Adopt holistic approach for weight loss, says expert

WASHINGTON - Forget dieting or gruelling workout regimes -adopting a holistic approach to losing weight would be enough to feed your body the nourishment it craves for, says medical director of Greenwich Hospital.

Henri Roca, medical director of Greenwich Hospital’s Centre for Integrative Medicine, has suggested a holistic weight loss program that would help each person develop healthy habits for lifetime fitness.

“By understanding the whole person, including emotional reasons for eating, stress triggers, medical history and physiological factors, we help each individual approach food in a whole new way,” said Roca.

“We look at the emotional aspects of eating and the habits an individual creates surrounding their relationship with food.”

She says that genetics, metabolism, hormones and physiological factors act as potential stumbling blocks to successful long-term weight management.

“Stress alone can have more of an impact than most people realize. Chronic stress can lead to increased cortisol levels, which stimulate glucose production in the body,” said Roca.

“Excess glucose is converted to and stored as fat, particularly around a person’s mid-section. A chemical chain reaction can occur inside the body and sabotage the best weight loss efforts,” Roca added.

Cutting back on calories and adding or increasing exercise are proven to assist with weight loss, but they do not provide enough motivation for people who have been repeatedly unsuccessful at reaching their weight-loss goals.

The Canter of Integrative Medicine’s unique holistic approach begins with a medical evaluation, assessing a person’s overall health (physical, mental, emotional and energetic) and determining what, if any, metabolic, hormonal, gut, allergy or immune dysfunction may exist, since this can have a profound effect on weight loss. Auricular (ear) acupuncture is provided at each session to control cravings.

A nutritionist listens to a person’s personal goals, evaluates body type, and then customizes a program that includes nutritional counselling, meal planning, exercise advice and stress management techniques.

General acupuncture, health coaching and advice on dietary supplements are offered. (ANI)