We understand excess weight’s profound impact on your overall health and well-being. It’s important to recognize that the effects of being overweight are not limited to physical health but can also impact emotional and psychological well-being.
Health is more than just a number on the scale; it’s about feeling good and living your life to the fullest. Addressing weight issues through a comprehensive and holistic approach is crucial for improving overall health and reducing the risk of associated health conditions.
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Here are some of the most common things excess weight can impact:
- Cardiovascular System: Excess weight puts an additional strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure (hypertension) and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
- Metabolism: Obesity disrupts the body’s metabolism, making it more difficult to regulate blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of insulin resistance, a critical factor in developing type 2 diabetes.
- Respiratory System: Carrying excess weight affects the respiratory system, leading to sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome. These conditions can result in breathing difficulties, decreased oxygen levels, and chronic fatigue.
- Musculoskeletal System: The additional weight increases joint stress, particularly in the knees, hips, and lower back, leading to joint pain, osteoarthritis, and a reduced range of motion.
- Digestive System: Obesity increases the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and fatty liver disease. It can also lead to an increased likelihood of developing gallstones.
- Endocrine System: Adipose tissue (fat cells) release hormones and chemicals that disrupt the hormonal balance in the body, contributing to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hormonal imbalances in both men and women.
- Mental Health: Being overweight can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. It can also contribute to social isolation and reduced quality of life.
- Cancer Risk: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer.
- Immune System: Obesity can impair the immune system’s function, making the body more susceptible to infections and reducing the body’s ability to fight off illnesses.
- Pregnancy Complications: Obesity during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and difficulties during childbirth.
- Sleep Disturbances: Obesity is a common cause of sleep disturbances, including obstructive sleep apnea, which can lead to interrupted sleep patterns and daytime fatigue.
- Quality of Life: Overall, being overweight can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life, affecting physical mobility, mental well-being, and the ability to engage in everyday activities.
An individual’s “best” weight is not a one-size-fits-all number, as it varies based on their unique characteristics and health goals. Several factors influence what constitutes a healthy weight, like body composition, age, height, muscle mass, genetics, lifestyle, activity level, and overall health. Instead of focusing solely on a specific weight, it’s more meaningful to consider a healthy weight range within which you can achieve and maintain optimal health and well-being.
Spinal health and the nervous system play essential roles in weight management as they can influence factors critical for maintaining a healthy weight. The nervous system controls and regulates various bodily functions, including metabolism, digestion, and appetite. When the nervous system functions optimally, it can help maintain a balanced metabolism and regulate hunger and satiety signals, which are crucial for weight management.
Chiropractors often take a holistic approach to health, addressing not only the symptoms but also the root causes of health issues. This can include lifestyle guidance, nutritional advice, and exercise recommendations tailored to the individual’s needs, all of which are important components of weight management. This makes chiropractors valuable members of any healthcare team that helps individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight by addressing musculoskeletal issues and promoting overall wellness.
How Our Weight Loss Program Works
You Can Be Stronger
Discover the root cause of your health problems. Get the best path and plan to heal, repair and allow your body to adapt as it was designed to do.
You Can Be Healthier
Correct the cause, leading to better function. Therapy exercises, nutrition, and fitness coaching will help you take control of your overall health.
You Can Be Happier
Whether being able to begin exercising, to competing at your highest potential, no dream is too big or small. Achieve your goals and live your best life!
Our Chiropractic Approach To Weight Loss in Branson, MO
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
Every new patient receives a thorough consultation and exam. This is an opportunity for us to assess your current health status, what is bothering you and for how long, and to clearly understand your health goals. Your exam results and health goals help us create a care plan to address your specific situation. Chiropractors are holistic practitioners interested in improving how the body works as a single unit. Rather than mask individual symptoms, we want to understand the underlying cause of those symptoms. Addressing the root cause can provide long-term relief and improve your overall health and well-being.
Specific Chiropractic Care in Branson, MO
Subluxations or misalignments of the spine can sometimes lead to nerve impingement, affecting the flow of nerve signals to various parts of the body, including organs involved in digestion and metabolism. Chiropractic adjustments can correct these issues, improving nerve function and your body’s ability to digest and metabolize.
Individuals with spinal misalignments, subluxations, or chronic pain conditions may find it challenging to engage in physical activities. Pain can be a barrier to exercise and physical movement, which is essential for weight management. Poor posture is often associated with subluxations and can lead to musculoskeletal issues that affect physical function. Chiropractic care can help alleviate pain and correct posture, making it easier for individuals to become more active.
