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The Many Facets of Weight Loss Requests
There is so much controversy surrounding weight loss! On the one side of the spectrum, there is a call to "accept yourself as you are" while on the other side, physical shape may be a subject of discrimination and bias. To make things more complex, there are many different factors affecting weight: lifestyle, heredity, age, gender, health considerations such as illnesses that impact metabolism or the side effects of medications, as well as emotional aspects, like emotional eating.
As a fitness professional who has been taking continuing education in the field of weight management, I am qualified to help with weight loss that is primarily induced by lifestyle in the generally healthy population at different stages of life. However, in partnership with medical professionals or upon clearance, health-related excessive weight may be addressed as well.
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I welcome every client regardless of where they are on the spectrum of weight and am willing to help them achieve their desired physical shape.
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Weight Loss Programs
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In essence, weight loss is a very simple matter. From the point of view of physiology, in order to lose weight, we need to spend more energy (calories) than we consume. In other words, to lose weight it is necessary to create a caloric deficit. As simple as that!
However, in real life things are much more complicated to manage. The pressure of balancing work and life obligations, old habits, as well as the physical aspect of the caloric deficit that boosts appetite - all these factors create a loop that is hard to break.
By creating a tri-perspective approach to weight loss, the big and complex weight loss challenge becomes divided into three different areas which makes it clear, manageable, and maybe even inspiring. This approach, which is based on the National Academy of Sports Medicine's (NASM) Weight Loss Program comprises the following aspects:
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Nutrition coaching focuses on food intake analysis and adjustments.*
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Exercise coaching focuses on designing a specific exercise program as well as looking for ways to add more movement beyond structured training, such as walking up the stairs instead of elevators, etc.
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Behavior coaching focuses on finetuning the first two components to ensure that a safe caloric deficit is created and maintained over a certain period to achieve results. Behavior coaching is also critical to mitigate the pitfalls and challenges to sustain the efforts, as well as to maintain the achieved weight in consecutive years.
My goal is to help you achieve your desired weight safely and be able to maintain it while balancing life enjoyment with a healthy lifestyle.
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Photo: Josseph Amado
The Weight Loss Exercise Program highly depends on the fitness level of the client and incorporates all possible movement and/ or health limitations. Cardiorespiratory, resistance and interval training, including HIITs (High Intensity Interval Training) are usually at the core of this program, based on the client's preferences for exercise. This ensures energy spending and protects muscle mass. Core, balance, as well as flexibility training, are also included for a well-rounded exercising routine, as needed.
*As a weight loss specialist, I provide general coaching and education in the field of nutrition. Proscribing diets/ meal plans, medical nutrition, and supplements recommendations are beyond my scope of practice.
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