Metabolism is divided into two main components: basal metabolic rate (BMR) and physical activity. BMR represents the energy expended at rest to maintain vital bodily functions, such as breathing, circulation, and cellular processes. Among several factors, age, gender, muscular mass, and body composition influence daily energy expenditure. Physical activity, on the other hand, includes the energy used during exercise and daily activities, contributing to overall energy expenditure.
Role of medical weight loss
A medical weight loss program involves supervision and guidance from healthcare professionals. Weight loss treatment plans are tailored to address the underlying causes of obesity. Medical weight loss programs often incorporate a combination of dietary interventions, behaviour modification, and, in some cases, medical interventions or procedures. The primary goal of medical weight loss is to create a calorie deficit, which is achieved by consuming fewer calories than the body needs to maintain its current weight. By forcing the body to utilize stored fat for energy, this calorie deficit triggers weight loss. Medical professionals carefully monitor and adjust calorie intake to ensure a healthy and sustainable weight loss journey.
Impact on metabolism
Increased metabolic rate
The benefit of medical weight loss is the potential to boost metabolic rate. When following a well-designed weight loss plan, individuals may experience an increase in their resting metabolic rate (RMR), which is similar to BMR but takes into account the energy required for digestion and absorption of nutrients. This increase in RMR is attributed to several factors:
- Muscle preservation – Medical weight loss programs often emphasize the importance of preserving lean muscle mass. It takes more energy to maintain muscle tissue than fat tissue because muscle tissue is metabolically active. By focusing on muscle preservation through resistance training and adequate protein intake, medical weight loss helps maintain or even increase RMR.
- Thermic effect of food – Certain dietary interventions, such as increasing protein intake and incorporating thermogenic foods, enhance TEF, leading to a temporary increase in metabolic rate.
- Hormonal balance – Medical weight loss programs may include strategies to optimize hormonal balance, which plays a crucial role in metabolism. For example, managing insulin sensitivity and supporting thyroid function positively impact metabolic rate.
Metabolic adaptation
While medical weight loss boosts metabolism, it is essential to consider the concept of metabolic adaptation. When in a calorie deficit, the body may undergo metabolic adaptations to conserve energy and maintain homeostasis. This adaptation leads to a decrease in metabolic rate over time, making weight loss more challenging. Metabolism adapts to calorie deficits, genetic factors, and individual metabolic flexibility. It is a natural response aimed at preserving energy stores and ensuring survival. It hinders weight loss progress and makes it more difficult to maintain a calorie deficit.
For men seeking medical weight loss solutions in Napa, there are specialized clinics and programs available. With medical expertise and individualized treatment plans, Medical Weight Loss Napaoffers comprehensive weight management. These programs typically involve a thorough assessment of an individual’s health status, including metabolic evaluations, to develop a tailored weight loss strategy.