For some people, reshaping bodies is all about getting a cosmetic procedure, such as abdominal liposuction or even laser cellulite removal. Yet for some Americans, weight loss needs to happen gradually over time, especially if they have more than a few pounds to lose. More than two-thirds (69%) of U.S. adults 20 or older are overweight or obese, and more than one-third of the population (35%) is obese. As such, weight loss is a struggle for almost everyone, including those who want to maintain a healthy weight.
If this sounds familiar to you, developing your weight maintenance program and tailoring it to your own needs can have better results than a quick fix. National statistics on liposuction have found that patients are three times as likely to gain weight if they don’t follow a healthy diet after the procedures, and if they don’t exercise regularly they are four times more likely to gain the weight back. Finding ways to improve your health through diet and exercise may be right for you if future weight gain is a concern.
One way to figure out what diet and fitness routines will work for you is through the use of metabolic testing. This process tests your metabolism to determine exactly what your body needs to lose weight. There are several steps to this process, including:
- Testing your stress: Stress can cause a number of health issues for anyone, from mental health to heart health. A doctor may measure your levels of DHEA and cortisol, which are hormones that have to do with stress.
- Measuring your body’s fat-burning capabilities: The next part of any metabolic testing will rely on an aerobic test, usually running on a treadmill for a short period of time. This will show how your body burns fat and calories.
- Determining the minimum number of calories you need: Finally, many tests will then use computers to monitor your breathing and calculate the minimum number of calories you need for survival. Once your doctor has all of this information, he or she can help you find a fitness and diet plan that will work best for your body. After all, weight loss isn’t a one-size-fits-all process!
If you have questions about weight loss and what metabolic testing can do for you, make sure to talk to a doctor who offers clinical weight loss programs.