Back Clinic Weight Loss. People who are overweight or obese and are suffering from back pain may not realize that their excess weight contributes to their back pain. It is a known fact that overweight people are at risk for back pain, joint pain, and muscle strain. Not only is back pain an issue, but other symptoms of obese or overweight people may include fatigue, difficulty breathing, and/or shortness of breath during short periods of physical activity. When this happens, people begin to avoid physical activity, which leads to pain and various other unhealthy conditions.
Dr. Jimenez brings the PUSH-as-Rx System, which is a program designed by a strength-agility coach and physiology doctor with a combined 40 years of experience. The program is the multidisciplinary study of reactive agility, body mechanics, and extreme motion dynamics at its core.
A clear quantitative picture of body dynamics emerges through continuous and detailed assessments of the clients in motion and under directly supervised stress loads. This system with continual dynamic adjustments has helped many of our patients in their weight loss. Plus, they become faster and stronger. Results demonstrate clear improved agility and speed no matter the age. Along with physical training, Dr. Jimenez and the trainers offer nutritional advice.
Losing weight can be one of the hardest things to do. It is also one of the best things anyone can do to get rid of back pain and optimize overall health. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight impacts the whole body, especially the spine. It is prevalent for individuals who are overweight to experience back pain. This comes from the added weight that the feet, legs, pelvis, and spine have to support. For many, once the weight comes off, the back pain reduces significantly and/or disappears completely. For those embarking on a weight loss journey, our:
Chiropractic team
Physical therapists
Health coach
Nutritionist
Can provide resources to plan, encourage, and assist in reaching health goals.
Overweight, Obesity and Back Pain
Spine pain is one of the top reasons individuals see a doctor. The need to lose weight is based on body mass index/BMI. BMI can be an indicator that an individual’s weight might not be in a healthy range. BMI ranges:
Normal weight – Body Mass Index of less than 25
Overweight – Body Mass Index of 25 to 30
Obese – Body Mass Index of 31 to 35
Extremelyobese – Body Mass Index of 36 or higher
If unsure about how to get an accurate BMI measurement, talk to our team about InBody Testing.
Added Weight Places Pressure On the Spine
Added bodyweight places added strain on the low back. Studies have linked obesity with degenerative disc problems. Combined with the physical impact the added weight has on the spine and overall health, it can also affect spine surgery outcomes. Studies have shown that some overweight/obese individuals have an increased risk for surgery-related complications like:
Infection
Issues recovering from anesthesia
Overall recovery struggles
The good news is that individuals do not have to lose a significant amount of weight to see and feel the benefits. Losing 15% of excess weight will improve chronic back pain.
Exercise
Successful weight loss is the ability to maintain the loss. It needs to be something that can be committed to and brought into an individual’s lifestyle. Trying to go hard with an extreme diet or intense exercise program is not recommended. This is like not having any long-distance running knowledge along with training but entering a 12345K race. An individual will collapse after a few blocks. And sustained weight loss is just that, a long-distance journey that requires:
Getting educated about what is going on with the body
Understanding how foods affect/impact the body
Understanding the body’s unique needs to lose weight
Developing a personal health goal plan
Following through
Lifestyle factors contribute to healthy body weight. Being able to embed healthy habits into one’s life is the objective. Although it can sound easy to do, it can be a challenging process. With professional help, individuals can:
Maintain a nutritious and balanced diet
Have an active lifestyle
Maintain healthy sleep habits
Keep stress under control
Discussing a weight loss plan is very important. A professional health coach, nutritionist, and chiropractor will develop the right program that considers an individual’s specific health status.
Overall Health
Achieving a healthy weight will reduce to relieve back pain completely and significantly improve quality of life. Weight management is challenging, but once the benefits are seen and felt, it becomes second nature.
Body Composition
Healthy Kidneys
The kidneys pump more than 400 gallons of recycled blood through the body every day. These organs work nonstop to filter blood and remove waste. If the kidneys become impaired, the body can become overloaded with waste. Unhealthy lifestyle choices can harm/damage the kidneys. Kidney disease progresses slowly over the years. Individuals can lose 90 percent of kidney function before symptoms become serious. Chronic kidney disease is not reversible. However, with lifestyle adjustments, an individual can lower their risk of developing kidney-related diseases.
