We are all looking for that magic elixir, one that will make us young again, take our wrinkles away and re-grow our hair. We feel that tacit pressure to look young and fit resulting in taking diet pills, desperately trying portion control, or enrolling in fitness gyms and classes with good intentions but without follow through.

Education is the key component, as well as, building one’s self confidence to be happy at their current weight. Women internalize our society’s thin body image and when they cannot measure up to the ridiculous standards set for the female form, we develop a negative body image. Negative body images can lead some individuals to unhealthy eating patterns and major health problems.

Losing weight does not have to be hard or dangerous. It only depends on how it’s done. Food deprivation leads to muscle loss and muscle loss leads to a lowered metabolism. It is not wise to skip meals or use unhealthy replacements.

Calculated caloric intake and proportional macronutrients like protein, carbs and fat is the key to success. To crave food is normal, keep in mind that eating in moderation is the key. In order to have a good outcome and reflect a healthy appearance inside and out, allow yourself to be in the hands of a knowledgeable weight loss expert, who not only understands weight loss but also how to reduce inflammation at a cellular level. Ultimately, it is the inflammation we have at the cellular level that propels the wheels of obesity and gathers momentum as our health careens out of control.

Weight loss is crucial for disease prevention like type II diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s Dementia.

Being a physician for 25 years it is my common observation that people gain on averages 3-5 pounds a year after the age of 30. When menopause hits at 50, metabolism drops even further making weight loss even more of a challenge. At that point we are in constant combat with our own bodies. So by the time we are 60, we can be 20-30 pounds overweight.

The good news is that you can prevent weight gain and stop this cycle. Check these three essential numbers:

1. Check your Body Mass Index (BMI), which is based on height and weight. References can be found online.

2. Check your body fat. This can be done in a Bariatric Physician’s office.

3. Measure how many calories you need to live the lifestyle you live.

Once you have this information you will be able to:

• Know how many calories you can eat.

• Divide your macronutrients. Protein, carbs, and fat into a ration of 40:30:30. Just divide your plate into thirds.

• Eat lean proteins.

• Only consume carbs which are low in glycemic load like most vegetables are. Stay away from the starchy ones like corn and potatoes.

• Eat fruits low in glycemic load too, such as berries, plum, and peaches.

• Obtain fat from monosaturated products like olive oil and nuts.

• Omega-3 oils are important. The fatty acids required by our body are Omega3, Omega6 and Omega9. We usually get Omega6 and Omega9 from various sources like vegetable oils, but we are deprived of Omega 3 oils which are required for reducing fat and enhancing brain development. Omega3 also helps reduce inflammation.

• Avoid medicines that cause weight gain like many antidepressants and steroids.

• Learn stress management.

• Have your thyroid gland checked.

• Check your hormone levels.

• Exercise regularly.

To find out more about how to fight silent inflammation and weight gain attend Dr. Deepti Sadhwani’s workshop at the Healthy Living Expo on Saturday, February 25^th, 2:30-3:15pm at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Indialantic..Deepti Sadhwani, MD practices at Quality Health Care Fitness and Wellness Center in Sebastian. For more information call 772-228-8480 or visit www.quality-health-care.com.