Slim Factor Program
WEIGHT LOSS – How the Slim Factor Program brings good health and wellbeing.
By: Julie Dargan RN, BHSc, ND.
Founder & Blogger @ menopausewhisperer.com - Coping with Menopause Through Diet & Lifestyle.
The weight loss industry has been booming for decades, with billions of dollars spent annually on diets and weight loss products across the world.
My emphasis on diet and lifestyle focuses on good nutrition, healthy eating practises, exercise, relaxation and a positive outlook on life.
The weight loss industry on the other hand puts its emphasis on losing weight, yo-yo dieting and cosmetic enhancement. It preys on the insecurities of people and does not take into account the positive aspects of changing one’s diet.
The Fat Bank
Fat should not be classified as an undesirable part of the body’s make-up; rather it is an extremely important organ playing a key role in metabolic function. What needs to be addressed is the expansion of fat stores that is occurring on a grand scale in the general population.
One important role of the fat in our body is that of a collector of modern day toxins, particularly the man-made nasty ones. This is the body’s way of protecting you from the harmful effects of the toxins if they were to stay circulating in the body. However those toxins need to be removed from storage and not allowed to remain so as not to cause other chronic adverse health conditions.
Due to the increase of processed foods, our bodies are storing away more toxins than ever before, thus forcing the body to create more fat stores to accommodate the increase.
Discovery of Leptin
Up until 20 years ago it was understood that excess fatty tissue served no purpose other than a bulging waistline. Now scientists have discovered that fat cells produced a hormone called leptin.
This hormone is released by the body’s fat cells then enters the bloodstream and is transmitted to the brain after crossing the blood brain barrier. Your brain then registers that you have enough energy stored and you feel satiated.
Leptin is often referred to as the obesity gene because as fat surplus increases so also does the production of leptin. In theory the more fat cells you have the more leptin is released. So why do many overweight people commonly complain of feeling hungry and not satisfied after eating a meal?
If leptin was working correctly, excess fat would be broken down, and used for energy instead of being stored. This should in theory prevent the development of an unwanted ever-expanding waistline and future health problems associated with obesity.
Leptin and the Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus, a small gland right in the centre of the brain plays a key role through its integration with other organs in regulating autonomic body functions such as breathing, heartbeat, digestion, sleep, sex, the urinary system, the autonomous or vegetative nervous system. This is conducted through connection via the pituitary and the entire endocrine system.
Leptin informs the hypothalamus of the following:
1. fat content in the body
2. when the correct level of stored fat is achieved
3. when to release fat in the form of energy so as to prevent buildup of excess fat stores
4. allowing for the release of fat stores for the conversion of excess fat to lean muscle
5. allowing for the release of fat stores for using fat stores for energy (fuel).
In effect, it is the signalling system which tells the hypothalamus to inhibit food intake and informs the brain of satiety, the feeling of fullness, thus telling the body to stop eating.
Leptin, therefore, is the key coordinator in the endocrine system which regulates feelings of hunger, satiety and sufficiency. A properly functioning hypothalamus is therefore the key endocrine gland in the process.
Leptin Resistance
It would make sense that the more fat cells you have, the more leptin is being released. This should in turn off any desire to eat more food.
What scientist have now discovered is what is referred to as Leptin Resistance. The fat cells are producing high levels of leptin but the brain is not registering the high levels. The unfortunate situation is occuring where the brain is registering starvation while the body is actually obese.
The brain then activates the body’s survival mechanisms to increase the fat stores even further.
Leptin resistance also stimulates the formation of reverse T3, which blocks the effects of the thyroid hormone on metabolism.
With leptin resistance, thyroid function is suppressed causing many people to suffer low metabolism. This low metabolism is not due to low thyroid function but a low stimulation of the thyroid.
Reset Your Hypothalamus
With leptin as its message carrier, the hypothalamus regulates the complex operation of the intake, storage and issue of fat as fuel for the body. Like all organs, glands and body systems it is subject to malfunction from time to time and needs nourishment and support for correction.
My resetting the hypothalamus you will be successful in losing weight as well as releasing the fat stores your body thinks it needs to hold onto.
When normal functioning of the hypothalamus is compromised, fat will increase whether you eat excessively, normally or minimally. No amount of food restriction or exercise will prompt the body to let go of those stubborn fat stores.
In order for the fat reserves to be released, increase the body’s metabolism and reduce hunger pains, the hypothalamus must be reset.
Once the hypothalamus is repaired, the body is then able to nurture other glands such as the thyroid and the adrenals.
The result for you is a new body, renewed energy and vigour.
Benefits to Your Self and Society
The benefits of maintaining the correct body weight are many. Excess weight lowers self esteem, causes emotional upsets, can interfere with relationships and so on.
A healthy weight management program like the Slim Factor Program can reverse all this. Slim Factor Program will improve how you feel and look better; improve your energy, productivity and output. Most important of all it will greatly enhance your self esteem. The full program is laid out in The Slim Factor Book.
In finishing, I recommend that each of us as individuals start to take charge of our bodies and our life. We need to take as much responsibility as we possibly can in order to improve our diet, exercise and outlook on life.
About the Author: Julie Dargan (AKA: The Menopause Whisperer). Naturopath (BHSc) & Registered Nurse.
“My mission is to help successful, busy woman cope with the menopause years through diet and nutrition. Don’t be a victim of menopause but learn how to balance your hormones, lose weight and be the fun loving person you know you can be.”
"Remember, it is in the whispers that we are heard". Julie Dargan
www.menopausewhisperer.com is the ultimate site for Perimenopausal and Menopausal women. Julie shares the recipes, nutritional advice and practical tips that she has incorporated into her lifestyle that has allowed her to lose 25kg, and keep the weight off for over FIVE years now, as well as balance her hormones and bring back the vibrant energy that was lacking five years ago.
Julie is a member of the CMA (Complementary Medical Association) and can be contacted by the following:
F: https://www.facebook.com/menopausewhisperer
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Instagram https://instagram.com/menopausewhisperer
Resources
DiabetesFederationofIreland-www.diabetesaction.ie/campaign-archives/2012/05/
Dr Tony Sullivan - Diabetes Federation of Ireland-The Way Forward-www.diabetes.ie/wp-content/uploads/ /strategy_paper 2006-2010
Sherry A. Rogers, M.D. – Detoxify or Die, Sand Key Publishers Inc. ISBN 1-887202-04-8
Julie Dargan – The Slim Factor – Authorhouse U.K. Ltd. - ISBN -978-0-9942294-0-3