According to the latest CDC (Center for Disease and Control) statistics, the population of Americans that are overweight is now a mind-boggling 74%!...with nearly 40% considered obese. This is an ongoing trend that has been increasing over my nearly 25-year fitness career.

The negative health implications that are associated with this place an unprecedented burden on the healthcare industry. Diabetes rates are skyrocketing, along with the number of people diagnosed with heart disease. There are other related disease conditions that can be attributed to this epidemic...certain cancers, gut and digestive issues, joint and musculoskeletal dysfunction, etc. The bottom line is that a growing number of our population is living in a state of compromised health.

Many people who are coming into the gym or that I meet outside the gym are frustrated by their weight loss struggles. The frustration stems from the fact that they aren’t seeing the results they desire. In spite of the fact that they are exercising (incorrectly) and believe that they are eating to support weight loss (usually not). In their minds, they are following the correct protocol but not getting the desired outcome.

Some of these individuals are in what is termed Weight Loss Resistance (WLR). WLR is a metabolic condition where the hormonal system has become compromised and has adapted into a new “normal” in relation to metabolism and fat/calorie burning. The system has “maladapted” into a state of slowed metabolism and fat storage. This has the individual fatigued, over-stressed, and feeling like there is no solution to their struggles.

WLR is a condition that has come on slowly and gradually, driven by the inability to balance stress load and recovery. An overloaded stress response system (think “fight or flight”) that becomes chronic will suppress the natural recovery system and drive a person into adrenal overload. This will affect the HPA (hypothalamus/pituitary/adrenal) axis that works together when we are faced with a “threat” situation...real or perceived. If this becomes chronic, the thyroid hormones that drive metabolism will become compromised. This leads to metabolic “chaos”.

Individuals who are in this state will not only gain weight, but other symptoms that are often related to thyroid issues will present themselves. Fatigue, sleeplessness, hair loss, gut issues, and feeling the “blahs” are all associated with this condition. These are often attributed to the thyroid, but the adrenal overload is often overlooked. In spite of exercising and watching food intake, the symptoms continue and, in many cases, get worse. The underlying factor of adrenal overload must be addressed, or the condition will worsen and can drive more weight gain, inflammation, and, ultimately, chronic illness.

We, as human beings, all deal with certain stressors in our lives. We can have work, relationships, Family, financial, health, environmental, and stress related to the cyber-world we live and work in. Unless we are living a completely stress-free lifestyle (not possible), we are going to have to function in a state of stress management. If our ability to recover gets suppressed because of chronic “fight or flight,” we are going to find ourselves in a compromised state of health.

As a fitness professional with a desire and passion to help people get healthier (as is the goal of many of my peers), this concept of disease reversal is now the paradigm I operate from. I believe that we in the fitness profession are better positioned to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to overcoming WLR and related issues that are more beneficial than the medically based approach of pharmaceutical drug intervention and/or treatment protocols. We need a non-specific, multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying cause and places the body in a state of self-healing.

Here at Elite PT and Fitness, our professionals and support team are focused on bringing people into an improved state of health and well-being. The experience level, training expertise, and desire to assist our clients reach a new level of optimal health that is even greater than they can imagine!

If you are struggling to find answers to your health challenges, are frustrated with the medical approach, or are confused as to why your current exercise program is not providing you with the desired results, I encourage you to set up an appointment where we can meet and determine a course of action that will have you looking, feeling, and living BETTER!

About the author: Dave Provins is the Head Trainer at Elite PT and Fitness...holds multiple certifications, as well as hundreds of hours of specialty training and education, and is a 24-year fitness professional.

I am going to be hosting a “TAKE CONTROL” seminar on August 20th

at 6:00 PM at our Constitution Ave location in Bedford. If you would like to get a

more in-depth understanding of WLR and the strategies to help overcome this condition, email me at fitcoachdp@gmail.com, and I will reserve a spot for you. Space will be limited for this event.