1. Inflammation: Aches and pains, poorly digested food (e.g. diarrhea), infections etc can be a sign of inflammation which increases cortisol levels in the body. This can increase the likelihood of fat storage. It is important to address underlying inflammation for weight loss.

2. Stress: this can increase fat storage by increasing adrenaline and cortisol. Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga or Tai Chi can be useful, learning to say “No” effectively and looking after yourself (enough sleep, water, exercise, etc) are good long term strategies to stay healthy.

3. Toxins: PCB and pesticides in food, heavy metals (from large fish, amalgam fillings, tap water etc), drugs (including recreational ones like cigarettes and alcohol), pollution and environmental toxins like plastics can act as hormone disruptors and effect metabolic rate adversely. Ideally eat organic eggs, fruit and vegetables, free-range chicken and small fish like sardines as opposed to large flake or tuna. There are several detoxification programs available at the clinic to release accumulated toxins. Use stainless steel water bottles or Tupperware (or other smell-less plastics), and don’t leave them in the car to get hot or freeze them. Minimize microwave use, using paper towel or another plate to cover food and if you must use plastic ensure it is microwave safe.

4. Hormone imbalance: Low thyroid function, low oestrogen post-menopause, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, and some less common hormone imbalances (like Adrenal tumours), can wreak havoc even with people with the best diet, exercise program and intentions. There are some blood tests to detect some of these, plus some useful “in-house” tests we do here.

5. Low Muscle Mass: For some people, walking is just not enough. As we age, unless we incorporate some resistance exercise into our life, we tend to lose muscle mass. This is especially so when we follow “fad” diets and fasts that do not contain enough protein to maintain muscle. Muscle mass dictates metabolic rate. Incorporate exercise like yoga, Pilates, weights or a pump class, or simply use your own body weight with push-up, dips and sit-ups at home after your very brisk walk. We perform a special Bio-impedance analysis at the clinic to assess your muscle, fat %s and “biological age”.