Slimming down is on many peoples minds. But as Ive come to learn for myself, there are no shortcuts to melting away fat. Avoid any magic potion that promises to do that!

Many of us remember watching Aladdin as children as he and Jasmine ride on that magic carpet to discover a whole new world. The movie industry has benefited tremendously from capitalising on our love for watching dreams come true and underdogs climbing from rags to riches. It touches that special place in our hearts that desperately wants to believe that miracles do happen.

Its that same desperation we dieters have as we seek that magic pill. That pill that promises to take away your appetite so your scale keeps going down. Or the pill that promises the sun and the moon without you having to do anything to earn it.

The only place for a magic carpet is on the cinema screen and is purely for entertainment. Lets stop fooling ourselves into believing we can manage our weight on a magic carpet while sweeping the real issues under the rug!

No to shortcuts

We may see some results from popping a pill or drinking a mystery solution, but trust me, researchers will discover that very pill causes cancer or kidney failure a few years down the road. Well find ourselves stranded at the side of the road that we thought would be our salvation.

Freedom from overeating isnt free. Like anything else in life that is worth fighting for, it takes courage and hard work to accomplish lasting goals. It also means we have to be willing to give up some things and Im not just referring to food. Food is the tip of the iceberg. Underneath lie a million other reasons we have resorted to feeding this addiction. Until we deal with underlying cause, we cannot even begin to heal from overeating.

Slowing down

This month, lets mindfully and objectively slow down enough to think hard about what we want to accomplish and what small steps we can take to keep us motivated. Do you remember the tortoise and the hare story when we were kids? The hare took a snooze only to lose at the end of the race because as slow as that turtle was, it refused to give up.

We are that turtle. Slow and steady is what it takes, the opposite of what the marketing world advertises as they push one product after another with promises to help us with our weight issues FAST. The only fast thing they may accomplish is quickly depleting our bank accounts as they make money off of our desperation.

I will be honest with you and tell you that I threw out leftover pills just approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to decrease appetite for the sake of weight loss. It took facing the truth head-on to love my body enough to protect it from something that could potentially prove harmful.

If you are popping those magic pills, youll be surprised at how empowering it is to throw them out before you find youve thrown your health to businesses that line their pockets with profit.

Heres to staying healthy the good old-fashioned way and plugging along without stopping, like that turtle!

Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine

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There is no magic pill to lose weight - Jordan Times

There is no doubt that losing weight is a difficult task. It is often seen that people go to the gym, work out and reduce calories, yet they do not lose weight. Experts believe that to lose weight, as much as workout is needed, diet is also needed.The best way to lose weight in a healthy way is to consume all those things along with exercise, which are low in calories and promote muscle growth. Protein is considered the best solution for this.

Protein is very important for losing weight. This strengthens the muscles, enhances the body and reduces weight. Now the question arises that what are the main sources of protein and how should protein be included in the diet to get a good figure and lose weight? For this, Priyanshi Bhatnagar, the founder and holistic nutritionist of Detoxpri, is telling you high protein dishes.

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It is a mixture of various nutritious vegetables, which will give you various nutrients along with protein. This low-calorie Indo-Chinese dish, unlike any other recipe, will whet your appetite. It is stir-fry in a little oil and spices are added. Dont forget to add cheese to it.(Photo Credits: TOI)

Cauliflower is rich in nutrients and low in fat. There is a better vegetable for those who want to lose weight. Just you should not make it in too much oil and spices. Also, avoid putting potatoes in it.

There is no doubt that eggs are the best and cheapest source of high protein along with taste. If you are losing weight, then you should include eggs in breakfast. All you need is black pepper, milk, eggs and butter to make it. You can also add more vegetables to make it more nutritious.(Photo Credits: TOI)

This Mughlai recipe is high in protein and low in calories. Do not use oil to make it. Just baking will do the job. This will not only satisfy your craving but will also keep your weight in check.

(Photo Credits: TOI)

Another quick and easy recipe is Sprouts Chaat. You can make it by mixing rajma, moong dal and black gram. Mix lemon juice with onion, tomato and green chili in it.

Make a salad by mixing quinoa, a little millet, kidney beans and some vegetables. This blend is a treasure trove of protein and fiber. If you are looking to lose weight, then this option may prove to be better for you.

(Photo Credits: TOI)

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always contact your doctor for more details.

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These 6 dishes are full of protein, will reduce weight fast, will make a strong body - News Day Express

By Shubhangi Shah

People across the world follow a wide range of religions, which probably have one thing in common: abstaining from food on certain days. Buddhist texts restrict monks from eating after noon; Muslims have Ramadan during which they fast from dawn till sunset. Similarly, Jews practise Taanit, different Christian traditions have their fasting rules, and Hindus fast on several occasions throughout the year. Several religions see abstinence as a crucial aspect in physical and spiritual well-being, says Dr Unni Nilanjan, Ayurvedic doctor at Art of Livings Sri Sri Tattva Panchakarma. It means abstinence from indulgences. Far from being a way to sustain oneself, food often becomes an indulgence. In this regard, fasting helps a person develop an inner strength to withdraw from pleasures of the senses and go deeper within, he adds.

