Today, many people are faced with the complexities that come with being obese.

Although obesity is often caused by poor eating habits, it can also be caused by genetics. Some people may even have a condition called insulin resistance that makes it difficult to lose weight the right way.

What is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance is not the most common topic when it comes to weight loss. Most people have never heard of the term until they are actually tested and diagnosed with it.

Insulin resistance occurs when the hormone, insulin, doesn’t work properly within your cells. Basically, the insulin receptors on these cells don’t open up properly. This prevents glucose from turning into stored energy, which ends up starving your body’s cells.

Without this needed energy, your metabolism can slow down quite dramatically, causing your body to store more excess body fat for energy supply. This is why insulin resistance is one of the major causes of obesity.

In terms of genetics, many people who are diagnosed as insulin resistant also have a family history of the condition.

The only way to determine if you are insulin resistant is to be tested for it. This way, you can approach your weight loss problems with the best strategy possible.

What is the Best Approach to Obesity?

If you are one of the millions of Americans who have been diagnosed with obesity, or insulin resistance, there are ways to treat your condition that don’t involve painful surgeries or drastic methods.

One of the best ways to treat either condition is with the right nutrition. It may sound cliché, but nutrition is necessary if you are going to lose weight and change your life.

Although changing your eating habits is difficult, it is the best way to get your metabolism back on track.

Start with the right approach: eat well-balanced meals that contain protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

These nutrients, combined in the right portions of food, can actually re-train your metabolism to burn the excess body fat you are trying to get rid of. In exchange, not only will your metabolism be back in working order, but so will your cells.

In addition to a healthy diet, you may want to consider a breath of fresh air for a change. You don’t need an extreme workout in order to stay physically active. Start small, and don’t go beyond your means.

With your change in diet, go for a 20-30 minute walk each day. Walk with your dog, or go for a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood.

Above all else, it is important that you love yourself for who you are. Dealing with weight issues can take a toll on your mentality and spirit, but it is always important that you keep your head held high.

Holly Kistler, Registered Dietitian