Testing Relates to Weight Loss
We all know that no two people are alike, and your DNA is unique. Therefore, the food and lifestyle suitable for you are also unique. The information from genetic testing (DNA), called the Circle Fitness Diet Pro program, provides in-depth data on DNA Nutrition and Fitness, covering nutritional needs, exercise, and metabolism to deliver results aligned with your DNA. This can guide holistic health planning, nutrition, supplements, and exercise.
How Circle Fitness Diet Pro Tests and What Information It Provides
Circle Fitness Diet Pro tests 43 genes to assess their relationship with nutrient needs, food sensitivities, and exercise. The report is divided into 4 groups as follows:
1. Nutrient requirements, including folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, omega-3, and antioxidants
2. Food sensitivities, including sensitivity to carbohydrates, fats, caffeine, alcohol, salt, lactose flavor, and gluten
3. Exercise, indicating oxygen usage efficiency, recovery efficiency, injury risk, performance, and endurance to recommend suitable exercise methods
4. Overall health, covering metabolic response, inflammation response, appetite control, obesity risk, and detoxification
5. The test method involves sending a sample from the cheek tissue (buccal swab) with a reporting time of 30 days
DEXA Scan measures fat and muscle throughout the body to help reduce the risk of serious diseases. The DEXA Scan reveals fat amounts in each area and muscle mass in each limb, indicating which parts need more or less exercise.
For proper health care design, many may not know that visceral fat around abdominal organs or belly fat indicates fat hanging around the intestines and inside abdominal organs, which increases the risk of “heart disease” “diabetes” and “dementia”. Therefore, DEXA Scan is more important than just fat measurement for weight loss.
Urine Organic Profile: Another Test Not to Overlook
Urine Organic Profile tests organic acids in urine to show the function (metabolism) of various body systems, whether normal or not. The test can indicate the need for vitamins and minerals essential for body reactions, metabolism of nutrients for cellular energy production, neurotransmitter balance, exposure/detoxification of toxins, gut microbiome balance, and cell damage caused by free radicals. It is a comprehensive test showing how much nutrients, vitamins, and minerals the body needs and can indicate abnormalities in each body system.
Who Should Consult for Weight Loss
- Those with weight gain above normal or BMI over 25
- Those who have tried to lose weight on their own without success
- Those with other symptoms such as easy swelling, fatigue, poor sleep, easy tiredness, frequent hunger, difficulty building muscle, etc.
- Those who want to know the suitable types of food and exercise for themselves, with a medical team assisting and advising on practices
Approach to Treatment for Weight Loss
Doctors will use all test results to evaluate and create personalized treatment plans, such as groups aiming to lose weight or build muscle, determining appropriate diet and exercise plans for each individual. For example, those with weight loss difficulties due to hormonal changes will have different treatments.
Dr. Warisara Rutrawanich
Premier Life Center Medical Center
Phyathai 2 Hospital
References
- Rachel A. Millstein * Measuring Outcomes in Adult Weight Loss Studies That Include Diet and Physical Activity: A Systematic Review J Nutr Metab. 2014; 2014: 421423.
- Crujeiras AB, Goyenechea E, Abete I, et al. Weight regain after a diet-induced loss is predicted by higher baseline leptin and lower ghrelin plasma levels. J Clin Endocrinol Metab2010;95:5037-44. doi:10.1210/jc.2009-2566
- Erez G, Tirosh A, Rudich A, et al. Phenotypic and genetic variation in leptin as determinants of weight regain. Int J Obes (Lond)2011;35:785-92.
- Effects of a low carbohydrate diet on energy expenditure during weight loss maintenance: randomized trial BMJ 2018