However, with time, fasting has evolved from being a religious practice to becoming a health phenomenon, with several doctors and fitness pundits recommending it. So, what is the fuss all about?

Benefits galoreFasting, intermittent fasting to be specific, is becoming increasingly common as a way to lose weight. In this, one eats in a time-restricted window and fasts otherwise. There is no restriction concerning food. And it has shown to be effective.

A 2014 study showed intermittent fasting led to a 3-8% loss in weight in 3-24 weeks. It also led to a reduction in waist circumference. As many as 40 review studies have found its positive results on weight loss.

However, it is not the only benefit.

According to Sreemathy Venkatraman, a wellness nutritionist, clinical dietician and founder of Mitha Ahara: Eat to Live, intermittent fasting can lead to:

Mental health improves, too, as one has better self-control and does not graze throughout the day, she says. As your weight decreases, so does your chance of developing chronic illnesses, says Neha Pathania, chief dietician, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram. You also experience enhanced cycles of brain health. Life expectancy increases too, she adds.

Dr Nilanjan goes beyond that and points at Japanese biologist Yoshinori Ohsumi, who won the 2016 Nobel Prize in medicine for his work on autophagy, which is the bodys natural cleansing mechanism to purge the body of damaged cells and regenerate newer, healthier cells. This happens while fasting, the Ayurveda doctor says. Some bodies of research have shown that intermittent fasting and calorie restriction can cause autophagy.

However, since religious fasting is practised for a few days, does it undo the benefits? The answer is no, according to Dr Nilanjan. Fasting is similar to taking your car to the workshop. Doing it once in a while ensures that it runs smoothly and has optimum performance for a longer period. The life of the car is also longer when you maintain it regularly. Similarly, fasting increases the quality of life, when done regularly, he explains.

Dos and dontsFasting has been shown to lead to weight loss and other health benefits. However, healthy eating is the way forward. Hence, do not go overboard with high-fat, ultra-processed and ready-to-eat foods, which trigger inflammation and thus lead to more fat deposits. Instead, have a balance of all the food groups, which includes whole grains, healthy fats, good sources of protein, and lots and lots of fibre. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 35 grams of fibre per day for every adult, which is mainly sourced through vegetables and fruits. Hence, include lots of these, which are in season, in your diet, recommends nutritionist Venkatraman, adding: Also, do not forget to drink enough water.

Coming to religious fasting, it is not uncommon to see people breaking fasts with heavy meals consisting of fried and high-fat foods. Dr Nilanjan recommends against it and says fasting is akin to a workout, as both are experiences we put the body through. We would not just jump into a heavy workout or end one abruptly. Fasting puts the body into a particular state, and thus there is a need to ease out of it, he says, recommending breaking a fast with a light meal containing good amounts of carbohydrates.

On the flip sideLike anything else, fasting, too, has its share of pros and cons. When not done properly or under guidance, fasting can have detrimental effects on the body such as wasting and malnutrition, and can induce unfavourable conditions in the body such as ketosis and hypoglycemia, says Dr Nilanjan.

Also, it may result in the rise of cortisol, the stress hormone, which might cause an increased desire for food. Hence, overeating and binge eating are two frequently seen negative effects of intermittent fasting, says Pathania, adding: As you often forget to drink water when you do not eat, it can occasionally lead to dehydration too.

Apart from these, if you experience unpleasant symptoms, including overeating and probable weight gain, and short-term physical ailments, hormonal changes, or menstrual cycles, discontinue your fasting routine immediately or talk to your doctor, recommends Pathania.

Muscle careAlthough fasting can aid fat loss, there can be a concern about losing muscle mass too. It is crucial to understand that weight loss without exercise typically results in a decrease of both lean and fat mass. Everything in a persons mass that is not fat is considered lean. It holds for fasting too. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting for several months can lead to the loss of minor quantities of lean mass, says Pathania.

At the same time, nutritionist Venkatraman recommends including protein in every meal, which can be challenging for vegetarians and vegans. So, include lots of legumes and pulses in your diet. Have rajma, chana, white-eyed peas, nuts, and oilseeds. Vegetarians can have milk, yogurt, paneer, etc, while vegans can replace these with tofu and vegan milk varieties, she says.

In the end, fasting can be a way of a very disciplined life. You become aware of what you eat, and it gives you the power to control your hunger, says Venkatraman. So what is the way to go about it? To not assume it as just another fad and take it slow as benefits take time to show, she adds.

Types of fastingIntermittent fasting is an umbrella term and includes multiple types in its ambit. Here are a few of them

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A Health Phenomenon: Fast facts on fasting - The Financial Express

In recent years, Doreen Nasasira has battled with her weight. She has gained and lost it in equal measure. Nasasira, the voice behind the K-Zone, a show that runs on KFM from 8pm to midnight, began feeling less confident about her looks in 2016. At the time, she was dealing with different challenges, including a failed relationship.

The heartbreak became a blessing in disguise because it gave me the push to start watching what I ate, she says, adding that losing the weight would in a way help restore her confidence.

In order to achieve her desired goal, she made the gym her second home. She lifted weights, engaged in Zumba (a fitness programme that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance), squats, cardiovascular exercises including walking and running using a treadmill, among other forms of exercise.