Proper Hydration
Drink plenty of water to clear sodium, urea, and toxins from the body and prevents kidney stones. Try to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Every individual’s body water levels are different. A body composition test can determine what is normal for the individual.
Maintain healthy diet
Poor diet contributes to visceral fat gain. This has been linked to chronic kidney disease. Reduce visceral fat by eating a healthy diet of vegetables, fruit, and lean protein. Cut down on salty, processed foods. Body composition testing can help form an individualized diet plan to reduce visceral fat.
Supplements, antibiotics, and OTC medications
Overuse of common over-the-counter medications and supplements can cause kidney damage and disease. Consult with a doctor before taking medications and supplements if there is kidney function impairment.
Maintain fitness and physical activity
Cardio and strength training exercises are recommended. High blood sugar levels stress the kidneys. Building adequate muscle mass will help control blood sugar. A body composition test can make sure there are adequate amounts of muscle mass.
References
Liuke M, Solovieva S, Lamminen A, Luoma K, et al. Disc degeneration of the lumbar spine in relation to overweight. Int J Obes (Lond). 2005;29(8):903-908.
Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Fryar CD, Flegal KM. Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults and Youth: the United States, 2011–2014. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Center for Health Statistics.www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db219.htm. Page last updated: October 28, 2015. Accessed July 10, 2017
Samartzis D, Karppinen J, Chan D, Luk KD, et al. The association of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging with body mass index in overweight and obese adults: A population-based study. Arthritis & Rheumatology. 2012;64(5):1488-1496.
Belly fat is a gateway to back pain/spinal issues that can lead to various health problems. The bulging belly population has grown a bit since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. 37% of individuals have gained weight since it began, according to a global Ipsos survey. If back pain is presenting and there is excess weight around the abdomen known as abdominal obesity, this could be a contributing factor.
Belly fat and posture
When the natural curves of the spine are normal, the core is stable and well-supported. Excessive weight, including a large abdomen, shifts these curves out of correct alignment. Excessive abdominal fat has been associated with lordosis, which is an excessive inward curve of the spine toward the lower back. One study found that severely obese individuals had pain and changes in posture. This was especially visible in the spine, knees, and feet.
Front-loading shift
The back pain felt from a bulging belly can be caused by a shift in posture and body mechanics. Studies show these can have a negative impact on back pain and body positioning. All or most of the weight is placed on the lower back.
Overloaded discs
Abdominal obesity can damage/injure the discs/shock absorbers of the spine. This leads to:
And a bulging belly can flatten the height of the intervertebral discs.
Fat pollutants in the blood
Fat can accumulate and secrete toxins that contribute to swelling and inflammation that can be painful. Over time, these toxins wear down components of the skeletal system.A study found potential links between obesity and degenerative disc disease. Scientists found a connection in obese men, but not obese women. This is believed to be because men tend to store fat in their bellies, and women tend to store fat in the buttocks and thighs.
Damage to the musculoskeletal system
The bones constantly renew themselves, but when there is excess body fat it can interfere with the process. This has the potential to turn into osteoporosis over time. Studies associate visceral fat with lower bone mineral density, and an increase in the risk of fractures.
Ankylosing spondylitis treatment and fat interference
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that causes chronic back pain and can cause the vertebrae to fuse. The back can be extremely stiff, and the condition can lead to a permanently hunched posture. There are medications to improve symptoms and slow the disease. However, being overweight reduces the drugs’ effectiveness. This is because belly fat can cause medication absorption problems.
Rare spinal condition linked to obesity
Obesity along with a high Body Mass Index increases the risk of a rare condition called spinal epidural lipomatosis or SEL. This is an overgrowth of body fat in the spinal canal. Spinal epidural lipomatosis can cause various types of back pain. This is why it is recommended to have a doctor examine and evaluate any aches or pains.