Chronic inflammation in the body can lead to various health issues, including weight gain and obesity. Chiropractic care reduces inflammation by addressing underlying musculoskeletal issues and promoting overall wellness.
Custom Exercise Program
We work with you to create an exercise program to address your situation. We design your exercise plan to help strengthen and stabilize your joints to prevent injury and increase physical activity. As we adjust your spine and joints, we reinforce those corrections with exercises that stabilize your joints and allow the adjustments to hold for longer. Strengthening exercises bolster the muscles that support joint health, keeping you active for longer.
Stress Management
Chiropractic adjustments and care can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and improving the body’s ability to adapt to stressors. High stress levels can lead to emotional eating and the consumption of unhealthy foods, which can contribute to weight gain. Stress reduction techniques offered by chiropractors can indirectly support weight management efforts.
High levels of stress keep the body in a “fight or flight” response, raising cortisol levels and encouraging weight gain. Chiropractic care helps regulate these stress responses, taking your body out of “fight or flight” and into “rest and digest”. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the body can regulate hormone levels and focus energy on activities that assist in regular weight management.
Nutrition and Supplementation
Diet plays a significant role in weight management, but the best diet for weight loss can vary from person to person, as individual preferences, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle factors all play a role.
Whether trying a low-carb diet like Keto or Atkins, low-fat diets, Paleo, veganism, or the Mediterranean diet, it’s critical to focus on a balanced diet that provides essential nutrients and not just reduce calories to unhealthy levels. You want to choose a diet you can maintain for the long term rather than a quick-fix approach. Regular exercise must accompany any healthy diet for optimal results. It’s also important to address behavioral issues, like emotional eating or stress management, to avoid their influence on your eating habits. Successful weight loss is not only about your chosen diet but also about making lasting lifestyle changes.
Conditions We Have Helped Through Our Weight Loss Program in Branson, MO
Obesity
Obesity is the excessive accumulation of body fat using a measure called Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. The formula for BMI is:
BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m) * height (m))
Obesity is typically diagnosed when a person’s BMI is 30 or higher.
Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
Obesity: BMI 30 and greater
Obesity can have a wide range of negative health ramifications, both short and long term. These health consequences can affect virtually every system in the body, including cardiovascular problems, Type 2 Diabetes, respiratory issues, joint problems, gastrointestinal issues, cancer, metabolic syndrome, liver disease, reproductive issues, and increased mortality.
It’s important to note that the severity of these health consequences can vary based on factors such as the degree of obesity, genetics, and individual lifestyle choices. Preventing and addressing obesity is crucial for improving overall health and reducing the risk of associated health problems. Chiropractic care can support weight loss efforts through pain management, improved mobility and posture, stress reduction, nutritional counseling, and boosting overall health.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by elevated glucose (sugar) levels in the blood when the body’s ability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, is impaired. There are several types of diabetes, with the two most common ones being:
Type 1 Diabetes: In this autoimmune condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body cannot produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong insulin therapy for management.
Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common form of diabetes, and it typically develops in adulthood, although it can occur at any age. In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, and the pancreas may not produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes can include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow wound healing
- Tingling or numbness in the extremities
- Recurring infections, such as urinary tract infections
If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including:
- Cardiovascular problems (heart disease, stroke)
- Kidney disease
- Eye problems (diabetic retinopathy)
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Foot problems, including ulcers and amputations
- Skin conditions
- Dental issues
- Cognitive impairment
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a crucial structural component of cell membranes, helping to maintain their fluidity and integrity. It is essential for the proper functioning of all cells in the body, as well as hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and bile acid synthesis.
While cholesterol is vital for these physiological functions, it can become a health concern when levels in the bloodstream become too high. High cholesterol levels, specifically high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits (atherosclerotic plaques) in the arteries. These plaques can narrow and block blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular problems such as coronary and peripheral artery disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
Belly Fat
Not all fat is created equal. Where fat is stored makes a difference. Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is particularly concerning because it is not just a matter of aesthetics but is associated with significant health risks. Belly fat refers to fat that accumulates around the abdominal cavity and surrounds internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. It is different from subcutaneous fat, which lies just beneath the skin.
