Weight Loss

What causes weight gain?

Losing weight isn’t always as simple as it seems. Dr. Kapoor helps identify and treat the medical barriers that could be preventing you from losing weight. These include thyroid disorders, HPA axis dysfunction, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic disease, PCOS, and many other chronic underlying conditions. 

Switching to a clean, anti-inflammatory diet or keto food plan is helpful for weight loss for a small group of people, but often is not enough to attain their personal weight loss goals. If you identify with this, it’s very likely that there are underlying health issues affecting your weight loss. Dr. Kapoor helps identify and treat the medical barriers that could be preventing you from losing weight. These include thyroid disorders, HPA axis dysfunction, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, cardiometabolic disease, PCOS, and many other chronic underlying conditions. 

Hypothyroidism

It’s estimated that 20 million Americans have underlying thyroid issues. Hypothyroidism, which is having an underactive thyroid, accounts for 90% of all thyroid imbalances, and one of the primary symptoms of hypothyroidism is unexplained weight gain or the inability to lose weight. 

This happens because the thyroid gland controls your metabolism and is responsible for many of the regulatory processes of the body. If the gland is underactive, you can experience decreased energy, weight gain, brain fog, mood swings, anxiety, muscle and joint pains, hair loss, and low body temperature.

If you suspect that you may have an underactive thyroid, it’s important to get a complete thyroid panel. Most conventional doctors do not use a full panel to assess overall thyroid function but one to two lab markers. At ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine, we dive deeper to look at not only if you have a thyroid abnormality but why. 

Chronic stress

Chronic stress can contribute to weight gain. When you experience stress, your body releases a flood of cortisol, the hormone that powers your fight or flight response. The unfortunate side effect of this cortisol release is that it can cause you to gain weight and prevent you ultimately from losing weight. 

With chronic stress over time, your cortisol levels stay up and don’t decline. This is where individuals see progressive weight gain or a leveling off of their weight loss. 

If you are having difficulty losing weight, Dr. Kapoor can work with you to see if chronic stress is a key player. Using numerous stress reduction techniques and targeted supplements, Dr. Kapoor can work to lower your cortisol and bring hormonal balance. 

Other hormonal imbalances

Imbalances in thyroid and stress hormones are common causes of an inability to lose weight, but they are not the only players. Imbalances in insulin and sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) also contribute to weight gain. Dr. Kapoor will work with you to see if you require functional hormone testing to further evaluate if an imbalance is contributing to your inability to lose weight. 

Toxic overload

Today’s modern world is filled with dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, medications, and other toxins that can negatively impact your endocrine “hormonal “system.

Many of the toxins in your foods, water, and personal and household products, including shampoo, lotion, candles, and makeup, mimic the activity of hormones such as estrogen. This disruption in your natural hormonal cycle can cause an inability to lose weight. 

Dr. Kapoor will work with you to identify toxins that may be contributing to your inability to lose weight and navigate you through a customized detoxification protocol with targeted nutrition and supplements. 

What happens during my weight-loss consultation?

At ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine, Dr. Kapoor designs a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your weight-loss goals. Designing an individualized treatment requires a comprehensive consultation to identify any underlying causes of your weight gain.

During your weight-loss consultation, Dr. Kapoor reviews your medical history, asks questions regarding your diet and lifestyle, performs a physical exam, and may also order blood tests as needed.

Dr. Kapoor can also order a nutrigenomic test, which uses your genetic makeup to design a customized diet that accelerates weight loss.

How can I achieve lasting weight loss?

Dr. Kapoor can help you achieve lasting weight loss through a number of holistic treatments, including:

• Dietary changes
• Increased exercise
• Supplements
• Lifestyle modifications 
• Mentorship and counseling

The practice also offers a medically proven weight loss program in their practice that includes the following injections:

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)

This injection regulates blood sugar, appetite, and digestion for improved weight loss.

GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)

Along with GLP-1, GIP regulates fat storage and suppresses inflammation.

Methionine, inositol, and choline (MIC)

Also known as a “skinny shot,” this trio breaks down fat and improves hair, skin, nails, and muscle growth. It also promotes liver health and brain function.

Lipo +

Lipotropic injections dissolve fat and contain weight-regulating nutrients like B vitamins and amino acids.

B12 Methylcobalamin

Methylcobalamin boosts your energy and helps you utilize your body’s fats and carbs, fueling your weight loss efforts and promoting better overall well-being.

For a customized weight-loss plan with Dr. Kapoor, call ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine or schedule an appointment online now.