The Potential Consequences of Weight Loss?

Health problems associated with obesity are the leading cause of mortality in the U.S., second only to health problems associated with smoking, these statistics do not bode well for many Americans. Every year more and more people are being labeled overweight or obese. Nevertheless, Americans are nothing if not industrious, and millions of overweight individuals are actively trying to lose weight.Most health care professionals would probably agree that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is highly desirable, and is associated with a reduced risk of health problems and mortality. What many health care professionals and most laypeople do not know, however, is that there can also be serious consequences of successful weight management—namely a significant influx of potentially harmful toxic chemicals into the bloodstream. The cause of this influx is the release of fatsoluble toxins heretofore stored in adipose (fat) tissue, and released in the lipolysis of long term weight management programs.While it may have taken decades to accumulate so many toxins in fat tissue, their release into the bloodstream may take place at a more rapid pace. This was seen when researchers examined associations between weight change over 1year and 10 years and serum concentrations of seven xenobiotics in 1,099 adults at least 40 years old. The results indicated that serum concentrations of most toxins were higher in those undertaking long-term weight management programs compared to those with long-term weight gain. The researchers expressed concerns that increases in serum concentrations of toxins after a weight management program may actually result in harmful effects on health.Losing weight promotes the release of potentially harmful xenobiotics. The use of key nutraceuticals can promote the healthy detoxification of xenobiotics, supporting optimal wellness and maximizing the effectiveness of a weight loss program.