MORE WEIGHT LOSS TALK

One of the pubmed reviews I read, from 1992, was talking about the well known markers that are changed in obesity.  Cortisol is generally elevated.  Testosterone is lower in men, but slightly elevated in women.  There were some others mentioned in that review, but those were the big ones that stuck out in my mind.  I know Haidut was always talking about elevated cortisol in obesity.

One of the most impressive studies I saw was a long term study in hypogonadal men who were started on testosterone and also overweight.  They lost an average of 50 pounds, and kept that off for 5 years.  A later study (of the same group) showed they continued at the lower weight for 10 years.  I also saw a meta analysis of various testosterone protocols in overweight men, lasting from 6 months to at least 5 years.  Some men stayed the same weight, although most groups lost weight, and in the area of 20 pounds or more, at that.  Even the men who stayed at the same weight lost centimeters around their waist.

In addition to this, so called “viceral fat” (aka belly fat) is the most problematic, and generally the most unsightly, too.  But….. is visceral “fat” really fat?  Ascetis is known as fluid buildup in the abdomen.  Visceral fat generally comes with elevated inflamatory markers.  Could it be a sign of fatty liver?  An inflamed intestine?  Excess bacteria and endotoxin entering the bloodstream?  Poor digestion?

Mike Fave also went over a paper from 2003 called “Decreased energy levels can cause and sustain obesity,” by Wlodek and Gonzales.  They argue that the prime cause isn’t overeating per se, but a block in the Krebs Cycle (specifically at the Aconitase Enzyme), which leads to most food getting stored as fat, while at the same time creating a low energy state for the person.  I think overactive FAS is usually seen in obsesity, and since Palmitic Acid is the Fatty Acid stored, this could be a reason why high levels of Palmitic Acid in tissues is associated with things like cancer and heart disease, as overactive FAS is seen in all of them.

Of course, Peat showed us how excess PUFA can slow the metabolism and be problamatic, and Brad Marshall has been finding studies showing that MUFA might be just as fattening, maybe even more so.  And to boot, there are also some Amino Acids that are low in obesity (especially Glycine and Taurine), while others are higher.

Keeping all these things in mind could help one design a better diet to help get leaner.  And maybe even some simple tweaks, like avoiding liquids with meals.  And there are things that go beyond diet, food, and supplements as well, like simulating altitude, or maybe moving to a higher altitude, if that’s an option.  I got lots more ideas, but this post is already long, maybe I’ll elaborate if others are interested.

One of the most impressive studies I saw was a long term study in hypogonadal men who were started on testosterone and also overweight.  They lost an average of 50 pounds, and kept that off for 5 years.  A later study (of the same group) showed they continued at the lower weight for 10 years.  I also saw a meta analysis of various testosterone protocols in overweight men, lasting from 6 months to at least 5 years.  Some men stayed the same weight, although most groups lost weight, and in the area of 20 pounds or more, at that.  Even the men who stayed at the same weight lost centimeters around their waist.

In addition to this, so called “viceral fat” (aka belly fat) is the most problematic, and generally the most unsightly, too.  But….. is visceral “fat” really fat?  Ascetis is known as fluid buildup in the abdomen.  Visceral fat generally comes with elevated inflamatory markers.  Could it be a sign of fatty liver?  An inflamed intestine?  Excess bacteria and endotoxin entering the bloodstream?  Poor digestion?

I wonder if there would be any data as to the type of diet the people that experience the visceral belly fat, as well as nutritional profiles with respect to sodium to potassium levels as well as magnesium and calcium. Micronutrients like selenium and molybdenum are needed in microgram dosages which is where I believe foods such as liver and oysters are beneficial if they are well tolerated, if they are not it goes without saying other food sources of these nutrients can be found with supplements in my opinion being the last option since focusing on one nutrient it becomes difficult to create a balance that would naturally be found in foods.
The ratio of the macronutrients protein, carbohydrates (and which types be it from grains, fruits, or refined sugar) and fats specifically saturated and polyunsaturated levels, would be helpful in determining the food intakes and the resulting impact on the testosterone levels. All of these factors do play a role in terms of the conditions  that manifested the resulting health levels, as well as subsequent stress hormone levels specifically in the case of visceral belly fat cortisol, which as I understand has a cascading effect upon estrogen, as well as serotonin and thus prolactin.

“– Is it 2:1 carb/sugar to protein?”

I remember that Ray said he himself sometimes needed a 10: 1 ratio of sugar to protein. I think he said he needed a pint of orange juice to balance one egg–eggs being particularly good at dropping blood sugar.

I think I read Ray say a ratio of 1: 1 might be enough. This is different from person to person. Perceive, think, act.

I always try to have some carbs with protein. Then, often, 10 minutes later I feel a calling for more carbs. So I will have some fruit or juice or a sip of soda, trying to find the internal balance. Not that I have all the answers or am a walking ideal! LOL!