Most of us will never have six-pack abs or an hourglass figure. While society might place a high value on taut waistlines, most people would be happy if they could just get rid of the stubborn fat that accentuates their bellies.
Often dieting and exercise seem to do little to help get rid of the extra pounds in that tricky area. While overeating is one cause of belly fat, for some people excess weight gain is a symptom of another problem.
For those who have tried unsuccessfully to slim down their bellies, there are some medical options that could make a significant difference.
Thyroid testing
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces too little thyroid hormone, notes WebMD.com. Thyroid hormone regulates metabolism. Too little hormone slows metabolism and can result in weight gain.
Doctors have long known that obesity and thyroid problems are linked, but according to recent research published in the Journal of Clinical Research in Pediatric Endocrinology, it is not clear whether the altered thyroid function is the cause or the consequence of fat excess. Regardless of the exact nature of the connection, a thyroid screening will confirm whether a patient’s thyroid is functioning properly.
Food sensitivity testing
“Food intolerance or sensitivity … is much more common than food allergies and is characterized by digestive disorders, migraines, obesity, chronic fatigue, aching joints, skin disorders and behavioral issues,” according to information from Senara, a medical weight loss and anti-aging center.
Food sensitivity causes inflammation which is linked to a number of health issues, including weight gain. As much as 70 percent to 80 percent of the U.S. population has food intolerance, according to Senara.
Hormone balancing
Fluctuating hormone levels can cause a lot of undesirable changes in the body including weight gain and increased belly fat. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help combat weight gain while improving other symptoms of hormone imbalance.
“Leveling your hormones can have a profound impact on your weight-loss efforts, improving results drastically,” Senara reports.
Digestive health
Losing weight requires proper nutrition and a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals. Even with a healthy diet, adding key supplements can be important for effective weight loss. It is important, however, to work with an experienced medical professional who can provide the specific types of nutritional supplements your body needs.
Years of overeating and excessive consumption of sugar and carbohydrates can create imbalance in gut flora. If your digestive ecosystem is out of balance, digestion and metabolism slow, which can contribute to weight gain and gastrointestinal distress.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is a Food and Drug Administration-approved, noninvasive medical procedure, which freezes fat cells under the skin. Fat cells frozen during the procedure die off and are naturally eliminated over time by the body. The CoolSculpting treatment is not designed for people who are obese, but it can help those who want to get rid of noticeable bulges in specific areas like the abdomen, arms, thighs and even the chin, explains CoolSculpting.com. Millions of patients have participated in CoolSculpting and have had great results with minimal side effects.
For patients who have been unable to lose weight on their own, a weight-loss program created and monitored by a qualified medical professional could be a good option. The experts at Senara are ready to help. Visit experiencesenara.com to get started.
This article originally appeared on PJStar.com