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Sustainable Weight Loss: The Functional Medicine Approach

Writer's picture: Diane EdmondsDiane Edmonds

Weight loss can be a deeply personal and often frustrating journey, especially when you’re seemingly doing all the right things. Counting calories, exercising, and following advice from popular diet plans sometimes leading to little or no results.


If you’re feeling stuck on your weight loss journey, functional medicine might just be the key to unlocking a path tailored specifically to you. It’s not just about the numbers on the scale—it’s about understanding your body’s unique story and learning how to nurture it for lifelong health.

Finding diets aren't working long term and you have stubborn weight that just wont budge?
Finding diets aren't working long term and you have stubborn weight that just wont budge?

Common underlying causes that may hinder weight loss:


  1. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, appetite, and fat storage. Conditions like insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, or elevated cortisol levels (the stress hormone) can make weight loss challenging. For women, fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone during menopause or due to conditions like PCOS can further complicate matters.

  2. Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation, often caused by poor gut health, food intolerances, or environmental toxins, can interfere with the body’s ability to burn fat effectively. Inflammation also contributes to insulin resistance and leptin resistance, making it harder to regulate hunger and energy storage.

  3. Gut Health: The gut microbiome plays a central role in metabolism. An imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can lead to poor nutrient absorption, cravings for unhealthy foods, and increased fat storage. Leaky gut syndrome, where the gut lining becomes permeable, can also trigger systemic inflammation and weight gain.

  4. Nutrient Deficiencies: Deficiencies in key nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin D, or B vitamins can slow metabolism and impair energy production. These deficiencies may stem from poor dietary choices or an inability to absorb nutrients due to gut issues.

  5. Toxins: Toxins stored in fat cells can disrupt hormonal balance and metabolism. The body often resists burning fat to avoid releasing these harmful substances into circulation.

  6. Emotional and Psychological Factors: Stress, emotional eating, and unresolved trauma can all lead to weight gain or difficulty losing weight. Elevated cortisol levels due to chronic stress can cause the body to hold onto fat, particularly around the abdomen.

  7. Sleep Deprivation: Poor sleep affects hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin, making you more likely to overeat and store fat. Additionally, lack of sleep impairs insulin sensitivity and reduces energy expenditure.


 

The Functional Medicine Approach to Weight Loss:


  1. Personalised Nutrition: There is no one-size-fits-all diet. A deep dive into your health history, a metabolic assessment along with genetic testing or food sensitivity testing can guide personalised dietary recommendations, helping to stabilise blood sugar, reduce inflammation and support weight loss.

  2. Hormonal Balancing: Imbalances in cortisol, thyroid hormones, oestrogen, progesterone, and insulin can reveal hidden barriers to weight loss. Understanding why your imbalanced is the key to getting you back on track.

  3. Gut Health: Bacterial imbalances can lead to weight gain by promoting inflammation and disrupting metabolic processes. Food sensitivities or intolerances can causing bloating, fatigue, and weight gain. Comprehensive consultations and/or stool testing helps us understand whats going on in your body, giving unique insight and allowing us to tailor a specific plan to heal and rebalance your gut.

  4. Detoxification Support: Helping the body safely eliminate toxins can enhance fat metabolism. This might involve supporting liver function, as well as reducing exposure to environmental toxins.

  5. Stress Management: Mindfulness practices, yoga, and stress-reducing techniques can lower cortisol levels and improve overall hormonal balance. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep to support your metabolism and recovery.

  6. Nutritional Supplementation: Targeted supplements can address deficiencies and support metabolism.


 

A Personal Journey with Functional Medicine.


Weight loss is not always about willpower—it’s about understanding what your body needs to rebalance and thrive. Our approach not only supports weight loss but fosters lasting well-being.


What do we do thats different:


  • We look at you a a whole person.

  • We dive into the root causes behind your weight loss resistance - Its important get the full picture so we can understand whats happening in your body, and WHY.

  • We can recommend testing or advise on supplements that may be relevant to your needs.

  • We create a personalised nutrition & lifestyle plan to help you reach your health goals.

  • We guide you on your journey, which is as unique as you.


If you need a bit of extra support or want to dive deeper into what your body needs, we are here to help.


Take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced you with our 3-Month Kick-Start Plan—a personalised journey designed to uncover the root causes of weight loss resistance and support lasting well-being.


Best of luck and warm wishes,


Diane & The Functional You Team



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