Metabolic Weight Loss
Obesity is a serious problem for millions of Americans, and losing weight is often challenging. Metabolic weight loss is a multidisciplinary approach to promote long-term weight loss by revving up the metabolism. Medical professionals who promote metabolic weight loss put together a plan that addresses the individual patient's needs and lifestyle.
Preparing for Metabolic Weight Loss
In order for metabolic weight loss to be effective, the plan must address the patient's medical condition, as well as behavior patterns. The following steps are taken before a potentially successful program can be established:
- Medical history is taken
- Body mass index (BMI) is calculated
- Blood testing is done
The blood testing determines whether the patient has any nutritional deficiency, hormone imbalance, or undetected medical condition that is making weight loss more difficult.
The Metabolic Weight Loss Process
Metabolism involves the complex physical and chemical processes that convert food into energy. Metabolic weight loss is designed to speed up the processes so that weight is lost while health is maintained. Once preliminary testing has been done, a customized plan to increase metabolism and promote weight loss is put together. This plan will include a personalized diet, an exercise plan, nutritional counseling, and, in many cases, psychological counseling or stress management.
Ways to Increase Metabolism
There are several ways to increase metabolic rate used by patients engaging in metabolic weight loss under the medical guidance. These methods of include:
- Keeping hormone level well-regulated
- Exercising both aerobically and to build muscle
- Drinking plenty of water
- Eating a diet rich in lowfat sources of protein
- Eating small meals and snacks frequently
- Avoiding crash diets
Coffee, green tea, and energy drinks containing taurine (an amino acid), are known to accelerate metabolism, but these should be ingested in moderation and not by children or teenagers. Spices, for those who can tolerate them, are also known to increase metabolic rate.