Weight Management

Weight management is a multi-faceted strategy that involves nutrition, exercise, hormones, mental health, sleep, and other lifestyle interventions to keep body weight at a level that allows the individual to live a comfortable, active, and productive life. While lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can impact weight, it’s also important to note that there is a genetic component when it comes to weight.

Maintaining energy balance, or the ability of the body to expend the calories it takes in, can be the most challenging aspect of weight management. Additionally, some medical conditions and medications can impact weight as well making it difficult to achieve weight management goals. Whether you are looking to maintain, lose, or gain weight, we have nutrition plans and tips to help you reach your goals.   

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What role does leptin play in weight management?

    Leptin is a hormone that regulates fat storage by telling your brain how much fat your body has stored. The mechanism by which it works also helps regulate appetite. While leptin is considered the “hallmark” of obesity, its exact mechanisms and pathways in the pathophysiology and potential treatment of obesity are not fully understood.  

  • Which pattern of eating is best for weight management?

    There is not a one-size-fits-all pattern of eating when it comes to weight management. Dietary choices must be customized to an individual, taking into account health history, preferences, and access, among other considerations. That said, many experts recommend the Mediterranean Diet for weight management and optimal nutrition due to its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This eating pattern is easily customized for an individual's goals, preferences, and health concerns.

  • How do you manage insulin resistance?

    Insulin resistance (IR) is when your body stops responding to insulin and therefore cannot use glucose for energy. You might be more likely to develop insulin resistance if you are overweight or obese, making weight management a smart strategy for preventing this condition that can also lead to diabetes.

    Diet, exercise, and managing abdominal fat are the first line of defense in management of IR. Through the guidance of a registered dietitian, some individuals may adapt a lower-carbohydrate diet or begin counting carbs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as opposed to gaining and losing weight on a regular basis, can help prevent IR.

  • How do you manage weight with hypothyroidism?

    Also known as underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. This can result in fatigue and unplanned weight gain. Because some of this unintentional weight gain may be due to fluid retention, or edema, a low-sodium diet may be advised, along with a caloric deficit.

  • How you manage weight with PCOS?

    While PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is associated with weight gain, the benefits of caloric restriction for this condition remain unclear. The exact causes of PCOS remain unknown, but one theory is that excess insulin may play a role, and therefore exercise paired with a lower-carbohydrate diet may benefit some individuals.

  • How important is exercise in weight management?

    The foods you eat and the quantity in which they are consumed will play the larger role in weight management. However, exercise can help expend energy, build and maintain muscle mass, and encourage a healthier overall lifestyle. Both are important in maintaining a healthy weight throughout the life cycle.

  • What role does nutrition play in weight management?

    Nutrition is the most important component in successful long-term weight management.  Whatever dietary pattern is chosen, maintaining a caloric deficit and then balance will be most important.  A registered dietitian can help individuals assess their caloric, macronutrient, and micronutrient needs within a culturally appropriate framework to aid in weight management.

  • Why is intuitive eating important?

    Intuitive eating can be a powerful tool in long-term weight management as it can increase comfort levels around food, and thereby remove the fears and anxieties associated with them. Removing these fears and anxieties can help eliminate the binge and restrict cycle that is associated with weight gain. Moreover, intuitive eating is positively associated with positive body image, self-esteem, and wellbeing.

  • Is feeling satiated important in weight management?

    Feeling satiated is extremely important in weight management, which is why a focus on nutrient-dense foods should be made a priority. Many nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are also high-volume foods, which can promote satiety. Some common mistakes in weight management are skipping meals or “saving” calories for later meals, both of which can lead to overeating later.

  • What health conditions impact weight management?

    Many health conditions can impact weight management, many of which are related to hormonal changes. Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose levels, excess waist adiposity, and abnormal cholesterol levels, can raise an individual’s need for weight management.

Key Terms

Page Sources
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