Naturopathy & Weight Loss

Naturopathy is a treatment system that promotes the body's self-healing ability while reducing factors that may interfere with the process. The naturopathic approach to weight loss is to treat the cause of a symptom, rather than the symptom itself. Naturopathy and weight loss involve more than the standard "eat less, exercise more" approach. Rather, the naturopathic physician will explore the patient's feelings, thoughts and actions in regard to food, as well as her physical condition, in determining the best weight loss approach.

Find the Cause

• Some patients report that they eat properly, exercise regularly and still do not lose weight. Wendy Hodsdon, N.D., recommends considering underlying imbalances that might be affecting weight, such as thyroid, pituitary or adrenal gland disorders, drug interactions, blood sugar imbalances, or heart or kidney disease. Healing imbalances and disease should be the first step, before further weight loss strategies are employed.

Psychological Factors

• The naturopathic physician will be concerned with the patient's thoughts and feelings regarding food and drink. Unmindful consumption of calories sometimes fills a need for comfort or is a reaction to unpleasant emotions. Addictions to alcohol and sugar also add significant calories to an otherwise healthy diet and can be the cause of weight gain. Treating the addiction or underlying emotional needs will allow the patient to exercise more control over her calorie consumption.

Healing Metabolism

• Naturopathy looks at the whole person, not just the condition. Patients who are struggling to lose weight have commonly employed extreme or excessive approaches to weight loss which may have damaged their metabolic function, such as near-starvation dieting followed by binge eating or obsessive cardio exercise followed by periods of inactivity. According to Elizabeth Sutherland, N.D., emphasis should be placed on establishing a healthy whole foods diet, consistent and appropriate levels of exercise and ensuring sufficient sleep, which is necessary for the body to heal.

Individualized Treatment

• Naturopathic weight loss programs are individualized to address the patient's particular circumstances and needs. Many popular weight loss programs fail, according to the Connecticut Center for Health, because the one-size-fits-all approach may not address the wide variety of factors that contribute to obesity, such as a person's stress level, psychological and emotional issues, food sensitivities and toxic build-up stored in fat tissues. Naturopathic weight loss programs emphasize specific recommendations unique to each patient.

Balanced Lifestyle

• Above all else, naturopathy promotes a healthy, balanced lifestyle and encompasses not just diet and exercise, but emotional and psychological well-being, adequate time for self-care and relaxation and satisfying relationships as well. Individuals are counseled to address imbalances and areas of stress as part of their weight loss efforts for maximum results.