Controlling Weight Involves More Than Just Diet June 15, 2020 “Eating a nutritious diet is one of the best ways to improve your health, yet managing weight is more complex than simply following a meal plan,” said Bonnie Cavanagh, registered dietitian with Samaritan Weight Management Institute. Buckingham shared the following factors that may impact a person’s weight: Medications Some medications can cause weight gain or make losing weight difficult. If you are concerned your medications are impacting your weight, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or a specialist, such as an endocrinologist, to discuss your medication options. Stress & Mental Health Chronic stress and mental health play a key role in maintaining weight. They can impact motivation, stress hormones and overall well-being. Assess how you are feeling and don’t be afraid to reach out to a mental health professional for support. Physical Activity Daily activity helps build muscle and keeps your metabolism revved. Research shows it takes a minimum of 30 minutes, five days each week of moderate exercise to maintain weight and many individuals may need up to one hour, five days each week. Hormones Hormones are the body’s internal messengers. They regulate everything from hunger, stress, reproduction, mood and, you guessed it, weight. For most people, weight fluctuations are commonly cause by thyroid or reproductive issues. Ask your doctor if hormonal testing may benefit you. For more information on this topic or to learn about the weight management program at Samaritan, call 541-768-4280.
