A Functional Medicine Approach to Obesity: 10 Ways to Lose Weight & Keep It Off

We're currently facing an obesity epidemic. More than 30% of the World's population is facing the problem of being overweight. Obesity is not an issue of aesthetics or appearance but is the first step towards a host of diseases like diabetes, cardiac issues, etc. This, fighting this epidemic is on the priority list for the global healthcare sector.

Conventional approach vs. functional approach to fighting obesity

The traditional practices to control weight gain have proved to fail in terms of benefitting the population a whole. These practices mainly count on tips and techniques to control weight gain or shedding the gained kilos. Adopted methodologies include some diet plans, gym, appetite control pills, or pills to avoid the absorption of fat. However, despite these practices, the obesity rate has skyrocketed over the years.

The functional approach mainly focuses on the causes and offers solutions to combat thereby. This approach lists the causes of obesity being an unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle, genetic transmission, and an unhealthy environment.

Based on these causes functional approach to fight obesity suggests the following ten ways:

1. Eliminate processed food items and include more unprocessed and whole food items in your meals. They are healthier and more comfortable to digest.
2. Keep the consumption of sugars to a minimum. Check for the food labels very carefully to check for the sugars, gluten, and other harmful components.
3. Include gut supporting food items such as prebiotics and probiotics. These promote the growth of healthy bacteria, which aid digestion and overall health.
4. Increase the intake of omega 3 carry acids and minimize that of omega-six carry acids. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the inflammation, while omega 6 does the opposite. Chronic inflammation triggers obesity.
5. Maintain a healthy sleep cycle. Sleep cycle also influences weight gain patterns.
6. Have control over your stress level. Stress is another trigger for weight gain.
7. Prepare a food chart and plan what you eat. This will help you in controlling the habit of binging unnecessary food.
8. Try out on different diet patterns and identify the one that suits you. Since everyone has a different routine and possesses varying biological chemistry, so you need to check on which one is your type.
9. Don't forget to work out. Having a healthy diet alone cannot be the solution; exercising is also essential.
10. Finally, have a hybrid diet routine. Include both vegan and other meals to maintain a balanced diet.

This functional approach has helped the masses in shedding the extra pounds. Try it for yourself and evaluate the benefits for yourself.