In a world saturated with fleeting diet trends and quick-fix solutions, it's easy to lose sight of the body's innate capacity for healing and restoration. The Jason Kaplan weight loss method emphasizes tapping into this natural power, specifically by harnessing the power of your hormones. This article explores the principles behind this approach, drawing upon insights from pioneers in the field and the personal journey of Jason Kaplan himself.
The Power Within: Hormones and Weight Loss
One fundamental lesson from professional training is that the power that created the body has the power to heal it. The Jason Kaplan method recognizes that true and lasting weight loss isn't about restrictive diets or artificial solutions, but about working in harmony with your body's own mechanisms. The key player in this approach is the "fat-mobilizing hormone" (FMH).
Understanding Fat-Mobilizing Hormone (FMH)
FMH isn't a single hormone like leptin or glucagon but a collective term for hormonal responses that promote fat breakdown when carbohydrates are restricted. When you drastically reduce sugars and refined carbohydrates, FMH springs into action. Hormones like glucagon and growth hormone play key roles, mobilizing stored fat for energy. It attacks stored fat, breaking it down and making it available as fuel for your body. This isn’t just theory-it’s biology at work. FMH tells your body, “Break down the fat; I need energy!”
Research supports this concept. English researchers Professor Kekwick and Dr. Pawan discovered FMH in the urine of individuals on low-carb diets after just 48 hours, alongside ketone bodies-evidence that the body was actively burning fat for energy. In contrast, no FMH was detected in urine samples from those consuming high-carb diets, even when they were on strict 1,000-calorie plans and still not losing weight. Carbs shut FMH down, locking fat in place.
Historical Roots: Learning from the Pioneers
The idea that hormones and diet can transform weight loss isn’t new. After World War II, Dr. Alfred W. Pennington, working with the DuPont Company, tackled a puzzle: why did low-calorie diets fail so many employees? Pennington tested it on 20 volunteers, allowing them up to 3,000 calories a day with no restrictions if they were hungry. The results? They lost an average of 22 pounds in three and a half months, felt great, and reported no hunger. Those with high blood pressure saw it drop alongside their weight.
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The Crucial Role of Water
Another critical piece of the puzzle is water. Water suppresses appetite and helps the body mobilize stored fat. Without enough, the kidneys struggle, dumping work onto the liver, which is supposed to metabolize fat into energy. Water does more. It prevents fluid retention by signaling the body it’s safe to release stored water, reducing swelling in feet, legs, and hands. It maintains muscle tone, prevents sagging skin after weight loss, and flushes waste from fat breakdown.
Aim for eight 8 oz. glasses daily (64 oz. total)-more if you’re overweight (add one glass per 25 pounds of excess weight), exercise, or live in hot weather.
The Sugar Trap: A Roadblock to FMH
Sugar is a major roadblock to FMH and health. It’s everywhere, especially in childhood. Our addiction to soft drinks begins in the cradle and ends in the grave. This early sugar addiction sets kids up for weight gain, diabetes, and even neuropathy.
Jason Kaplan's Personal Journey and Insights
My search for the perfect diet was a personal mission. I read everything- Fredericks, Kekwick, Pawan, Atkins, Stillman, Bloom, and more. I became my own lab rat, testing their ideas. Meeting Dr. Atkins in New York and Dr. Stillman in Vegas gave me firsthand insights. Atkins downplayed water but restricted carbs; Stillman swore by water’s cleansing power. Both programs restricted sugar and carbohydrates. I cut salt, added water, and watched the pounds melt away. My skin cleared, my energy soared, and hunger vanished. I shared this with patients at my five clinics, seeing 350-1,000 people weekly.
This journey led to my first book, Lifestyles of the Fit and Famous, endorsed by Donald Trump, who’s on the cover. It also took me to Nutrisystem’s helm and an advisory role with the President’s Council on Sports and Physical Fitness under President Clinton, where I worked alongside Dr.
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The pioneers I studied-Atkins, Stillman, Fredericks, Pritikin-had differences but shared core truths. Atkins and Fredericks slashed carbs and sugar. Stillman pushed water. Pritikin cut fats. This approach isn’t about starvation or willpower-it’s about biology. You can eat steak, chicken, or fish, drink water, and lose fat without feeling deprived.
Jason Kaplan's Experience with Nutrisystem
Jason Kaplan's weight-loss journey has been neither quick nor easy, but it has produced results. Since joining Nutrisystem in January he dropped from 301.6 pounds to 229.2. Though the staffer credited much of his success to what he learned via his weight-loss program, he told Howard he’s now also making healthy meal plans of his own. “I actually bought an entire grilling book on vegetables.,” he said.
Kaplan states the program worked for him because it was easy-to-follow and he felt less hungry. "I didn't want to deal with points. I was also looking for a plan I could do with my wife so we could be in this together. So I did my research and felt that Nutrisystem could work because everything was spelled out for you. I remember saying, 'I am going to commit and do everything Nutrisystem says, and if it's not working, I will try something else.' To my surprise, it did work."
He adds, "Thanks to the program, I have a clearer understanding about how to eat and what portion sizes should look like. I was also never starving on Nutrisystem. The program is packed with protein that helped keep me full throughout the day. I was amazed that I wasn't heading for the snack cabinet anymore."
Reflecting back, Kaplan tells PEOPLE in a recent interview that he didn't really know what feeling good felt like until he lost weight. "I never thought I felt bad being fat. I never really felt like it was taking a physical toll on me. But after I lost the weight, especially that first 50 to 60 pounds, I realized that I just didn't have any concept of what feeling good felt like."
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Now, Kaplan claims he has a new lease on life and is able to do things he never could before."On my honeymoon, I wasn't allowed to ride a horse because I was over the weight limit. Now, I can go kayaking with no worries. I can hike, ride bikes and do all these things I was missing out on. I'm also receiving more compliments than ever, and I have to say, that's the best part," concludes Kaplan.
Practical Steps to Harness FMH
- Reduce Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates: This is the cornerstone of activating FMH. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods.
- Prioritize Water Intake: Aim for at least 64 ounces of water daily, adjusting for your individual needs.
- Embrace Protein and Healthy Fats: These provide satiety and support overall health. You can eat steak, chicken, or fish, drink water, and lose fat without feeling deprived.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to hunger cues and adjust your intake accordingly.
- Consider a Structured Program: Nutrisystem for Men is a comprehensive system aimed to help men reach their weight loss goals and delivered right to the customer's door.