Excess belly fat is strongly linked to an increased risk of chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers. Belly fat can also promote changes in hormone production, contributing to insulin resistance, inflammation, and other metabolic disturbances. Breathing problems, compromised liver health, joint problems, reduced physical activity, and physiological impacts can also result. Belly fat can be stubborn and challenging to lose through diet and exercise alone. Genetics, hormonal factors, and aging can contribute to abdominal fat accumulation.
Joint Pain
Excess weight places additional stress on the joints, particularly those in the lower body, leading to various issues and complications. Every additional pound of body weight adds extra mechanical stress to the joints, particularly the knees, hips, and lower back. This stress can accelerate the wear and tear of joint cartilage and increase the risk of joint injuries and osteoarthritis.
Excess weight can change walking patterns, joint alignment, and posture. These alterations can strain joints and contribute to joint pain, especially in the lower back, hips, and knees. This pain limits physical activity and leads to a more sedentary lifestyle, contributing to weight gain and exacerbated joint pain.
Chiropractic care relieves joint pain using various techniques and adjustments to restore proper alignment to the spine and joints. These adjustments can relieve pressure on nerves and reduce pain in the spine, which may indirectly alleviate pain in other parts of the body, including joints. Chiropractors may use joint mobilization techniques to improve joint function and reduce pain and soft tissue therapies to relax muscles and alleviate tension around an affected joint.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common problem for overweight or obese individuals. Everyday activities require more physical effort for individuals who are overweight. This additional effort can lead to increased fatigue and reduced energy reserves.
Obesity is often associated with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. These conditions can lead to poor-quality sleep, frequent awakenings, and interruptions in the sleep cycle, resulting in daytime fatigue. Hormonal imbalances, inflammation, joint pain, reduced physical activity, and stress can all contribute to fatigue and loss of stamina. Fatigue leads to reduced cognition and productivity and reinforces a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to further pain and weight gain.
Chiropractic adjustments positively influence the nervous system. A properly functioning nervous system is essential for overall health, and improvements in nervous system function may contribute to increased energy and well-being. If pain contributes to your fatigue, chiropractic care can help alleviate musculoskeletal pain, improving your overall energy and well-being. Chiropractic care aims to improve joint mobility and function, making moving and engaging in physical activities easier, boosting energy levels. Chiropractic adjustments help reduce stress and promote relaxation, combating chronic stress, which can contribute to feelings of fatigue. Reduced stress and pain and an optimized nervous system lead to better quality and quantity of sleep.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is characterized by elevated pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:
Systolic Pressure: The higher number, representing the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood into the arteries.
Diastolic Pressure: The lower number, representing the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
Most adults’ normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently measures at or above 130/80 mm Hg.
Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease (leading to heart attacks), stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Over time, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), which increases the risk of heart and blood vessel problems.
The constant force of high blood pressure can damage the arteries themselves, as well as organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. This can lead to heart failure, kidney disease, vision problems, and cognitive impairment.
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it typically does not cause noticeable symptoms until it has caused significant damage. Many people with hypertension are unaware of their condition until they experience a cardiovascular event or receive a diagnosis during a routine checkup. It can also exacerbate other health conditions, making management more challenging and increasing the risk of complications.
Chiropractic care influences the autonomic nervous system, which plays a role in regulating blood pressure. Some studies suggest that chiropractic adjustments impact the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the “fight or flight” response and can affect blood pressure. In addition, adjustments relieve muscle tension and reduce musculoskeletal pain, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving joint mobility and function. Some proponents believe this improved function may enhance blood flow, potentially leading to better blood pressure regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do chiropractic adjustments help with weight loss?
Yes, they can aid in weight loss by improving overall body function, optimizing the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing pain, and naturally relieving stress.
Can a chiropractor help with weight loss?
Absolutely, chiropractors offer holistic solutions to address underlying issues that may hinder weight loss.
Can a chiropractor help with belly fat?
Chiropractic care can help reduce belly fat through posture correction and improved body function.
Can a chiropractor increase metabolism?
Chiropractic care optimizes nervous system function to support hormone regulation and metabolic health.
What foods help burn belly fat?
A balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can contribute to fat loss. Fat loss only occurs when you are in a caloric deficit, but you must still consume nutrient-rich foods.
Why does the weight I lose always come back?
Maintaining a healthy weight requires long-term lifestyle changes, not just short-term solutions.
What is the most effective diet for weight loss?
The best weight-loss diet is sustainable and tailored to your needs and preferences.
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171 S. Payne Stewart Drive, Suite 100
Branson, MO 65616
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