Issues with weight gain?

There are many reasons why patients can experience weight gain in addition to lifestyle factors. This can include hormonally-mediated weight gain (reproductive, thyroid, glucose control, and stress hormones), mood/mental health issues, insomnia, smoking/alcohol/substance use, gastrointestinal concerns, autoimmune disorders, fatty liver, and medications, among others.

Identifying the root cause of weight gain through a comprehensive intake and further investigations, such as blood work, can help to determine the best course of treatment. 

Common screening lab work for patients with weight gain concerns includes:

• CBC
• Fasting insulin/glucose and HbA1c
• Thyroid panel

Practitioners may also examine reproductive hormones, liver enzymes, and/or inflammatory markers and antibody testing as part of a further investigation.

Patients also learn how to establish a healthy lifestyle, including nutritional and exercise habits, stress management strategies, and techniques to improve sleep quality.

Supplementation can also be used as an additional tool, depending on the root cause. 

• Chromium and herbal supplementation with Berberine can improve glucose control
• Desiccated thyroid, selenium and an anti-inflammatory diet can support thyroid health
• Ashwagandha and other herbal adaptogens can improve resistance to stress
• Cimicifuga, Vitex and phytoestrogenic foods can be used to support reproductive hormonal concerns

Acupuncture, Especially for individuals who find high levels of stress contribute to their weight gain, acupuncture can be a great adjunctive tool for stress management that can be done in-office.