Overtime, Nasasira lost 22 kilogrammes (From 78kgs to 56kgs) and began feeling confident and content with her physique. However, this weight loss raised eyebrows, especially among those who knew her well. Many expressed their concern about her weight loss and advised her to gain back the weight.

She adhered to the pressure and sought the services of a nutritionist who gave recommendations on particular foods to eat from then onwards. He suggested she takes millet porridge and oats. Along the way, and with reduced gym visits, Nasasira went back to weighing more than 70 kilogrammes.

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 worsened the situation. The period prompted a lockdown and limited movement as a way of curbing the spread of the disease. Nasasira, who could not even access a gym at the time continued piling on the kilos.

I stocked up on processed foods, including spaghetti and canned foods instead of fresh ones. And because I thought the worst was going to happen, I ate my food without a care in the world, she says.

At the time, she was getting a few endorsements here and there, including modelling gigs for different products. Such engagements would require her involvement in photo-shoots as a way of branding a particular product.

At times, she would face challenges fitting into some outfits while at others, photographers would make fun of her weight. Eventually, she also realised that she had indeed let herself go.

Since these pictures were intended for marketing products, they were shared on-line which also attracted all sorts of mixed reactions from social-media users.

One time, someone said I was obese and should only represent fat people, she says, adding that such comments would cause her to break down and cry.

Nasasira recalls a random male pedestrian who sexually harassed her while she sat on a boda boda that had stopped due to traffic jam. He tried to touch her hips and when that failed, he made some offensive remarks saying, This one is warm.if only I could have her.

He was not the only one who uttered such comments. There were other men who made similar unpleasant remarks whenever they saw her. Then, there were those uncomfortable stares from the same men looking at her hips, where Nasasira says, the weight was mostly concentrated.

And as if the comments and stares were not enough, there was a category of people who said her body was changing because of old age.

Having had enough of such criticism, Nasasira thought it wise to re-consider her weight-loss plan after hitting the 78 kilogramme mark.

So, when the economy was partially re-opened in 2021, she consulted a nutritionist for help. Not only did he give Nasasira a strict diet plan to adhere to from August 2021 to February 2022, he also offered advice that if she stuck to the plan and put her mind to it, the desired results would be reached.

Nasasira was encouraged to mostly include local breeds of chicken and fish in her diet. These had to be accompanied with vegetables, especially leafy greens such as spinach and lettuce. She was urged to often include cucumber and pumpkin as well.

When she opted for beans or peas, Nasasira was told to accompany these with either matooke or sweet potatoes.

She was discouraged from eating fast foodstuffs, wheat and dairy products, processed juices and raw salt, which medical experts say can cause other health complications such as kidney problems.

She was also advised to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated, get enough sleep, not eating past 7pm and on occasions she got cravings, to opt for healthy treats such as vegetable or fruits such as apples, bananas or watermelon.

Nasasira was also encouraged to walk more rather than engage in intense exercise. The trainer reasoned this was so as not to strain her body.

Nasasira has adhered to the diet until today. She, however, admits that the journey has not been easy as temptations always come up. Going out less and being picky with what she eats at restaurants helps her deal with these temptations.

She currently weighs 66kgs and Nasasira hopes to maintain it at this.

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Nasasira's on and off weight loss journey - Monitor

When trying intermittent fasting, both the quantity and quality of what you eat during your eating window matter.

Intermittent fasting is a trendy topic that arises repeatedly in my clinic these days. I get it: restrict the time period when you eat, but within that time window eat as you normally would. No calorie counting. No food restrictions. Simple and flexible. In an on-the-go world, intermittent fasting has come into vogue as a potential pathway toward sustainable weight loss.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has become a catch-all term for one of the key levers in our dietary pattern: timing. More accurately, intermittent fasting refers to an eating schedule that is designed to expand the amount of time your body experiences a fasted state. You achieve this by reducing the so-called eating window. The most popular time-restricted eating protocols (typically based on study designs) are explained in these previously published articles:

To start, consider a fed state that promotes cellular growth versus a fasted state that stimulates cellular breakdown and repair. Both can be beneficial or harmful, depending on the context (consider how cellular growth builds lean muscle mass and also spawns cancer). Many of our genes, particularly those that regulate our metabolism (how we digest and utilize the energy from food), are turned on and off each day in accordance with our innate circadian rhythms (our sleep/wake cycle).

We transition from a fed to an early fasted state several hours five to six, on average after our last meal. This often aligns with the time when the sun has set, our metabolism slows, and we sleep. However, in our modern environment with artificial lights, 24-hour convenience stores, and DoorDash, we are persistently primed to eat. Rather than obeying our circadian cues, we are eating at all times of day.

Plenty of research, mainly in animal models but also some human trials, indicates that your body experiences numerous benefits from being in a fasted state, given its impact on cellular processes and function. In a fully fasted state, your metabolism switches its primary source of fuel from glucose to ketones, which triggers a host of cellular signaling to dampen cellular growth pathways and increase cellular repair and recycling mechanisms. Repeated exposure to a fasted state induces cellular adaptations that include increased insulin sensitivity, antioxidant defenses, and mitochondrial function.

