The first steps to stop being obese - part 2

Another difference between being and not being obese is the way the body works. It is very different!

One of the fundamental principles that we are programmed to constantly pursue is homeostasis. According to wikipedia, homeostasis "is the property of an open system, especially living things, to regulate its internal environment in order to maintain a stable condition by multiple adjustments of dynamic equilibrium, controlled by interrelated regulatory mechanisms."

Translating, we adapt to the conditions of the environment in which we find ourselves, so that we maintain a stable equilibrium.

When we have a lot of weight to lose, our body adapts to this reality, it adjusts to the existing constraints, particularly at the brain and hormonal level.

Diets rich in processed carbohydrates, even when labelled as "healthy" or "light", cause neurological changes that resemble the effect that drugs have on the brain. Yes, "sugar" has a similar brain effect to cocaine! Not only does it cause arousal but also dependence.

Of course, as with other drugs, over time and with continuous consumption and exposure, a greater and greater dependence develops.

Not to mention the effect this consumption has on insulin and leptin levels, two agents central to the control of fat mass and appetite. With the increase in weight, the accumulation of fat and the development of obesity, a phenomenon of resistance of our organism to both is originated: as their levels are constantly high, the capacity of the different cells to "hear", receive their "message" and act in an effective and healthy way is diminished. The body's response is as expected: to increase the volume of the "message", producing more and more insulin and leptin, giving rise to a cycle.

This cycle has numerous impacts on obesity, from increasing the message for fat to be accumulated to completely altering appetite control!

It's like adding gasoline to a fire! We have a physical need to eat carbohydrates, avoiding a "hangover". But that consumption perpetuates insulin and leptin resistance. Which creates and fuels another cycle!

These are some of the reasons why most common weight loss plans based on controlling the amount you eat easily fail. They don't take into consideration that the choices we make, when we are obese, are not entirely voluntary or rational. They do not adapt to the brain, endocrine and metabolic realities of an obese state.

So what is the best plan?

Ideally, you should be able to trigger weight loss quickly, creating positive feedback and maintaining motivation levels, using a strategy that is effective but does not upset the unstable brain and hormonal balance. Achieving this is the best of both worlds!

And it can be achieved if you start by reducing the cells that make up over 40% of adipose tissue: macrophages and other immune cells.

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