How does weight loss work?

Weight loss works based on “calories in, calories out”, i.e., you need to be burning more calories than you take in through your daily food intake. The key to managing your weight successfully is in ensuring that the calories that you consume do not exceed the calories that you use. There are also other factors to consider such as your age, body type and metabolism, on top of lifestyle factors such as your daily habits that all come into play into weight gain or loss.

What is the best weight loss treatment?

There are plenty of weight loss treatments available, but TCM slimming is one of the safest and best ways to lose weight. Our Divine Slim TM weight loss program encourages steady weight loss for effective and sustainable weight management. As compared to fad diets (diets that eliminate 1 or more food groups) that leave you feeling hungry and lethargic, or having to rely on machines to see results, our methods are backed by sound TCM principles that focus on facilitating your weight loss goals as well as cater to your overall health needs.

How does TCM help me lose weight?

Following the perspective that excessive weight gain is a symptom of a greater underlying health problem that needs to be addressed, TCM believes that excessive weight gain is due to a Qi deficiency in the spleen, resulting in a slow metabolism, water retention and weight gain. Using Guasha, a form of treatment used in the practice of TCM, special apparatus is used to attain preventive or therapeutic slimming effects. Not only does the treatment regulate blood circulation and detoxify the body, but it also improves your metabolism and digestion for slimming effects. No need for painful surgery, unnecessary machines or intensive diets!

Why should I choose TCM slimming over other weight loss methods?

TCM slimming focuses on returning your body to a balanced, healthy state – so, you can look forward to not only looking good but also feeling good about yourself! Although our weight loss program will help you achieve results, it is important to stay committed to investing in your overall health by paying close attention to your diet and exercise, both during the treatment and post-treatment. Our weight loss treatments are conducted by trained staff that does most of the work for you, so you can look forward to a relaxing treatment.

Who can benefit from TCM slimming treatment?

Both men and women are suitable for our signature Divine Slim TM program.

How Stress Contributes to Weight Gain and Tips to Manage It

June 25, 2024

Blog

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an almost unavoidable part of daily life. While short-term stress can sometimes be beneficial by improving focus and performance, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on health, including weight gain.

Understanding the connection between stress and weight gain is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage both. This article explores the intricate relationship between stress and weight gain and offers practical tips for managing stress to maintain a healthy weight.

The Biological Link Between Stress and Weight Gain

1. The Role of Cortisol

When you experience stress, your body releases cortisol, which prepares your body to react to perceived threats. However, chronic stress leads to prolonged elevated cortisol levels, which can contribute to weight gain in several ways:

Increased Appetite: Cortisol can increase appetite and cravings for high-calorie, high-fat, and sugary foods. This response is believed to be an evolutionary mechanism to store energy for future stress responses.
Metabolism Changes: Chronic stress can alter your metabolism, making it more challenging to lose weight. Cortisol can reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels and potentially increasing fat storage.

Emotional Eating

Stress often triggers emotional eating, a coping mechanism where individuals consume food for comfort rather than hunger. Emotional eating typically involves unhealthy food choices, such as sugary snacks and fast food, which contribute to weight gain. Furthermore, emotional eating can create a cycle of stress and overeating, where weight gain leads to additional stress, perpetuating the problem.

Strategies for Managing Stress and Preventing Weight Gain

1. Regular Physical Activity

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to combat stress. Physical activity reduces cortisol levels, releases endorphins (the body’s natural mood lifters), and improves overall mood.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or yoga, most days of the week. Not only does exercise help manage stress, but it also supports weight loss and maintenance by burning calories and improving metabolic health.

2. Healthy Eating Habits

Adopting healthy eating habits can help counteract the effects of stress on weight gain. Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods provide essential nutrients that support overall health and help regulate mood.

Additionally, practising mindful eating—paying full attention to the eating experience and recognising hunger and satiety cues—can prevent overeating and promote healthier food choices.

3. Adequate Sleep

Lack of sleep is a significant stressor that can exacerbate weight gain. Chronic sleep deprivation increases levels of ghrelin and decreases levels of leptin, consequently stimulating your appetite. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to help regulate these hormones and reduce stress levels.

Establishing a regular sleep routine and creating a restful sleep environment can improve sleep quality.

4. Stress Management Techniques

Incorporating stress management techniques into your weight loss treatment program can help reduce cortisol levels and mitigate the impact of stress on weight. Effective strategies include:

Meditation and Mindfulness: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can calm the mind and reduce stress.
Time Management: Organising your time effectively and setting realistic goals can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed.
Social Support: Connecting with friends and family provides emotional support and can help buffer against stress. Sharing your concerns and experiences with loved ones can lighten the emotional load.

5. Professional Help

Sometimes, managing stress and its impact on weight may require professional assistance. Consulting with a therapist or counsellor can provide you with coping strategies and support.

Additionally, a registered dietitian can help develop a nutrition plan tailored to your needs, addressing both stress management and weight control.

6. Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol

While caffeine and alcohol might seem like temporary fixes for stress, they can actually exacerbate it. Caffeine can increase cortisol production, while alcohol can disrupt sleep and interfere with your ability to cope with stress. Limiting the intake of these substances can help maintain a more balanced and less stressed state.

Conclusion

The relationship between stress and weight gain involves biological, emotional, and behavioural factors. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, increases appetite, and leads to unhealthy eating habits, all contributing to weight gain. However, it is possible to mitigate the effects of stress on weight by adopting a holistic approach that includes regular physical activity, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and effective stress management techniques.

Slim Couture is committed to supporting you through your weight loss journey, combining TCM and weight loss principles to help you achieve your weight goals.