Dietitian: How to Avoid Mistakes When Losing Weight?
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A Lithuanian dietitian explains that weight loss is a complex health issue, not just a matter of willpower, often influenced by biological and environmental factors.
- The expert notes that the body's response to calorie restriction can increase hunger, making long-term adherence difficult, and that factors like hormonal imbalance, genetics, stress, and sleep quality play significant roles.
- Starting weight loss efforts earlier in life is advised, as metabolism slows with age, and the presence of comorbidities increases, making the process more challenging later on.
In Lithuania, the conversation around weight management is increasingly shifting from a purely aesthetic concern to a serious health issue, as highlighted by insights from dietitian E. Grišinas. Delfi reports on the nuanced approach needed to tackle overweight and obesity, emphasizing that willpower alone is rarely sufficient.
Be abejo, nuo mūsų pačių priklauso labai daug, tačiau graužatis dėl kiekvienos suvartotos kalorijos tikrai nepadeda. Svorio augimo ar nemažėjimo priežastys dažnai slypi ne tik kalorijose, o yra susijusios su daugybe faktorių – hormonų disbalansu, genetika, stresu, miego trukme ir kokybe bei organizmo gebėjimu reguliuoti energijos suvartojimą ir išeikvojimą
Grišinas challenges the persistent notion that excess weight is solely a result of a lack of self-control. Instead, modern medicine recognizes obesity as a chronic condition, akin to type 2 diabetes or hypertension, linked to a staggering 229 other diseases. This perspective underscores the critical need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses the multifaceted nature of weight gain, moving beyond simplistic judgments.
The expert points out that the body's natural response to calorie restriction—increased hunger and appetite—is a significant hurdle for many. This physiological reaction often leads to frustration and a cycle of failed attempts, as individuals struggle to maintain restrictive diets. Grišinas advocates for viewing weight loss as a long-distance journey, acknowledging that setbacks are inevitable and emphasizing the importance of a clear plan tailored to individual circumstances.
Apie svorio mažinimą verta galvoti kaip apie ilgą distanciją, kurioje neišvengiamai pasitaikys kliūčių, stabtelėjimų ar paslydimų. Todėl svarbu turėti aiškų planą, įvertinti individualias aplinkybes ir gyvenimo būdą. Daugeliu atvejų prireikia ir gydytojų pagalbos
Furthermore, the dietitian stresses the impact of factors beyond diet and exercise, including hormonal imbalances, genetics, stress levels, and sleep quality. These elements significantly influence the body's ability to regulate energy intake and expenditure. The advice to begin addressing weight concerns earlier in life is particularly relevant, given the natural decline in metabolism with age and the increased likelihood of developing other health conditions, making the challenge of weight loss even greater for older individuals.
Su amžiumi – maždaug 1 proc. per metus – lėtėja medžiagų apykaita. Todėl yra didelis skirtumas, ar svorį pradedama mažinti keturiasdešimties, ar penkiasdešimties. Be to, su amžiumi daugėja ir gretutinių ligų, kurios riboja galimybes
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.