Body Composition
Kombucha beneficial for gut bacteria
Kombucha contains a wide variety of bacteria and fungi that helps ferment the sugar in kombucha drinks. It is able to affect the existing microbes in the gut by inhibiting the growth of various gut-dwelling pathogens. These include:
It is a probiotic drink made from fermenting green or black tea
It is made up of healthy bacteria that produce acetic acid that is beneficial for blood sugar, insulin levels, and body composition
It helps the body process food by lowering insulin levels after a meal
It contains polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress, to help fight disease risks
It destroys unhealthy bacteria in the gut
It helps increase healthy bacteria
Kombucha can be thought of as a natural antibiotic. However, it does not come with the weight-gain side effect. Improving the health of the gut through fermented foods like kombucha help reduce the risk for weight gain/obesity, as well as restore gut health for those trying to lose weight by creating a healthy gut environment.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Understanding the difference between weight loss and fat loss will help promote a healthy change and improve an individual’s wellbeing. Fat loss can be a part of losing weight. However, individuals lose more than just fat. Fat loss is the goal for most individuals, so taking a deliberate, focused approach will generate the best results. Here we discuss how individuals can optimize for fat loss.
Understanding The Difference
Weight loss is the overall reduction in body weight
Fat loss is a reduction in body fat
When losing weight, the body is not just losing body fat, and changes are being made to each component of body composition. This includes:
Body fat
Lean Body Mass
Body Water
This is also true for weight gain. An individual cannot control how much is lost but can influence what is lost.
Weight Loss
Hundreds of diet and exercise programs can help achieve fat loss, some better than others. The ones that tend to work better focus on the same thing: reducing energy intake from food/diet while increasing energy output through exercise and regular physical activity. This forces the body to compensate for the missing energy by breaking down the body’s tissues, including fat and muscle. As an individual loses weight, they will also lose some muscle in the form of Lean Body Mass in addition to body fat.
Fat Loss
Body fat is a combination of essential fat and storage fat. Storage fat is adipose tissue that has accumulated for reserved energy. This type of fat changes with diet modification and regular exercise. Too much storage fat can negatively impact physical and mental wellbeing, so this should be the focus for better health.
Focus on fat loss and not weight loss
There is a clear association between obesity and chronic disease. Focusing on weight loss can lead to unintended consequences like eating disorders. This is why focusing on weight loss, and healthy body composition is critical. This is the recommended approach because it encourages the individual to move more and eat healthily.
Understanding health benefits of losing fat
Body fat percentage works better as a gauge of health than weight.
Weight is composed of lean body mass, body fat, and water, so any changes in these areas can lead to weight gain and not just fat loss. Excess body fat, specifically storage fat, has a close association with chronic diseases like:
Type 2 Diabetes
Hypertension
Heart Disease
Various Cancers
The key is understanding that a healthy body fat percentage will help reduce the risk of these diseases and improve mental health and overall health.
Different ways to measure fat loss
Tracking body fat loss means having body composition tracked and monitored. There are devices and methods for determining body composition, including:
For genuinely accurate results, get tested by a highly skilled professional who uses medical-grade tools for assessment. Cheap plastic calipers and at-home scales don’t tend to be the best options.
Metabolism changes with weight loss
When losing weight, there is more loss than fat. One loss can be Lean Body Mass, which is critical because the amount of Lean Body Mass has directly influenced Basal Metabolic Rate or the body’s metabolism. The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories the body naturally burns when resting. When focusing on weight loss and not making changes to minimize lean body mass loss, the individual decrease the size of their metabolism. However, if an individual continues with the same eating habits, this could be a setup for weight regain.
Weight loss can slow down metabolism.
Here is an example of a typical set of body composition results of someone who would be clinically diagnosed as obese.
Along with weight and body fat mass measurements, the individual naturally developed muscles by carrying their body weight. This means that individuals that are obese also have relatively large metabolisms. Dramatic changes to Lean Body Mass and metabolism are not ideal, especially when the goal is maintaining a healthy body weight.
The weight and body fat bars on the above chart are significantly over average, and the Skeletal Muscle Mass bar. This is common for individuals that are obese. Individuals that are obese have developed this muscle by carrying a large amount of weight. Large amounts of muscle begin to build to move the heavy body. This is why it is essential to come up with a focused/customized approach for gaining strength, losing fat, and body recomposition, rather than just weight loss.
Stopping weight regain
Focusing on body composition, developing muscle, and Lean Body Mass is crucial. With weight loss, there will be some Lean Body Mass loss. This means a low metabolism and non-regulated eating habits can lead to regaining weight. With no development of Lean Body Mass and skeletal muscle to help grow the metabolism, there is an increased chance of weight retrieval. Along with continued changing eating habits after an individual reaches their target weight.
