Weight Loss / Lean Body Mass

Weight gain and obesity are associated with a significant increase in chronic, life threatening diseases including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, cancer and death. Weight loss is one of the most important interventions one can make to improve longevity, life span and health span.

Obesity in the United States has reached a crisis level over the past 30 years due to our Western diet with a marked increase in processed carbohydrates and refined sugars. The nutrition industry has massively profited at the expense of American’s health and taxpayer dollars spent on treating preventable diseases.  The American Diabetic Association and American Heart Association have contributed to this problem with their dietary recommendations which minimized fat and calories rather than reduce processed carbohydrates and refined sugar. 

Processed carbohydrates and refined sugars cause marked spikes in insulin levels.  The presence of insulin persistent over time is the main driver of fat being deposited in fat cells.  When we eat a diet high in carbohydrates and sugar, these foods cause a spike in glucose which causes the pancreas to release insulin.  Insulin causes glucose to be stored in the liver as glycogen. Once the liver is full, insulin causes excess glucose to be converted in the liver to fatty acids (Lipogenesis).  Then insulin drives these fatty acids into cells causing fat gain eventually leading to obesity. Given enough time of high carbohydrate/sugar and a frequent feeding diet we develop obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Low carbohydrate and low refined sugar nutrition plans have been found to markedly improve lean body mass, reduce the incidence of obesity associated disease and even cure type 2 diabetes. Additionally periods of fasting and time restricted feeding mimic the nutritional pattern of our paleo ancestors which allows our body to purge itself of excess glucose and fat because insulin levels are low.  We cannot burn fat in the presence of insulin!

Poor sleep can also contribute by elevating cortisol levels which causes elevation of glucose levels causing insulin secretion which drives fat deposition.  Exercise depletes the glucose reservoirs in our muscles allowing further space to store excess glucose rather than in the fat cells.

Although bioidentical hormone therapy can help in the weight loss journey, it isn’t a necessity for you to be part of our BHRT program in order to see results with our personalized weight loss service. Make sure to contact us to find out why our service is different from the rest.

Whether you are trying to get your body back or you’ve experienced a change in health that has resulted in weight gain, Spartan Medical Associates can help you lose weight, trim body fat, and increase energy. This is done by developing a customized, comprehensive health plan that is unique to you, your body, and your overall state of health. Our team will start with an initial consultation near the Charlotte, NC, or Huntersville area and then progresses through thorough lab work and baseline health assessments. We will then follow up monthly to track your progress without a need for followup in our office.

How do we burn calories?

The majority of our calories are expended on our Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) which is the energy it takes to run our bodies systems and maintain homeostasis each day.  Digestion and daily activity utilize the second most calories and exercise makes up the rest of our caloric expenditures.