We all know how difficult it is to lose weight. No matter how much you exercise, the fat is still there. Even if ( miraculously) you actually manage to lose some weight, it all comes back in greater quantities. Physiotherapy, although focused on physical movement, is concerned with the whole person rather than just one facet. Therefore difficulties in losing weight are not necessarily due to lack of exercise or too much eating, it could be due an imbalance in some part of your body. What many people don’t realise is that their hormone levels play a role in their efforts to lose weight. Physiotherapy, taking a holistic approach, seeks to address all the possible factors that contribute to weight gain or loss, including possible hormonal imbalances. This article will look at three specific hormones that must be properly managed to ensure that your weight loss campaign is a success: Ghlerin, Coristol and Leptin.
Ghlerin
This is the hormone that is responsible for hunger. That is why if you decide to skip a meal it won’t go unnoticed by your body. The Ghlerin hormone will activate and give you an appetite. For this reason fasting and abstinence become a challenge. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and in this case it is true. Meals that are high in protein can lower your level of ghlerin, and this hormone is particularly active in the morning after a night of fasting. If you consume enough protein, be it in the form of solid food or shakes, then your food cravings will be under control and so will your weight level. Also, ensure that you get adequate sleep.
Cortisol
The Cortisol hormone is extremely sensitive to your stress level. Whenever you are under stress your body produces more of this hormone, which in turn causes your body to store fat as a defence mechanism. Stress reduction techniques will certainly be invaluable for controlling the cortisol level in your body, and by extension your weight. Massage therapy and other forms of gentle physiotherapy can help to reduce stress and tension, so this would be a good opportunity to talk to your local massage or physiotherapist.
Leptin
This is one hormone that you would actually want more of. Leptin does the opposite of ghlerin. It actually helps to control your appetite so that you don’t overeat, therefore it is instrumental in your battle against excess weight. It’s important to note that leptin actually decreases in its effectiveness with age, therefore you should consciously eat the right foods in order to keep this hormone at high levels. Omega-3 fatty acids can stimulate production of this vital hormone, so stock up on fish or supplements. You should also get enough sleep to ensure that your body continues to produce enough leptin.
Physiotherapy treatment works in conjunction with other forms of medicine to ensure that you do all that is necessary for holistic health. A physiotherapy clinic usually has a team of massage therapists, naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, and other medical practitioners to ensure that whatever is hampering your weight loss campaign will be identified and rectified.
I am Kelly Brown, a medical student who is fanatical about exploring new ideas in the health industry. It has been my greatest dream and a wish made over the shooting star to be a doctor someday and I can’t explain my joy as I am getting closer to achieving my goal. I love the way plastic surgery transforms a person into something that he/she has been wishing to be like. I have a long way to go in getting hold of the subject in a more profound context.