Given how much of chronic disease is driven by underlying insulin resistance and inflammation, it's plausible that fasting may help reduce diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and obesity. And multiple short-term clinical studies provide evidence that intermittent fasting specifically, time-restricted feeding can improve markers of cardiometabolic health.

To date, the answer has remained murky due to the quality of the evidence, which often involves very small sample sizes, short intervention periods, varied study designs (often lacking control groups), different fasting protocols, and participants of varying shapes and sizes. The data on intermittent fasting and its impact on weight loss largely involves studies that employ the time-restricted eating methodology of intermittent fasting. A recent compilation of the evidence suggests that limiting your eating window might indeed help you shed a few pounds.

To tease out the independent impact of time restriction on weight loss, we need to evaluate a calorie-restricted diet combined with time-restricted eating, compared to time-restricted eating alone. The recent results of a yearlong study assessed this exact question: does time-restricted eating with calorie restriction produce greater effects on weight loss and metabolic risk factors in obese patients, as compared with daily calorie restriction alone?

To answer this question, the trial involved people ages 18 to 75 with BMIs between 28 and 45, notably excluding those who were actively participating in a weight-loss program or using medications that affect weight or calorie intake. Participants were instructed to follow a 25% calorie-reduced diet (1,500 to 1,800 calories per day for men and 1,200 to 1,500 calories per day for women) with a set ratio of calories from protein, carbs, and fats. In order to confirm adherence to the diet (a notorious challenge in diet studies), participants were encouraged to weigh foods and were required to keep a daily dietary log, photograph the food they ate, and note the times at which they ate with the use of a custom mobile app.

Half of the participants (those in the time-restricted eating group) were instructed to consume the prescribed calories within an eight-hour period, whereas the other half in the daily-calorie-restriction group consumed the prescribed calories without time restriction. All participants were also instructed to maintain their usual daily physical activity throughout the trial, to remove this variable and to isolate the timing of food intake as the only difference between the two groups.

After a full year, 118 patients successfully completed the study, with similar rates of adherence to the diet and composition of the diet between the two groups. Both groups lost a significant amount of weight: an average of about 18 pounds for the time-restricted eating group and 14 pounds for the daily-calorie-restriction group. The difference in weight loss between the two groups was not statistically significant, nor was there a significant difference in weight loss among subgroups when sorted by sex, BMI at baseline, or insulin sensitivity. The resulting improvements in blood pressure, lipids, glucose, and cardiometabolic risk factors were also similar between the two groups. This trial provides strong evidence that, all else being equal, restricting the eating window alone does not have a substantive impact on weight loss.

For most people (with notable exclusions of those who have diabetes, eating disorders, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or require food with their meds), a time-restricted eating approach appears to be a safe strategy that is likely to produce some weight loss, assuming you are not changing your current dietary pattern (eating more calories).

The weight loss effects of time-restricted eating derive primarily from achieving a negative energy balance. If you maintain your regular diet and then limit the time window during which you eat, it is likely that you will eat a few hundred fewer calories per day. If this is sustainable as a lifestyle, it could add up to modest weight loss (3% to 8% on average, based on current data) that can produce beneficial improvements in cardiometabolic markers such as blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and average blood sugar.

But and this is a big but if you are overcompensating for the time restriction by gorging yourself during your eating window, it will not work as a weight loss strategy. And it may indeed backfire. The other two levers in your dietary pattern the quantity and quality of what you eat during your eating window still matter immensely!

While weight loss for cardiometabolic health is a sensible goal, weight loss from any intervention (including intermittent fasting) often entails a concurrent loss of lean muscle mass. This has been a notable finding what I might even call an adverse side effect of intermittent fasting protocols. Given the importance of lean muscle mass for revving your metabolic rate, regulating your blood sugar, and keeping you physically able overall, pairing resistance training with an intermittent fasting protocol is strongly advised.

Finally, the weight loss achieved through time-restricted eating (which we often refer to interchangeably with intermittent fasting) is likely different than the cellular adaptations that happen with more prolonged fully fasted states. At this time, it is hard to determine the degree to which the cardiometabolic benefits of fasting derive from weight loss or from underlying cellular adaptations; it is likely an interrelated combination of both.

Nevertheless, it seems clear that in a 24/7 world of around-the-clock eating opportunities, all of us could benefit from aligning with our circadian biology, and spend a bit less time in a fed state and more time in a fasted state each day.

Originally posted here:
Should you try intermittent fasting for weight loss? - Harvard Health

Some therapists employ hypnosis as a therapy to assist patients in achieving complete relaxation. Practitioners think that throughout a session, the conscious and unconscious mind can concentrate on verbal repetition and mental imagery. As a result, the mind becomes receptive to ideas and open to modifications in attitudes, feelings, and routines.Since the 1700s, individuals have utilised variations of this complementary therapy to treat everything from smoking to bedwetting. Hypnosis research has also shown some potential in the treatment of obesity.How Hypnosis works Numerous researches have backed up the advantages of mindfulness-based therapies for reducing various behaviours connected to obesity. Hypnosis is a trance-like mental state in which people exhibit heightened attention, concentration, and suggestibility. It is also known as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion.Many different medical disorders have been treated with hypnosis.