Building muscle, losing fat for healthy body composition
The main areas to focus on to change body composition, overall health, and wellbeing.
Focus on body composition, not on weight loss
Instead, track changes in body composition. This means optimizing programs for fat loss while minimizing Lean Body Mass loss. Weight loss will occur, but proper nutrition and strength training can reduce Lean Body Mass loss.
Develop new eating habits
An important step is understanding how to improve eating habits by choosing a diet plan that will be enjoyable. When optimizing for fat loss, it will take longer than weight loss. Effective dietary strategies go for half to one pound of fat loss per week. This is a manageable and sustainable goal that will not cause adverse effects on metabolism. Slow and steady is the better option and will lead to long-term changes.
Start strength training to increase metabolism.
Strength training/weight lifting is a great way to increase metabolism. Increased muscle benefits range from:
High ability to recover from disease/s
Reducing insulin resistance
Keeps the body mobile
Helps combat obesity by increasing BMR and metabolism
Body composition in the long-term
Fat loss is more important than weight loss and will lead to long-term changes. Understanding that working out smarter and finding out body composition numbers will promote getting fit while keeping the fat off. It will take longer than expected, but dropping 30 pounds in less than a year and then regaining it all back is counterproductive.Take the time to make minor, impactful adjustments that will lead to a lifetime of optimal health.
InBody
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use public health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Hall, Kevin D et al. Calorie for Calorie, Dietary Fat Restriction Results in More Body Fat Loss than Carbohydrate Restriction in People with Obesity. Cell metabolism vol. 22,3 (2015): 427-36. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2015.07.021
Merlotti, C et al. Subcutaneous fat loss is more significant than visceral fat loss with diet and exercise, weight-loss promoting drugs and bariatric surgery: a critical review and meta-analysis. International journal of obesity (2005) vol. 41,5 (2017): 672-682. doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.31
Tobias, Deirdre K et al. Effect of low-fat diet interventions versus other diet interventions on long-term weight change in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology vol. 3,12 (2015): 968-79. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(15)00367-8
The human body is a complex system, that requires consistent development in all areas. When it comes to weight loss being too strict can cause the body to rebel. Examples are individuals that have lost weight, then put it right back on, or get stuck in a plateau. The objective is to step off the weight loss rollercoaster and embrace weight-loss strategies that work. Here, we explore a few evidence-based weight loss strategies that focus on long-lasting success.
Improve insulin sensitivity
When consuming carbohydrates, it is broken down into sugar.
The body needs a certain amount of sugar to function. However, it is a narrow safety range. If the level gets too high for too long, cellular damage happens. The role of insulin is to guide the excess sugar/glucose into the cells. However, more individuals are experiencing high blood insulin levels, called hyperinsulinemia. Possible symptoms can include:
Sugar cravings
Unusual weight gain
Frequent hunger
Excessive hunger
Unable to concentrate
Anxiety or feelings of panic
Lack of focus
Extreme fatigue
Insulin rises because the blood sugar does. It�s dangerous to let glucose levels stay elevated, which is why more insulin gets produced to bring the blood sugar down. Given enough time constant hyperinsulinemia can result in a condition called insulin resistance, where the cells become resistant to the effects of insulin and are less effective.
Insulin sensitivity and weight loss
A high level of insulin in the blood can trigger weight gain and make losing it difficult. Results of high insulin:
Stress and stress eating could be contributing to an expanding waistline. Examples could be eating a favorite meal while barely being conscious of the process or the inability to resist a chocolate bar after a long, distressing day. Research published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that stress-related eating has a preference for calorie-dense and highly tasty foods. And when stress levels rise, food cravings rise, triggering fat gain.
Reducing stress
There are a variety of techniques that can help the mind and body relax turning off the stress response. Here are some science-based favorites:
Proper sleep means sound sleep eight hours each night. Many individuals have convinced themselves that five or six hours is enough. Unfortunately, research shows otherwise. In a study published in PLOS Medicine, researchers studied the effects of short sleep duration on hormones that lessen or increase hunger, and on body mass index or BMI. They found the participants with short sleep had reduced leptin and elevated ghrelin which increases appetite and can contribute to weight gain.
