Maybe your weight gain isn't calorie related

A new study published in the medical journal BMJ says being fat in middle age may slash women's chances of making it to their golden years in good health by almost 80 percent.

According to BMJ, American researchers observed more than 17,000 female nurses with an average age of 50 in the U.S. All of the women were healthy when the study began in 1976. Researchers then monitored the women's weight, along with other health changes, every two years until 2000.

For every one-point increase in their Body Mass Index, women had a 12 percent lower chance of surviving to age 70 in good health when compared to thin women.

So the question is, if you've gained a fair amount of weight over the past two or three decades, how do you take it off -- and is it all calorie related?

At Synergy, we've found that the simple diagnosis of "you're overweight; you need to exercise more and eat less" is not very helpful to many women.

There are many reasons why a woman may gain weight. Hormone shifts, especially in our 40's and 50's, can significantly contribute to weight gain around the middle. Stress and sleep deprivation can also contribute to weight gain.

Sometimes a simple diet isn't the answer. We've helped women lose weight and regain their fitness by fully evaluating their body composition including muscle mass and basal metabolic rate, balancing their hormones, and constructing personalized diet and exercise plans. We also use acupuncture, herbs or supplements to aid in weight control.

As we like to say at Synergy, what's the use of scientific advances that extend our life span if those added years are spent in physical and mental suffering?

If you have a weight problem and have not been able to shed it and keep it off, we encourage you to call us. We've helped many women who had given up on their weight, and we may be able to help you.