With the patient fully awake and alert, self-conditioning techniques that have been adapted from hypnosis, such as self-hypnosis, promote self-control and self-management of emotions.

Recent hypnosis techniques with a rapid-induction phase enable the patient to enter hypnosis in a matter of minutes and may be used to change the way obese people live their lives.

During the process, the therapist makes suggestions to assist in altering the diet or exercise routines or other approaches to achieve weight loss objectives once the individual has attained a more receptive frame of mind.

This stage could benefit from the repetition of certain words or phrases. The therapist could also use vivid mental imagery to help one picture themselves accomplishing goals. Does hypnotherapy help promote weight loss?

For those trying to lose weight, hypnosis might be more helpful than diet and exercise alone. The concept is that behaviours like overeating can be changed by manipulating the mind. But it's still unclear exactly how effective it might be.

In a previous controlled trial, hypnosis was used to help persons with obstructive sleep apnea lose weight. The study compared two distinct types of hypnotherapies to basic dietary recommendations for treating obesity and sleep apnea. In three months, each of the 60 participants lost 2 to 3 percent of their body weight.

However, a recent study found that patients who received hypnosis had reduced rates of inflammation, improved satiety, and better quality of life, even if the trial only produced modest weight loss effects. These could be the methods by which hypnosis affects weight. To completely comprehend the possible function of hypnosis in weight management, more research is required.

In an Instagram live session with ETimes Lifestyle, holistic health guru Pooja Bedi also discussed the various advantages of hypnotherapy, calling it a "wonderful approach" to deprogram and get rid of undesirable patterns and conflicts. Numerous Hollywood stars have also used hypnosis to solve their difficulties. It is even referred to as the next biggest wellness trend by several experts.

Some of the celebrities that used hypnosis for weight loss include David Beckham, Lily Allen, Adele, and Sophie Dahl.

Former plus-size model Sophie always took great pride in her size. One day she realised that her eating patterns were harming her health and made the decision that it was time to lose weight. She was able to change her mindset with the use of hypnotherapy, and she has since maintained her slimmer shape for almost ten years while pursuing a very lucrative modelling career.

Another celebrity who used hypnotherapy to lose two dress sizes before a vacation is Lily. According to her therapist, she utilised verbal strategies to change Lily's perceptions of liquor and junk food, emphasising the idea that they didn't satisfy her emotional needs and actually hindered her attempts to get the thinner physique she desired. Her focus shifted from being self-conscious and self-critical to being happy about how she perceived herself in the mirror.

It's significant to remember that there isn't much evidence to support weight loss using hypnosis alone. Much of what can be found for weight loss through hypnotherapy is in combination with diet and exercise.

The greatest approach to reduce weight is through diet and exercise. However, hypnotherapy can assist with changing other undesirable lifestyle habits in addition to helping one practise diet and exercise more effectively.

Is hypnotherapy safe?

Most people are seen to be safe using hypnosis and adverse reactions are rare if done under the guidance of a qualified therapist. It is not a method of mind control or brainwashing. A person cannot be forced into performing something embarrassing or against their will by a therapist.

However, there are some potential risks including headache, dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, distress, and false memory creation. These usually fade shortly after the hypnotherapy session.

Before attempting hypnotherapy, people who experience hallucinations or delusions should consult their doctor. Additionally, hypnosis shouldn't be used on someone who is under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

Additional tips to promote weight lossTry moving your body most days of the week. Make an effort to do one to two hours of moderate exercise per week, such as walking, water aerobics, dancing, or one to two hours of more strenuous exercise, such as running, swimming laps, or gym. You can also try completing the daily step count.

Keep track of when, how much, and whether or not you're eating in response to hunger. By doing so, you might be able to recognise poor behavior, such as munching out of boredom.

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Can hypnosis help with weight loss? - Times of India

Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric or metabolic surgery, is a treatment option for people with obesity who have taken other measures to lose weight with minimal success. The procedure can help people significantly reduce their weight and improve their overall health.

The cost of bariatric surgery varies depending on the type of surgery, your insurance coverage, and the hospital in which its performed.

Read on to learn more about the cost, insurance coverage, and financing plans for surgical weight loss.

Because obesity puts people at risk for additional health conditions, many insurance companies cover bariatric surgery if you qualify. You may need to meet the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria to qualify for insurance coverage. Some states require insurance companies to cover weight loss surgery if you meet these health criteria.

Some insurance plans cover the full or partial cost of surgical weight loss procedures. Coverage can vary depending on your state and the reason for the surgery. You may be responsible for covering certain costs or a percentage of the surgery.

Questions to ask your insurance company can include:

Surgical weight loss financing plans are available. Some options include loans and payments via a third-party credit company. Some hospitals may offer package options if you plan to pay out of pocket.

Obesity is linked to a higher cost of living, including medical costs. People who are obese often spend more on medical care, medications, and insurance. Obesity is linked to several chronic health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, which can increase healthcare costs.

Dr. Peter Nau, a bariatric surgeon at the University of Iowa, says, While weight loss surgery certainly isnt cheap, its far more expensive to not have the surgery, otherwise insurance wouldnt pay for it. The insurance companies save money since patients are healthier.

