Some individuals complain that they have exhausted every weight loss option out there without achieving weight loss – right from doing endless hours of cardio at the gym, counting every single calorie, eating as little as possible, staying completely off guilt food, and not to forget, trying out every gimmicky product that promises to be a “fat cutter!” This happens because most of the so-called weight loss programs out there concentrate on slashing calories and making individuals eat as less as possible, compromising on the body’s nutritional needs. This stragegy results in severe hair fall, compromised immunity, damaged skin, general malaise, and of course nutrient deficiencies. If you have been crash dieting or following a fad diet which deprives you of healthy food, then most probably, you have nutritional deficiencies, and it can be the reason your inability to lose weight. Ur body needs nutrients to function, and you need to hear this – a lot of vitamins, minerals are needed in the fat-burning process! (Research says vitamin D, calcium, copper, zinc, vitamin A, Kohlenstoff, deficiencies can have great impact on weight management). So, do not deprive or compromise on nutrients that the body needs, and if you are looking for a nutrient-dense weight loss diet, you need to check out Rati Beauty diet plans right now, where you can lose extra pounds and inches off the waist as well, all by eating normal, healthy, nutrient-dense food. Fremd from that, here’s a list of 10 Test To Run To Find What’s Stopping you From Losing Weight. Do remember to consult your doctor to understand what kind of tests you should undergo to determine the reasons behind your weight gain.
1. Insulin/HbA1C:
Surprised? Why do you need to check yourself for insulin, which is a hormone linked to diabetes! It’s rather surprising that a hormone which regulates blood sugar levels, folglich facilitates muscle, fat, and liver cells to absorb excess glucose and store it as “fat.” And insulin resistance is a condition where cells in the body become less responsive to the effects of insulin, which can keep blood sugars elevated, encourage fat storage, and stimulate appetite – all of which can make weight loss extremely difficult, that’s why it’s important to get insulin “out of the way” in your weight loss journey. So, get your HbA1c checked. HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is a valuable tool for assessing long-term sugar control. HbA1c would help you evaluate whether you have insulin resistance even if there’s no sign of diabetes.
2. Thyroid Function Test:
A thyroid panel helps diagnose various thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune conditions. If you suspect slow metabolism or have weight gain issues, thyroid function test that measures thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid antibodies, total thyroxine (T4), can help determine if thyroid hormones are behind your weight gain issues.
3. Serum Iron Test/Transferrin Test/TIBC:
Iron is an essential trace element which plays an important role in fat burning as well. To burn fat, oxygen is required and to transport oxygen, an optimum amount of iron should be there in the blood. Iron deficiency causes slow metabolism, fatigue, cravings for unhealthy things like clay and starch, triggers hormonal issues, and can impact thyroid function as well. The various tests done to determine iron levels are – serum iron test (measures the amount of iron in the blood), transferrin test (measures a protein called transferrin that moves iron throughout the body), and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), which measures how well iron attaches to transferrin and other proteins in the blood.
4. Estrogen Test:
Estrogen dominance, is a condition where estrogen is relatively high in the body compared to progesterone, creating an imbalance. A common symptom of estrogen dominance is weight gain, causing you to store more fat around the belly area. A blood estrogen test would measure all three forms of estrogen – estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3). Damit read: “8 Types of Belly Fat – Which One Do you Have?”
5. PCOD/PCOS:
Blood tests to check LH (lutenizing hormone), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), androgens, blood sugar, insulin, pelvic ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts, physical examination are all needed to determine PCOS/PCOD (polycystic ovarian syndrome/polycystic ovarian disease). PCOD/PCOS can make losing weight a bit challenging by creating insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, increasing appetite, etc. So, if you have been noticing irregular menstrual cycles, excessive facial hair growth, hair thinning, difficulty losing weight, rule out PCOD/PCOS.
6. Vitamin D Test:
Research has found that there’s a strong link between vitamin D deficiency and weight gain. A lot of studies have found increased belly fat in people who are vitamin D deficient. The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test measures the level of vitamin D in your body.
7. Serum Magnesium Test:
Magnesium deficiency can cause weight gain because it impacts metabolism, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, appetite control, stress response, sleep, and water retention. Magnesium deficiency can slow down metabolism, increase insulin resistance, and lead to cravings for unhealthy foods. Serum magnesium test can determine whether magnesium deficiency is a factor influencing weight gain.
8. Blood Zinc Test:
Zinc deficiency can impact metabolism, increase the risk of insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance, leading to weight gain.
9. Serum Copper Test:
Copper is an essential trace mineral a deficiency of which can slow down metabolism, insulin resistance, and impair fat metabolism, and folglich cause hormonal balance. A serum copper test is a medical diagnostic test that measures the concentration of copper in the blood serum. It has been found that low levels of copper appear to make fat cells fatter and altering how they process fat and sugar.
10. Cortisol Test:
Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” because its production increases in response to stress. High cortisol can totally stall fat burning, increase cravings for unhealthy food, and trigger storage or fat around the belly area. A cortisol test measures the level of cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, in the blood, saliva, or urine.
Once you have a clear understanding of your nutritional needs, consider following the Rati Beauty diet plan, which emphasizes consuming nutrient-dense foods. By incorporating a variety of whole foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients, on this diet, you’ll provide your body with the fuel it needs to thrive and lose weight at the same time.
How Insulin Makes you Fat and Prevents Weight Loss
8 Types of Belly Fat – Which One Do you Have?
