Obesity is a prevalent medical condition that elevates the risk of developing other chronic and serious health problems, affecting both adults and children, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Today, many more people are interested in finding a way to reduce their weight. Many Americans struggle with obesity, and these numbers continue to increase each year. But just as many people are focused on doing something about their weight. Many people are also becoming more aware that managing their weight involves more than just calories out and calories in. This is an area where Weight Management Lab Tests come in.
Initial Assessment: BMI and Beyond
The first step in assessing weight-related health risks often involves calculating the body mass index (BMI). The CDC uses BMI, or Adult Body Mass Index as a definition for obesity. If your BMI is between 25.0 and 30.0, you are considered overweight. If your BMI exceeds 30.0, then you are obese. However, it is important to understand that the BMI is only a screening tool and an approximation of risk. For example, even if your BMI falls in what is known as the healthy range, it is still possible for you to be affected by weight-related metabolic disease. This is why your doctor will also use lab tests and perhaps even other measurements to guide your weight management treatment plan.
The Role of Blood Tests in Weight Management
Labs are used to check certain items that pinpoint possible sources of weight gain. Checking labs will screen for underlying conditions, and can help determine if weight loss medications can be used safely. Labs can also determine what type of medication and lifestyle change may work best for your body. Blood tests which are typically done measure general blood chemistry, liver and kidney function, blood count, insulin sensitivity, thyroid hormone levels, and cholesterol. These tests provide objective information about your health.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
A CMP (comprehensive metabolic test) examines your metabolism. It also detects how your metabolism is functioning. This is a test that also checks how your kidneys and liver are functioning. It may also detect abnormalities in your blood sugar levels.
Hormone Imbalances
The hormones related to stress, thyroid function, and sex can also significantly impact weight management. Lower than normal or elevated levels might be an indication of underlying conditions. Your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes or treatments to help you balance these hormones. Early tests can also be used to diagnose the start of a condition known as insulin resistance. When caught early enough, you can keep this condition under control with a few lifestyle changes.
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Thyroid Function
Thyroid hormone is also generally checked, especially the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Your thyroid gland plays a significant role in regulating your metabolic rate. Most standard lab panels include TSH, which is thyroid stimulating hormone. The TSH is the master regulator of the entire thyroid system. Low thyroid hormone levels can contribute to small amounts of weight gain over time. However, when the TSH level is abnormal, this is more likely to be a result of the weight gain than a cause.
Insulin Sensitivity and Resistance
Early tests can also be used to diagnose the start of a condition known as insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the #1 cause of weight loss resistance that I see in my practice. Insulin resistance leads to high insulin levels, which causes the body to store more fat. Fasting insulin is not generally included on a standard lab test, but it’s an important one to include in your labs because it can identify early stages of insulin resistance years before it will be picked up on a fasting glucose (5).
Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D, which is actually a hormone, plays an important role in thyroid function, metabolism, and blood sugar regulation.
Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is a stress hormone that can cause your body to hang onto body fat, particularly in your abdomen (3).
Inflammation
Chronic inflammation in the body is another leading cause of weight loss resistance. Inflammation in the gut can lead to widespread inflammation in the body.
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Mineral Status
Minerals are the spark plugs of your metabolism. A hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) provides a comprehensive assessment of your mineral status.
Sex Hormones
Sex hormone production naturally declines with age, including the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone and the male sex hormone testosterone.
Additional Tests and Measurements
Other tests that are done for managing weight loss treatment include your blood pressure and pulse measurements. Carrying excess weight can increase your risk for high blood pressure and heart problems.
Frequency and Affordability of Labs
On average, labs should be done after your initial visit with your doctor, and then at least once a year for weight management. Depending on your initial results though, and your treatment plan and care goals, your doctor may order labs more frequently. Labs for weight loss management are affordable. Labs for weight loss are considered to be prevention medicine, which is generally covered by health insurance plans.
Practical Considerations for Blood Testing
A weight management lab test is ordered online and involves having the test drawn at one of our authorized patient service centers.
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Life Extension® offers you a blood test to help get the hormonal balance part of your weight loss equation right. This test may be done fasting or 2-6 hours after eating. Both ways provide valuable information, though 2-6 hours after a meal provides a more realistic assessment of the state of your blood in everyday life. Stay hydrated and take your medications as prescribed. If you are supplementing with any hormones, we suggest taking them approximately 2 hours prior to having your blood drawn to see peak levels. Hormones are best drawn between 8-10 AM. Hormonal contraceptives can interfere with progesterone and estrogen results. Pre-menopausal women: For a 28 day cycle, blood should be drawn on day 21 (day 1 is the day that bleeding begins).
The Importance of Personalized Weight Management
Despite what you may believe, your weight (and ability to lose weight) isn’t completely in your control. Your sex, height, genetics, age, and medical history also affect your weight and can make it harder for you to reach your weight goals. That’s the difference between a commercial weight-loss program and a medical weight-loss program like ours. We conduct a thorough physical exam, do bloodwork, and take a complete diet and weight history.
Once we fully understand all the factors that affect your weight, we create a personalized plan that can best help you. We only prescribe HRT if hormone levels are low and affect energy, weight, and quality of life.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
We have been told for years that weight loss is as simple as calories in vs. calories out. Since hunger, cravings, stress, and energy are all sensations that are managed by our hormones - balancing them should be the first step in everyone's weight loss regimen. In this age of technology, there are all kinds of resources to track your calorie intake and output, help with an exercise routine, and nutrition guides to follow.