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Writer's pictureNatalia. Integrative and Functional Medicine Nutritionist

The Mystery of Stubborn Weight Gain: Your Body's SOS Signal

Updated: Feb 6

Have you ever felt like your body is working against you when it comes to shedding those extra pounds? You're not alone. Stubborn weight gain or fat loss resistance can be a powerful signal from your body, indicating that something deeper might be at play.


Hold on! Before you blame yourself, sometimes, it's not about willpower or exercise intensity. It's about understanding the autoimmune spectrum—a concept that could hold the key to your weight loss struggles.



Weight on the Autoimmune Spectrum.


Believe it or not, weight and fat loss resistance can be an early signal along the autoimmune spectrum. Your body might be silently communicating that your immune system is on high alert, and it's affecting more than just your scale.


This was the case with my client Ashley, who came to see me when her weight seemed to be spiraling out of control. A customized meal plan wouldn’t have addressed the ROOT CAUSE of her struggles, so I immediately ordered further Functional Lab Tests that revealed her THS (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) were elevated!


It turned out Ashley has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland by mistake. With the right program, we were able to bring down her TPO values from 83 to 22 in just 6 months. 






What is the Autoimmune Spectrum?


Autoimmune conditions exist on a continuum, ranging from mild to severe. This means that instead of viewing autoimmune diseases as isolated entities, the autoimmune spectrum suggests that various conditions share common underlying mechanisms and triggers.


Imagine a spectrum where subtle immune system imbalances exist on one end, leading to mild symptoms like fatigue, inflammation or bloating, this happens without necessarily manifesting full-blown autoimmune diseases. As we move along the spectrum, the severity and complexity of autoimmune conditions increase. At the other end, individuals may have diagnosed autoimmune diseases characterized by the immune system attacking specific tissues or organs, leading to chronic health challenges.


Stubborn weight gain or fat loss resistance, often underestimated, can be an early checkpoint on this spectrum.




Peeling Back the Layers.


Autoimmune issues can manifest in various ways, and weight struggles are just one piece of the puzzle. As we peel back the layers, we often find that the immune system, in its attempt to protect, may start attacking its own cells and tissues. This self-directed assault can lead to inflammation, disrupting hormonal balance and metabolic processes, directly impacting weight regulation.


Factors like genetics, diet, stress, and gut health play crucial roles in the autoimmune spectrum, influencing how the immune system responds and the extent to which it affects different aspects of your health. Understanding these layers is the first step towards unraveling the complexities beneath weight and fat loss resistance and paving the way for a more comprehensive and effective approach to well-being.



The Emotional Side.


Weight concerns often carry emotional weight. Frustration, self-blame, and a sense of defeat can accompany the physical challenges. It's time to recognize that your body is trying to tell you something, and it's not a reflection of your worth.


The emotional toll of stubborn weight gain can impact your confidence, self-esteem, and overall mental well-being. Acknowledging these emotions is an essential part of the healing journey. By understanding that weight is not solely a matter of calories in versus calories out, but a complex interplay of various factors, you empower yourself to approach your well-being with compassion.


As you address the emotional layers alongside the physical, you embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier and more balanced you.



Empower Yourself with Knowledge.


Instead of viewing stubborn weight as a mere inconvenience, consider it your body's SOS signal. By understanding the autoimmune spectrum and addressing the underlying factors, you empower yourself to take charge of your well-being.


Remember that the journey to wellness means that weight loss is not just a goal but a side effect of restoring balance to your body. Paying attention to your weight is about unveiling the mysteries within and finding personalized solutions that work for you.


Are you ready to take the first step and finally feel like yourself again? Schedule a free discovery call and find out what I can do for you.





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