Nau also notes that obesity can lower income and productivity. The [rate of] absenteeism associated with obesity is huge, he says. Obesity is a significant cause of loss of work and not being productive while you are at work.

Plus, if a person has type 2 diabetes, and youre on 100 units of insulin and two oral medications, it can be financially devastating, depending on how much they have to pay out of pocket.

While surgery may not cure their diabetes, to take them from 100 units of insulin and two oral medications to just one medication can make a huge difference in their cost, Nau says.

Success rates of surgical weight loss vary depending on the type of surgery. Some studies suggest that people lose 15% to 30% of their total body weight, though some of it is regained.

Research from 2017 suggests that people may lose 60% to 70% of their excess weight.

To maintain weight loss, youll need to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and follow the diet and exercise plan your surgeon recommends. Major weight loss can positively impact your quality of life and reduce health concerns. You may feel better overall and find it easier to do certain activities.

More than 95% of people will successfully lose at least half of their extra body weight and the majority will keep it off. However, numbers dont necessarily define success, and thats really the case for the majority of the people, Nau says.

I tell my patient that we dont define their success. Its really about what they consider to be a success, he adds. It may be the resolution of a clinical condition like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. For other people, its doing something, whether its getting on that roller coaster or getting on a plane.

To get started with surgical weight loss, youll want to do research and talk with at least two surgeons. If you can, consider attending an in-person or online seminar to learn more about the process.

Also, youll need to see if you meet the criteria of your insurance coverage. This might include having a specific body mass index (BMI) and obesity-related conditions.

Check to see which hospitals your plan covers. You can also find out whether you need a referral from your primary care physician and provide information regarding your medical history. You may also need to provide evidence that other weight loss methods were not effective.

I dont think theres any question that its the best weight loss option. Theres no evidence to support anything else and the reality of it is that the majority of people cant lose weight on their own. It doesnt mean theyre not trying; it means that obesity is complicated, says Nau.

Medicare will cover weight loss surgery for people who meet the criteria, which include having a BMI of 35, having one obesity-related condition, and experiencing unsuccessful attempts at weight loss.

Yes, Medicaid covers weight loss surgery.

Weight loss surgery isnt medically necessary in the sense that you wont live if you dont do it. However, if people are struggling with obesity and related health conditions and cant get on top of it on their own, they should consider weight loss surgery as an option, Nau says.

Bariatric surgery is a good weight loss option for people who meet the criteria. If youre considering surgical weight loss, there are many cost-related factors to think about. If you have insurance, youll want to find out what your plan covers and see whether youre a candidate.

To learn more, talk with at least two bariatric surgeons and attend an in-person or online seminar. With plenty of information, youll be able to make the best decision for you.

Excerpt from:
The Cost of Surgical Weight Loss: What to Expect - Healthline

Most of the time, weight gain is the result of diet and lifestyle. However, there are medical condition that can cause you to gain weight.

When youre struggling to lose weight, the reasons are usually clear: youre eating too much, choosing the wrong foods, and/or not exercising enough. But what if you feel like youre doing everything right and the pounds still wont budge? What if, in fact, youre continuing to gain weight?

It may be time to look beyond diet and exercise for the root cause of your problem. Many medical conditions can make weight loss nearly impossible, some of them quite serious. If youre experiencing unexplained weight gain, make an appointment with your doctor to take a closer look at whats going on.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, leptin is an appetite-suppressing hormone that helps regulate hunger and weight. Its directly related to how much body fat you have; the more fat youre storing, the more leptin is in your bloodstream, sending signals to modify your appetite so your caloric expenditure and intake match up. People who have leptin resistance arent getting those helpful signals and thus still feel the need to overeat even as the pounds creep up.

Medical News Today reports that problems with your kidneys can also cause you to gain weight, even though they also cause loss of appetite. Kidneys that arent functioning properly arent able to rid your body of fluid and waste, which then build up in the bodys tissues. If this is happening to you, youll notice swelling primarily in your legs, ankles, and feet. You may also be urinating less frequently and when you do, your urine might appear frothy.

People suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome may notice unexplained weight gain around their middle region. This condition is believed to be caused by an excess of the male hormone androgen and low-grade inflammation, according to the Mayo Clinic, and can also result in acne, unusual hair growth on the back, chest, and face, male pattern baldness, and cysts on the ovaries. Although there isnt a cure for this condition, it can be managed with lifestyle changes and hormone therapy.

Depression can cause a cascade of symptoms that directly impact your weight. Depression is linked with the stress hormone cortisol, says WebMD, which can make excess weight gather around your stomach. People with depression frequently suffer from sleep problems and low energy and may turn to food or substances for relief, all of which can cause weight gain. Even medication to alleviate depression can cause weight gain, although some options dont have that side effect.

The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the neck that regulates many of the bodys automatic functions, including metabolism, body temperature, and heart rhythm. Hypothyroidism occurs when the activities of the thyroid slow down, causing weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, and the sensation of being cold. According to the American Thyroid Association (thyroid.org), hypothyroidism can be diagnosed with blood tests and, if detected, successfully managed through medication.