Improving sleep quality
Developing a healthy sleep routine
Have the same sleep and waking time
Time to wind down
Meditate a little before sleep
Take a warm bath 90 minutes before bed
Avoid blue light at least 90 minutes before going to sleep
Limit caffeine intake as it can negatively affect sleep even when taken six hours before sleep
Avoid/limit alcohol in the evenings
Regular physical activity can help release stress and tension, tiring the body out so sleep comes naturally
30 to 40-minute endurance sessions a week are plenty. However, for some individuals, exercising too close to bedtime can have the opposite effect. Therefore, take note of whether this would be a problem.
High-Intensity Interval Training
There are a variety of approaches to exercising. But there is one evidence-based approach that has been proven to:
An increased amount of muscle increases the basal metabolic rate or BMR. This increases the body’s ability to burn fat and lose weight. A loss of lean body mass lowers resting energy expenditure and increases fatigue and injury risk. For individuals trying to lose weight the metabolic decline triggered by a loss of lean body mass can cause regaining the fat previously lost. What this means is that when muscle mass drops so does metabolism along with the ability to keep the weight off.
When muscle mass increases the body can easily burn fat, making it possible to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It�s important to remember that as the body’s muscle mass increases the body needs more energy to nourish and support this new tissue. This means that higher calories are allowed, as not having enough calories becomes counterproductive. Muscle mass increase can be achieved by:
A healthy diet will help build muscle
Strength and resistance training
Taking protein supplements
Weight loss strategies takeaway
With the right approaches, permanent weight loss is possible. Instead of deprivation, focus on science-backed approaches that work:
This will make sticking to the weight loss strategies easier and will contribute to a happy, healthy life.
Body Composition
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Chao, Ariana et al. �Food cravings mediate the relationship between chronic stress and body mass index.��Journal of health psychology�vol. 20,6 (2015): 721-9. doi:10.1177/1359105315573448
Taheri, Shahrad et al. �Short sleep duration is associated with reduced leptin, elevated ghrelin, and increased body mass index.��PLoS medicine�vol. 1,3 (2004): e62. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0010062
The world of health and fitness has evolved with all kinds of technical jargon and terminology that can require a guide to get a handle on things. It can become confusing and terms like Lean Body Mass and Lean muscle can get mixed up. Body composition analysis allows an individual to understand their body in a much clearer way with insight into the body’s health. Here we break down this technical terminology to get a basic understanding of how it is relevant to the body’s health. Think of this as a combination glossary, and action guide. �
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Guide to Basic Body Composition
Percent Body Fat Body/Fat Percentage
Percent Body Fat is a reflection of how much of the body’s weight is made up of fat.
It is calculated by dividing the weight of body fat mass by total weight.
It helps to track progress whether trying to lose weight or gain muscle.
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Takeaway
This percentage can be applied to set percent body fat ranges.
The healthy ranges are around 10-20% percent body fat for men and 18-28% for women.
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Lean Body Mass/Fat-Free Mass Guide
Lean Body Mass is sometimes used interchangeably with Fat-Free Mass.
Lean Body Mass is the weight of everything in the body that is not fat.
This includes muscles, organs, bones, and body water.
Lean Body Mass plus Body Fat Mass make up entire body weight.
If the Lean Body Mass value is in pounds subtract this number from total body weight to get an approximation of Body Fat Mass.
Divide this number by body weight, results are percent body fat.
Lean Body Mass is closely related to the total number of calories the body needs every day.
The Lean Body Massforms the core of the body’s metabolism, and this number can be used to help determine unique dietary needs.
No more basing nutrition off the 2,000-calorie diet. This is a poor one-size-fits-all approach to food intake.
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Skeletal Muscle Mass Guide
Skeletal muscle is one of four major muscle typesand governs all the movements that are consciously controlled. Everything from texting to deadlifting a barbell.
It is the muscle group that grows/builds when exercising.
Increased Skeletal Muscle Mass translates into increased strength.
When trying to build up the body and grow in size, this is the value to track and watch increase over time.
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However, muscle is not just for strength.
Muscle is made up primarily of protein and can act as protein storage.
When the body is under severe stress like a traumatic injury, the recovery process is triggered and needs added protein, up to four times the amount.
