Saturday, March 29, 2008

The Key to Weight Loss is Knowing Your Body Type

The Key to Weight Loss is Knowing Your Body Type
What causes obesity? As with many medical conditions, the
caloric imbalance that results in obesity often develops
from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Since 1980, the total number of obese and overweight
Americans has doubled. California ranks 36th in adult
obesity with 22.7 percent and 32nd in childhood obesity
with 13.2 percent. Obesity is second only to smoking as the
most preventable cause of death. Body fat is referred to as
adipose tissue. It is a loose connective tissue. The main
role of body fat is to store energy for use later by the
body. It also helps to cushion and insulate the body from
shock when we move, walk, jump or subject it to any other
kind of movement.

Four Basic Body Types

There are four basic body types: Liver Belly, Thyroid,
Adrenal, and Ovary. Most of us are a combination of these
body types; however, we all have a predominant type. There
are general characteristics or symptoms that go along with
each type.

Liver Belly: Imagine you're at the beach and you see a man
small in stature, with thin arms and legs, yet his belly
sticks out (pot belly). This is the characteristic liver
belly type. This type of fat distribution is not exclusive
to men. Women may have this type of belly fat as well,
simply not as extreme. Often the person will experience
bloating, flatulence, belching, right shoulder and mid back
pain or soreness without any trauma. Generally, there are
digestive disturbances.

Thyroid: This body type had fat distribution throughout
their entire body (face, neck, shoulders and legs).
Characteristics are fatigue even after having a full night
of sleep, cravings of carbohydrates and fat for energy,
hair loss, thinning of the outer portion of the eyebrows,
and brittle fingernails. They are often cold, especially
their hands and feet. This is the person who chooses to
wear socks to bed at night, even in the summer time.

Adrenal: The belly fat on the abdomen drops or sags down
towards the legs. Because our adrenal glands are our stress
glands, generally men and women who have this body type
have been under an enormous amount of stress for a
sustained period of time. Adrenal body types often complain
of chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, and fatigue. When
walking up the stairs, their thighs feel heavy and often
they crave salt at night.

Ovary: Exclusive to women. In this body type, the woman is
usually petite above the navel and from the mid-thigh down.
The progression of the OVARY type of adipose fat deposits
seems to be basically in the hip and thigh. The
development of increased fat increases the potential of
ovarian cysts. Women with this body type often experience
fatigue during their menstrual cycle, and also some "brain
fog." Their menstrual pain is in the lower back or hip
areas, and sometimes in the knees. Often these women will
have a history of pre-menstrual syndrome, and they gain
weight (water retention) during their cycle. They may have
a history that includes lack of libido, infertility, hot
flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and menstrual cycle
acne and mood swings. During their period they experience
heavy flow, constipation, and thinning of the hair.

Good News for Your Body Type When you recognize the type of
body fat you have, you will be able to address weight loss
with a plan and a purpose. There are specific, managed
diets that address each body type and allow you to release
the fat and keep it off.

The most proven method of losing weight is a combination of
eating healthy, natural foods and exercise. Sometimes
nutritional supplements are recommended. To learn more
about your body type and nutritional requirements, contact
me for a personal consultation and evaluation.

In closing, allow me to share one of my patient's stories:

Mr. B., age 69, came to my office wanting to lose weight
and improve his energy. His body shape was the classic
liver belly, a large protruding abdomen. After two weeks on
the liver enhancement diet and supplement program, along
with eliminating dairy, he began to lose weight. After
several months, he had lost 20 pounds. Even more
importantly, he stated that he has more energy and vitality
and has not felt this good in 40 years!


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Dr. Michael B. Roth has been a holistic chiropractor for 23
years. His goal is to transform the health care system
from crisis/reactive care to a wellness model of health.
Dr. Roth is a dynamic speaker on health and wellness who
can motivate and transform your audience and you to bring
your own health and well-being to a new level!
Learn more about Dr. Roth's programs by visiting his
websites, http://www.rothwellnesscenter.com

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