The weight won’t come off
Dear Donovan,
I am 43 years of ageand I’ve done all the weight programmes, pills and teas and the weight just keeps staying on. I am very conscious of my weight so I worry about getting fat with everything I put in my mouth. Please help.
I am so sorry to hear about your weight management issues. I must say that for many people, losing weight and keeping it off is a big challenge. However, I am going to ask you not to give up just yet. In your case, it might even be best to work with a weight loss professional who can help you to set weight loss goals and help you to achieve them.
In most cases you fail because you do not have anyone to report to or to monitor you. This is very crucial to the success of your programme. In addition, I am wondering if you have checked your thyroid activity or your hormone levels. These factors can also affect your weight loss ability.
If your thyroid activity is functioning normally, it is likely that you are having a calorie issue. I must make it very clear that the only sure way to lose weight and keep it off is to adopt a healthy lifestyle — one which has a healthy meal plan and exercise. If you just pop some pills in order to lose weight, what do you think will happen when you stop taking the pills? The weight will come right back!
In general, in order to lose weight, your calorie intake will have to be reduced. Hence your body will be forced to use up some of the reserved fat. You will have to reduce your calorie/food intake and increase or incorporate some exercise into your programme. Exercise will help to increase your calorie burning, produce feel good hormones, and also help to keep you healthy.
However, some caution must be applied so as not to replace the calories you have burned with exercise by eating heavy meals. Over time, hopefully eating healthy and exercising will become a way of life.
Good luck.
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