When the body is not able to get the proper amount of protein from a normal diet, the body begins to get what it needs from the protein storage/muscles.
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Basal Metabolic Rate/BMR
The Basal Metabolic Rate, or BMR, is the number of calories that the body needs to maintain Lean Body Mass. It is a significant component of overall metabolism.
An individual with more Lean Body Mass will have a higher Basal Metabolic Rate.
This is the reason why a 250-pound athlete needs to eat more than a 150-pound sedentary adult. Because the athlete has more Lean Body Mass.
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BMR can help make a healthy diet plan designed for fat loss or muscle gain by helping understand how much energy/calories from food the body needs.
Using the TDEE as a baseline an individual can develop a nutritional plan based on body composition goals.
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Body Water Guide
Body Water includes all the water in the body. This means everything from:
The water in the blood
Water in the organs
The water inside the bones
Body water can be subdivided into two types:
Intracellular
Extracellular
Intracellular means inside the cells and includes the water in the organs, muscles, composing 2/3 of total body water.
The remaining 1/3 is extracellular outside the cells and includes the water in the blood.
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Takeaway
When the body is generally healthy it maintains a healthy balance of intracellular to extracellular water with a ratio of around 3:2.
When the balance becomes unbalanced or falls apart water monitoring becomes important.
For example, individuals with severe health problems, like kidney ailments/failure, are unable to rid the body of extracellular water. This causes a buildup of water and requires removal through procedures like dialysis.
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Dry Lean Mass
Lean Body Mass includes everything that�s not body fat and includes body water.
When all the water has been taken out what remains is known as Dry Lean Mass.
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Lean Body Mass – Body Water = Dry Lean Mass
This amounts to the protein content of the muscles and the mineral content of the bones.
Most Dry Lean Mass will be found in these areas.
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Takeaway
Water monitoring can help track real, physical changes in the body.
Lean Body Mass contains body water, and body water levels can be influenced by different factors like a recent workout or being low on carbohydrates.
Changes in body water are considered technical changes in Lean Body Mass.
When building muscle, the body is actually building new physical protein stores and reflects in Dry Lean Mass.
An increase in Lean Body Mass can signal muscle growth, or not.
However, an increase in Dry Lean Mass is a more favorable indicator that there is muscle growth.
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Visceral Fat
Two major categories of body fat.
Subcutaneous fat is the fat under the skin and is the type that can be seen.
The second type is called visceral fat.
This fat collects inside the abdomen and wraps around the internal organs.
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Takeaway
Just because it cannot be seen does not mean it is not there.
If it is there it is something definitely worth knowing about.
This is because visceral fat is not just extra pounds but an active organ that secretes harmful hormones into the body that triggers never-ending inflammation.
The more visceral fat, the greater risk of inflammation.
Inflammation over time places added stress on the heart that can lead to cardiovascular problems.
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Get Tested Today
Hopefully, this guide has clarified some of the common body composition terminology. This is a basic overview designed to provide essential information about body composition and how it applies. A general understanding can help in making healthy lifestyle choices, like deciding to lose weight or dietary adjustments.
Body Health
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Westerterp, Klaas R. �Exercise, energy balance, and body composition.� European journal of clinical nutrition�vol. 72,9 (2018): 1246-1250. doi:10.1038/s41430-018-0180-4
Borga, Magnus et al. �Advanced body composition assessment: from body mass index to body composition profiling.��Journal of investigative medicine: the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research�vol. 66,5 (2018): 1-9. doi:10.1136/jim-2018-000722
Making small adjustments to achieve a healthy lifestyle is not as difficult/complex as some may think. Here are some golden nutritional recommendations for longevity, and a healthy lifestyle. Understanding these golden suggestions is a first step towards developing and maintaining sustainable changes. Our health coach and nutritionist can develop an optimal customized nutritional program that is focused on teaching individuals how to promote lifelong transformations and become more connected with mind and body.
Vitamins
Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables at least six+ portions every day to ensure the body absorbs essential micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and fiber. A golden recommendation is to count the fruit and vegetable colors instead of calories. Eating the food rainbow is an ideal way to get a variety of vitamins.
