Understand how metabolic inflexibility compromises weight loss

Dysfunction can compromise the success of any treatment of obesity and cause health problems

Obesity is a multifactorial condition that goes far beyond the weight shown in balance. Although factors such as an inadequate diet, the lack of physical activity and genetic predisposition are often remembered on the disease, there is a less known obstacle that can compromise the success of any treatment: so called metabolic inflexibility.

“It is described as the inability of the body to alternately alternate between the sources of energy, especially fats and carbohydrates that acconsone the body question. This mechanism, which should work as well -lubricated equipment, becomes padded, compromising the energy balance and favor the accumulation of body fat” (SCMRJ).

This disdaining in the metabolism also influences the body’s ability to respond to future weight loss processes. “THE spray It is involved in this problem. More weight fluctuations, more metabolic inflexibility has and this makes the weight loss process over time. In addition, more weight loss cycles and regunes passes the patient, the more the body will regulate its hormonal, metabolic and cellular mechanisms to “avoid” new weight loss “, adds the doctor.

The body stops using fat as a source of energy

In normal conditions, the human body mainly uses carbohydrates as a source of energy during high intensity activities or immediately after meals, while in fasting or low intensity phases, use fat.

“This dynamic process, called metabolic flexibility, was initially described in studies with healthy and insulin resistance.” Comments Dr. Deborah Branger.

Physical inactivity affects metabolic efficiency

In addition to the breaking of weight, physical inactivity is another bad, according to the endocrinologist, because the muscle is the main organ of metabolic flexibility. “It is the largest glycogen tank in the body and one of the main managers of the oxidation of fatty acids. When we are active, the muscle alternates between use glucose (In intense exercise) and fat (light or prolonged activities), constantly training this exchange of fuel, “says Dr. Deborah Branger.

According to the doctor, the physical inactivity “turns off” the system that alternates the exchange of these “fuels”. “When we sit all day, without actively using the muscles, something called DownReguulation Of mitochondrial enzymes – that is, the mitochondria (responsible for the generation of energy) become less efficient in the oxidation of fat “, he warns.

Symptoms of metabolic inflexibility

According to Dr. Deborah Branger, the symptoms of metabolic inflexibility are manifested indirectly, with difficulty in losing weight even with diet and exercise, constant fatigue, frequent need to eat to maintain energy, low satiety after rich fatty meals and tendency to increase weight after food scraps. “Metabolically inflexible patients have less lipid oxidation, also in fasting situationsAnd a metabolism that remains fixed in less efficient standards, “says the expert.

Dangers of metabolic inflexibility

This difficulty not only obstacles to weight loss: it also generates deep impacts on health as a whole. “In clinical practice and public health, this phenomenon is particularly worrying because it undermines traditional efforts for weight loss. Many obese people who carry out caloric restrictions or increase physical activity face a body that” resists fuel, creating a vicious circle: the body remains greedy for glucal, with an increase in fatty reserves. Cardiovascular problems, liver steatosis, hormonal changes and increased risk for some tumors “, warns the doctor.

Therapeutic strategies

From a therapeutic point of view, the endocrinologist claims that the breakdown of this cycle requires more than cutting calories. “Strategies such as the increase in low and moderate intensity physical activity (which promotes fat oxidation), strength training, food improvement, stress control and interventions to improve insulin sensitivity can help restore metabolic flexibility,” says Deborah Branger.

In addition to the changes in the lifestyle, it underlines that some pharmacological treatments can also be important allies. “Treatment with Penne (Ozepic and Mounjaro) is also recommended for some patients. Both the traffic lights (an LPG-1 agonist) and the tirzepatida (double GLP-1 and the agonist GIP) who act by improving the secretion of insulin, reducing the secretion of glucagon and, above all, improving the improvement of the Insulin sensitivity. This already attacks one of the foundations of inflexibility. But these strategies must be adapted with lifestyle changes, “he explains.

Losing weight also depends on the metabolism

The endocrinologist underlines that it is essential that healthcare professionals and the general population understand that losing weight is not only a question of willpower or discipline, but also of re -deducting a metabolism that, for years, has worked in missed mode. “As long as the metabolic roots of the problem are addressed, individual efforts will often be frustrating and ineffective,” he concludes.

By Guilherme Zanette

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.