Written by: Wendy Crabbe, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Obesity is not only related to overeating and not moving enough. Many diet and exercise programs perpetuate this old theory which encourages blaming of the obese individual. Obesity is also caused by an alteration in hormones that encourages the accumulation of body fat and increase in food cravings.
We have 2 nervous systems, the brain and spinal cord plus the gut microbiome (second brain). The signals go from the brain to the gut and the gut to the brain. The gut microbiome consists of bacteria, viruses and fungi that line the gut (from your mouth to your anus).
If an individual is under a lot of stress, the body releases hormones and neurotransmitters that initiate the fight or flight response. This increases blood flow to the heart, lungs, and muscles so the person can take immediate action.
What it also does is decrease blood flow to the gut which can alter metabolism of food and nutrients and change the composition of gut bacteria. Reduced diversity in gut bacteria can increase inflammation, alter the immune system, skin, and cause changes in mood, anxiety, and behavior.
If obesity is not only caused by eating more and moving less but a whole host of other biological factors, what can the average person do?
The solution is multifactorial just like the causes of obesity.
Eat a healthy diet full of organic vegetables, fruit, wild animal or plant proteins, gluten-free grains, and healthy fats.
Eat foods high in prebiotics or fiber that feeds your gut bacteria
Eat fermented foods that have probiotics or take a pre-probiotic supplement (talk with your health care provider first)
Eat less sugar and processed foods to reduce inflammation
Move your body more for overall physical health, and stress relief
Find other ways to deal with stress besides going to food
Talk with a coach to incorporate mindset tools for long term and lasting results
Connect with Wendy on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit her website for more information on obesity, gut health, mindset and hormones.
Wendy Crabbe, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Wendy Crabbe, an oncology nurse practitioner and now expert in helping health professionals and women over 50 lose weight, struggled all her life with her weight. She wondered if she was so smart, why couldn’t she lose weight? The causes of obesity are about more than excess food intake and not enough movement. It’s also related to altered hormones and alterations in the gut microbiome. She was finally able to lose the weight with mindset coaching and adopting a science-based approach that she uses with her clients today. She is now on a mission to help hundreds and thousands of women over 50 get healthier; because when women get healthier, their families get healthier.