Red foods
These foods contain phytochemicals and help reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. These include:
Tomatoes
Red peppers
Red onions
Strawberries
Cherries
Watermelon
Orange and yellow foods
These are packed with Vitamin A and Vitamin C to promote healthy skin and vision.
Pumpkin
Sweet potatoes
Carrots
Lemons
Are all ways to obtain orange and yellow nutrients.
Green foods
These are high in Vitamin K, antioxidants, and folates highly beneficial to bone health. These include:
Kale
Broccoli
Peas
Kiwi
Green grapes
Brussels sprouts
Blue and purple foods
These contain antioxidants that help with heart disease and protect the body’s cells. Included are:
Added sugars and refined flour have none of the essential fiber and micronutrients the body needs to feel full. Whole grains are fiber-rich. This helps increase feeling full and satisfied, which helps block sugar cravings. Go for whole wheat flour instead of refined flour. Limit sugar intake by using the natural sweetness of fruits. Add fruits to meals to increase the sweetness if necessary.
Plenty of Water
Drinking half of an individual’s body weight is essential each day. 10-12 ounces of water before a meal will help increase full satisfaction and make an individual more aware of the body�s hunger cues. Golden suggestion, use a reusable water bottle can help keep track of water intake throughout the day.
12/12 Meal Schedule
Schedule the three main meals within a 12-hour window to avoid snacking throughout the day. The body needs to rest, digest, and reset between meals and overnight.
Stop Eating 3 Hours Before Sleeping
The body’s metabolism starts to slow down around 7-8 p.m. Research shows this timeframe falls in line when the body starts to tire and wind down. Allow the body to rejuvenate cells instead of wasting energy on digesting calories that don’t get burned for energy while sleeping.
Daily Physical Activity
Daily exercise contributes to overall health and longevity. Regular exercise can help in the treatment of chronic illnesses and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Every day try to complete 50-60 minutes of low-impact physical activity, and 15-20 minutes of moderate-high intensity cardio. Each week make two of the 20-minute workouts to strength training.
After Workout Snacks
Recovery snacks 15-minutes after a workout will help keep cravings down. These include a healthy carbohydrate, lean protein, and healthy fat. 1-2 hours after a workout have the next balanced meal.
No Devices With Meals
Electronic devices distract from the body’s natural hunger cues. Screens should be put away during meals to pay attention to the food and proper consumption. Watching TV or scrolling through social media has been shown to increase calorie intake.
Plenty of Sleep
Sleep deprivation alters the body’s hormones that control/regulate hunger cues. When the body loses sleep, the body begins to crave more food more often. Even after the body has had the necessary nutrients. A golden recommendation is to develop a relaxing nighttime routine that will enhance the length and quality of sleep. The goal is for 8-10 hours of sleep a night.
Stress Reduction
Incorporate stress-reducing activities into a regular routine. Constant stress on the body can contribute to cardiovascular disease. Activities help take the mind off thoughts, memories, and events that cause stress and worry. These include:
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Braude L, Stevenson RJ. Watching television while eating increases energy intake. Examining the mechanisms in female participants. Appetite. 2014;76:9-16. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2014.01.005
Dimsdale JE. Psychological stress and cardiovascular disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;51(13):1237-1246. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2007.12.024
Eckel-Mahan K, Sassone-Corsi P. Metabolism, and the circadian clock converge. Physiol Rev. 2013;93(1):107-135. doi:10.1152/physrev.00016.2012
Vina J, Sanchis-Gomar F, Martinez-Bello V, Gomez-Cabrera MC. Exercise acts as a drug; the pharmacological benefits of exercise. Br J Pharmacol. 2012;167(1):1-12. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01970.x
The body’s metabolism along with body composition go hand in hand. The higher the metabolism the faster the body burns calories. The slower the metabolism the longer it takes and leads to fat storage as well as other issues, which include:
Metabolism is linked with weight gain and loss because it is a biological process involved with energy and calories. The process of the body converting food and drink into energy. The process involves the calories in food and drinks that get combined with oxygen to release energy that the body needs to operate.
Body Composition Linked To Body’s Metabolism
Metabolism varies for every individual. Here are two body composition profiles.
