As more and more people realize the importance of getting healthy and fit, those who have strayed from the path of healthy living are struggling to shed most of the unwanted pounds they have gained over time. Different people have different body dynamics and internal chemical processes, which means that weight loss strategies that may have worked for others may not work for them. Those who tried rigorous training and exercise and extreme dietary changes, but still did not get satisfactory results to turn to controversial weight loss strategies. Do they actually work? We’ll dig deeper to find out.
Bariatric Surgery
Surgical strategies for weight loss and controlling obesity are becoming popular not just in the United States, but also in countries where there is a high prevalence of obesity. Many people from the US will also travel to Mexico and other countries that offer bariatric surgeries as it is often a cheaper option. Renew Bariatrics is one such option that many Americans will choose to receive the treatment they need without a high price.
Bariatric surgery is a general term that encompasses several surgical procedures that aim to reduce weight and reverse obesity by altering the stomach’s capacity to hold food, modifying the stomach structure for more efficient digestion or inducing changes in the metabolic process of the stomach. One of the most common types of bariatric surgery in the US is gastric bypass surgery, which brings about great results when it comes to weight loss. The procedure basically divides your stomach and rearranges your gastrointestinal tract to significantly reduce food intake. However, this procedure is only performed on individuals with morbid obesity or obesity alongside comorbid conditions. If you personally assess yourself as falling within this category, you need to consult with your doctor if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. In terms of the effectiveness of the procedure, this surgery, along with other types of bariatric surgery can significantly reduce your body weight. Keep in mind that surgical alterations in your gastrointestinal tract will also need significant dietary and lifestyle changes.
Hypothyroidism Treatment
If dieting and exercise didn’t work for you no matter how faithful you stuck with the programs, then you might want to look at a different underlying cause: hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. A lower than normal function of the thyroid gland can slow down your metabolism rate and thus increases your tendency to gain weight. This is why there is a strong connection between obesity and hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism treatments such as liothyronine (LT3) and levothyroxine (LT4) or a combination of both normalize thyroid function and metabolism, which suggests a strong connection to losing weight. However, further studies, clinical trials, and research are needed to establish such a connection. Nevertheless, if you are 40 or above and you are feeling symptoms such as feeling cold all the time, constantly feeling tired, hair loss and poor circulation in the extremities, get a thyroid blood test and consult your doctor about the possibility of hypothyroidism and the treatments available which can also help you lose weight.
CBD for Weight Loss
CBD has gained more attention in the medical and scientific communities over the past few years due to its extensive potential applications in the human body processes. It’s not surprising if its utilization is applied in weight loss strategies. CBD works primarily by interacting with our body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex and extensive network of neurotransmitters and receptors in the central nervous system and spread across the body. One such interaction that has a potential for weight loss promotion is the optimization of the neurotransmitters and receptors responsible for the production of two major metabolic hormones: ghrelin and leptin. The former regulates hunger, while the latter regulates satiety. CBD is widely believed to promote proper functioning and interaction between the two hormones, which leads to less craving and feeling adequately full after meals. Also, another interaction being investigated is the capability of CBD to interact with cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, which are responsible for the conversion of non-soluble fats to soluble fats, which can help burn calories and reduce weight. Both these interactions by CBD still warrant further clinical trials and studies to establish their therapeutic application, but several users are already claiming positive results from using it.
Controversial or lesser-known strategies and therapies for weight loss can make you think twice about taking them. However, if you find no significant improvement from conventional weight loss means, they may be worth a second look. The reason why some weight loss strategies are considered controversial is that they are not the usual methods for losing weight that we are familiar with. Nevertheless, such strategies are not necessarily ineffective or harmful, but they do entail some risks. The decision for using these controversial weight loss methods is ultimately up to you, so do some research about them and consult your doctor before you decide.