According to the American Heart Association, rapid weight gain is one of the leading signs of heart failure. While everyone experiences mild weight fluctuations on a daily basis, a sudden weight gain of over 2 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week could be a sign that your heart is in trouble. Heart failure occurs when your heart cant pump blood efficiently. Other symptoms include dizziness, chest pains, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and swelling in your ankles, legs, and feet. Get medical help immediately if youre experiencing these symptoms.

Getting your weight under control is a good goal. But when you arent seeing any progress, its time to talk to your doctor to rule out underlying causes.

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6 Medical Conditions That Can Cause You to Gain Weight - SciTechDaily

Because of diet culture and companies trying to sell their products, "belly fat loss" has been promoted in extremely unhealthy, unsustainable, and sometimes dangerous ways. These fad diets and weight loss products can harm people both physically and mentally.

Flat belly teas are some of the clearest examples of this, which market themselves as helping to promote weight loss and are often made with natural laxatives that can lead to stomach and gut lining issues.

Not only is something like this potentially harmful, but it's misleading as well. Belly fat diets may help you get rid of some bloating or shed a few pounds, but these results are temporary and never actually address the issue at hand.

So are there healthy ways to lose belly fat and keep it off, while still giving your body the nutrients and care it needs? And what does the science actually say about abdominal fat loss and how it's connected to your diet?

Read on, and for more on healthy eating, check out 5 Best Eating Habits For Your Blood Sugar.

Not all types of fat in our bodies are the same, nor do they carry the same level of potential health risk. Subcutaneous fat is the fat located just beneath our skin and outside of our abdominal wall. According to Harvard Health, subcutaneous fat makes up about 90% of our body's fat.

Visceral fat makes up the other 10% of body fat, and this type of fat is what experts warn should be monitored. This is because visceral fat is located beneath our abdominal wall and around our abdominal organs. Too much of this type of fat has been linked to heart disease and other serious illnesses.

Unfortunately, there is no "quick fix" for visceral fat. But research suggests a healthy diet and sustainable weight loss can help you shed this type of belly fat.

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While many people may be searching for that miracle solution to belly fat loss, there isn't one. This is because even though our culture has marketed the ability to specifically target belly fat with the right foods and exercise, it's more so about your overall weight management. And researchers have found that losing and maintaining weight loss through a balanced diet and regular exercise can also help keep visceral fat at healthy levels.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Harvard Health states that eating plenty of fiber and complex carbs like whole grains, vegetables, and protein sources like lean meat and legumes can help overall weight loss. They also suggest limiting your intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates, as this can contribute to weight gain and therefore more belly fat.

Diet is certainly one of the major factors in weight loss. In a study published in BMC Public Health, participants that lost weight through diet and exercise didn't actually have that much of a difference in visceral fat loss as the participants who lost weight through diet only. The exercise and diet group did see a bigger change in subcutaneous fat, though.

Exercise is still an important aspect of weight loss, as are other areas of life. Harvard lists five ways of tackling visceral fat: movement, diet, lowering stress, avoiding tobacco, and getting enough sleep.

One recent study from Mayo Clinic found that lack of sleep was in fact associated with more visceral fat. In other words, make sure you're getting enough rest every evening.

Even though our society is constantly telling us that there are quick and easy ways to get rid of belly fat, the science says that it takes a more holistic approach, one that involves losing body fat in a healthy, sustainable way by making helpful changes to our diet and lifestyle.

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What Science Says About the Best Foods for Losing Belly Fat Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

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lot of people made major life changes during the pandemic, but none more so than the Canadian comedian Kate Barron. Just a few months into a new life in Britain having split with her long-term partner in Canada, left her job and home and moved here with the intention of finally taking comedy seriously as a career, only to be stuck in a houseshare in London with people she barely knew she made a secret decision. Without even telling her flatmates, she got on a plane, flew to Turkey, signed a few forms she literally couldnt read and, without telling a soul, had 80 per cent of her stomach removed.

By the time any of her family found out and saw her again she had shed 13 stone, which is, to give you some contemporary context, almost exactly the weight of Chris Evans bulked up to play Captain America.

Barrons decision, the journey to making it, and the journey it began is the subject of her new Edinburgh show, Losing Myself. And as she genially weaves a tale of what is, really, an extreme transformation, you begin to realise the extent of how the world is simply not set up for larger people.

Its hard to freely develop your own style because there just arent enough clothes available in the shops, and where there are, theyre usually at the very back where no-ones going to see you. A long-haul flight in economy is physical torture to the overweight, chairs of all kinds are a source of trepidation. Barron tells a story about arriving for a lovely dinner, and all my skinny little beautiful friends took all the chairs without arms, she says. Too embarrassed to speak up, Barron spent four hours eating and drinking in what was effectively a vicious arse-vice.

That shame is something she deals with in the show, but her attitude to it isnt remotely self-pitying. When a friend who had been at that dinner saw a preview of the show, she was horrified. Shes like, Im so sorry, I never thought and Im like, Its okay, Barron says when we meet in the Standards photo studio after her shoot.

I also never said anything. So it cant entirely be on you, because I never said it. I just took these moments of discomfort and anxiety and I held them all into myself, which made it really painful and lonely, but I was too ashamed to have those conversations with my friends.