Individual A
Individual B
Individual A has a much smaller Basal Metabolic Rate than Individual B. This means individual B needs more calories than individual A to provide the body with the proper energy to function without losing weight. Because the Basal Metabolic Rate is bigger, the metabolism is bigger. The most important factor playing into Basal Metabolic Rate is the amount of Lean Body Mass every individual has.
The more Lean Body Mass the greater the Basal Metabolic Rate will be. Strength training for muscle gain will increase lean body mass and is recommended to increase metabolism. For example: Take a look at Jane and Sarah, two individuals who are similar in age, height, weight, and gender.
Jane
Sarah
Despite being similar in age, height, weight, and gender, these two individuals have very different body compositions, as well as have different Basal Metabolic Rates.
Metabolism and Weight Gain
Take a deeper look at slow metabolism. It is not about being fast or slow but weight gain is almost always the result of caloric imbalance that goes on over a period of time. Two major factors are:
An individual’s energy level and how active they are
The thermic effect of food or the energy the body uses when digesting food
To take a closer look into the body’s metabolism and weight gain, take the two individuals above, Jane and Sarah, and see what could happen in real treatment development that includes diet and exercise. First, the TDEE for Jane and Sarah needs to be estimated, using their BMRs as a guide. Based on their compositions, it’s fair to assume that Jane is involved in less physical activity/exercise than Sarah. So an activity level of sedentary for Jane will be assigned and light activity will be assigned for Sarah.
Using these numbers and multiplying them by the appropriate activity factor, Jane�s TDEE can be estimated to be 1573 calories and Sarah�s 1953 calories, a difference of 380 calories. When activity levels are factored in, the difference in actual caloric needs gets magnified. This is an estimate of the calories Jane and Sarah will need to burn in a day. The nutritionist and/or health coach place both of them on a diet of 1,800 calories a day. This is the estimated calorie intake recommended by the USDA for sedentary women between 26-30 years of age.
Let’s say they both follow the diet perfectly without any extra, high-calorie snacks/treats. Jane will end each day with a surplus of 227 calories, while Sarah ends each day with a slight calorie deficit of 153 calories a day. When in a calorie surplus taking more calories and living a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, specifically, fat storage will be experienced. 227 extra calories a day doesn’t seem like a lot, but that is a single soda. However, over time, 227 calories a day becomes 1,589 extra calories a week and 7,037 extra calories a month, which is around 2 pounds of fat gain every month.
So despite the same height, gender, similar weight, and similar ages, the difference between Jane and Sarah is their body compositions. Jane will experience weight gain over time while Sarah might experience some weight loss because of the calorie deficit, even though the diets are the same. This is because each individual’s caloric needs are different and may seem small at first, but increases to significant differences over time.
Making The Body’s Metabolism Work
With the correct exercise and dietary plan, an individual can make their metabolism work for them. Because the body needs more energy to support itself when it has more Lean Body Mass, working to increase Lean Body Mass will increase Basal Metabolic Rate. Avoiding a decrease in metabolism can be done by maintaining the Lean Body Mass that is already present and also means maintaining Skeletal Muscle Mass. Skeletal Muscle Mass is not the same as Lean Body Mass but is the overall largest contributor. It is the muscles that will grow and develop through exercise.
Skeletal Muscle Mass is effectively developed through strength training, resistance exercise, and a healthy diet. This will help maintain Skeletal Muscle Mass. This is especially important as the body ages. Activity levels tend to drop and a healthy diet can become harder to maintain as responsibilities increase. Poor nutrition can lead to loss of Lean Body Mass over time, which leads to a decrease in overall metabolism. Balancing diet and metabolism. The example of Jane shows a well-intentioned dietary plan that does not match the metabolism of the person practicing it.
Even though Jane was told that 1,800 calories are right for her based on age and gender, her metabolism does not require that calorie intake. This will cause weight gain despite any efforts to eat a healthy diet. This is where a health coach and nutritionist come in. The first step is to get the information needed to get the answers by getting an accurate body composition analysis.
InBody Composition
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Westerterp, Klaas R. �Exercise, energy balance, and body composition.��European journal of clinical nutrition�vol. 72,9 (2018): 1246-1250. doi:10.1038/s41430-018-0180-4
Mazzoccoli, Gianluigi. �Body composition: Where and when.��European journal of radiology�vol. 85,8 (2016): 1456-60. doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2015.10.020
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