But surely thats not on you, I say. I think it is and it isnt, she says. You want to have close relationships with people and I dont think I was being really authentic with them either. My weight was definitely me wearing my mental health on the outside. And it was just so visible to people. But I couldnt expect people to know all these things about me if I wasnt being honest with them, either.

And my friends, after I lost all this weight, were going, I didnt even know this was an issue for you. I just thought you were super confident and happy with who you are. You never let it show that you were anything other than that. And that just goes to show how isolating it can be, because its all I thought about.

And yet for the past seven years, at her heaviest (she wont divulge the weight she reached, but shows me a picture of herself on stage and she genuinely looks like a different woman), she was getting up on stage night after night to do stand up, something most people, no matter their shape or size, wouldnt dream of doing.

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I wanted to do it since I was a kid, she says, but I just didnt have the guts. And I thought it was one of those things that only famous people did. I didnt know you could get famous doing comedy.

She doesnt come from a performing family, but they were loud and crazy. She and her brother and sister were largely raised by her grandmother while her parents worked, and I was definitely the one being like, Look at me, look at me. Im the baby. Thats why Im so obnoxious.

But by the time she realised comedy was something anyone could have a stab at, in her 20s, I had no self confidence; they would have eaten me alive up there. I couldnt have done it. She comes from a family of large people, but her weight gain had crept up on her. It happens gradually. You just start to get less and less comfortable in your own skin and in the world.

Ultimately it was lockdown that pushed Barron to the point of drastic action. I just finally went, Enough. And I think it maybe it was Covid, it was not being able to perform, it was being lonely being over here and away from people and distractions.

I'm very much a go go go kind of person. When I first moved here, for the whole first year, I had a full-time job and I was doing around 12 shows a week, still trying to have a social life and make friends in a new city and everything. I just would not allow myself to slow down for a minute. Because if you slow down, you'll hear your thoughts, basically. And then Covid hit, and there was nothing but thoughts.

I just thought, What am I doing with my life? I'm really miserable. And eventually, you need to take accountability for that, eventually you cannot blame your upbringing or the poor nutrition we had, or being working class. And my parents, they only knew what they knew, and they were doing their best. And you know, I haven't lived with them for almost 20 years. So is this really their problem still? Or is it mine? I just had to sort of own that and go, I am still in my 30s; I can choose to get this under control.

She didnt go into it completely recklessly. Barron understood her action was drastic and started getting regular therapy before she made the trip, to cope with the inevitable emotional rollercoaster. I was like, Alright, what are we going to talk about? My messed up relationship with my family, or my f***boys ? And she was like, No, I think the worst relationship you have in your life is with yourself. And I was like, Hey, coach, Im paying you a lot of money. Isn't this supposed to make me feel good?

The therapist was right, though. I just hated myself. Anything you thought about me, when you saw me as a bigger person, I guarantee you, I thought it, but much, much worse. And that's how I would talk to myself all the time. I try really hard not to do that now.

The surgery hasnt been a magic bullet. Part of Barrons show goes into the insanely strict diet that she had to adopt after the surgery, and the weird stuff shes not allowed to do (you cant chew gum, drink through straws or drink carbonated drinks because it creates too much air in your tiny stomach; all the precious space must be preserved for nutrition). And there are other, less obvious pitfalls. Shopping is still a nightmare, but for different reasons.

Because I was always bigger, the clothes I would gravitate towards would just be big, black, oversized baggy clothes to hide myself. So now I dont even know what my style is. Ill go to Westfield and Ill get completely overwhelmed. Where can I even start? How do you find your style after [so many] years?

Shes still getting used to her new self. Even now I will see a chair now or see a booth in a restaurant, Ill be like, Im not gonna be able to fit. Ill catch myself in the mirror sometimes and I dont even really recognise myself. But I also dont really recognise who I was before. I look at these pictures sometimes, and I go, who even was she? I dont feel like her anymore.

Barron says shes happier now than shes ever been. She has just turned 39, and on August 10 itll be seven years since I went up and did my first open mic, she says, with deserved pride.

She is a little envious, she says, of comics her age who have been on stage for decades, but then says that until shed lived a bit more she wouldnt have had anything to talk about. My [earlier] comedy was very surface. It was about like dating and sex; the easy jokes. This is the first time Ive ever opened up and have talked about vulnerable things on stage, and really had something to say.

It seems to be having an impact. Barrons been developing her latest show on stage, and after one recent gig, I had a woman who was sobbing. She came up to me afterwards and said, can I just hug you? And I had another guy last night, this really classically handsome man, great physique. And he was like, You probably don't think it's true, but I'm telling you, a lot of that shit hit home. And I was like, Wow. I don't know why, maybe he has somebody big in his life and hes never really thought about these things before, or maybe he was a bully, or maybe he had weight issues. I don't know. But it's been really interesting to get feedback from people. And I just feel like, because I'm being more real on stage, I think people can feel it, so they're giving me so much more love and appreciation now.

How often are people actually that focused, listening to you share your ideas and thoughts? I just think comedy is the most beautiful, pure art form. I love it so much.

Kate Barron: Losing Myself is at Just the Tonic at the Tron, Edinburgh from August 4-14 and 16-28; edfringe.com

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Comedian Kate Barron on drastic weight loss, why chairs were a source of terror and her new Edinburgh show - Evening Standard