by Jeanne Pitre, NP
Practitioners can give you a diet plan, we can supply you with medication or supplementation, but more often than not, the results are the same—the weight comes back. Resistant weight loss affects many individuals, and if your weight seems to
To address the root cause, we must first understand the complexity of our composition. You, me, all of us—we are more than just physical bodies. Our physical matrix is just one part of who we are. In truth, we are multi-dimensional fabrications of energy, with aspects that are both seen in this 3D world and unseen, like thoughts and emotions.
At our core, we are physical beings made of the same elements found in the stars and soil. If you recall from high school chemistry, everything vibrates—from the smallest atomic particle to the vast galaxies. This principle, known as vibrational theory, explains that all matter, including our bodies, exists in a constant state of movement at a subatomic level (Oschman, 2015).
But not all vibrations are the same. Healthy cells vibrate at higher, more coherent frequencies, while dysfunction—such as mitochondrial damage—results in lower, chaotic vibrations. Our mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of our cells, play a critical role in metabolism, and when they are compromised, energy production drops, leading to fatigue, inflammation, and weight retention (Wallace, 2005).
The Power of Thoughts and Subconscious Programming Your thoughts shape your reality. The patterns and subconscious programs that dictate your daily decisions and habits play a crucial role in your health and well-being. As Mahatma Gandhi famously said:
“Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.”
If you continue thinking the same thoughts and engaging in the same habits, you will continue to get the same results. If weight loss has been a struggle despite physical efforts, it may be time to examine the underlying subconscious beliefs that are shaping your behaviors. Something must change—whether it is your mindset, your emotional patterns, or your physical approach—to create a new outcome.
The Physical Aspect of Weight Loss When someone has an assessment with me, we start by addressing the foundational pillars: diet, movement, water consumption, sleep, and routes of elimination. However, this is just the beginning. From there, we take a detailed dive into genetic and epigenetic factors that may be influencing weight, metabolism, and overall health.
In some cases, the root of weight loss resistance can be traced to:
- Endocrine disruptors – Chemicals that interfere with hormonal balance, affecting metabolism and fat storage.
- Elevated toxin levels – Accumulation of heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins can impair liver function and metabolism.
- Gut dysbiosis (bacteria and parasites) – An imbalance in gut microbiota can contribute to inflammation, cravings, and poor digestion (Cryan & Dinan, 2012).
- Epigenetic factors – Gene expression influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors that promote chronic inflammation.
Basic Support for a Healthy Foundation
- Water Consumption – Aim for half of your body weight in ounces daily to support detoxification and metabolism.
- Protein Intake – Multiply your body weight (lbs) by 0.36g to determine baseline protein needs for muscle maintenance and metabolic support.
- Movement – A combination of muscle-building exercises, cardiovascular training, and yoga enhances metabolic efficiency and supports brain-body connection.
- Sleep – Prioritizing restorative sleep is essential for hormone regulation, appetite control, and cellular repair.
- Elimination – The body detoxifies through sweating, defecating, urinating, and proper lymphatic drainage. Supporting these processes is essential for metabolic health.
Supplemental Support for Weight Loss
- GLP-1 Agonists – Improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce appetite.
- Berberine – A natural compound that mimics metformin, supporting blood sugar balance and lipid metabolism.
- Probiotics – Optimize gut health, support digestion, and regulate inflammation, all of which impact weight management (Cryan & Dinan, 2012).
The Emotional Aspect of Weight Loss For any lasting change to happen—whether it’s weight loss, weight gain, or muscle development—you need to feel safe in your body.
I once worked with a patient who struggled with resistant weight loss. When I asked, “When was the last time you lost weight?” they responded, “Right before my dad died.”
The body does not differentiate between events happening at the same time—it simply records experiences and forms patterns for survival. In this case, their weight loss coincided with a deeply emotional, life-altering event. It’s possible that their body now subconsciously associates weight loss with trauma and, as a protective mechanism, resists releasing excess weight (Felitti et al., 1998).
The Science Behind the Mind-Body Connection
- The Impact of Stress on Metabolism – Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which promotes fat storage, particularly in the abdominal region (Epel et al., 1999).
- Emotional Trauma and Weight Retention – Studies suggest that past trauma and unresolved emotional distress can contribute to weight gain and metabolic dysregulation (Felitti et al., 1998).
- Nervous System Regulation – A dysregulated nervous system can keep the body in fight-or-flight mode, making weight loss more difficult.
Understanding and addressing these emotional imprints is just as important as optimizing physical health. When the body feels safe, it can release what it no longer needs—whether that’s excess weight, stored trauma, or limiting beliefs.
Weight loss is far more complex than simply adjusting diet and exercise. By addressing both the physical and emotional roots of resistant weight loss, we create the opportunity for real and lasting transformation. Whether the imbalance lies in mitochondrial function, gut health, stress response, or emotional trauma, the key to sustainable weight loss is healing on both a cellular and energetic level.
If you are ready to take a deeper dive into your health and uncover the root causes of your weight challenge, we are here to support you. Whether at a micro or macro level, physically or metaphysically, together we can create a plan that nurtures your body and mind, helping you reach your optimal state of well-being.
References
- Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering Microorganisms: The Impact of the Gut Microbiota on Brain and Behavior. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(10), 701-712.
- Epel, E. S., McEwen, B. S., & Ickovics, J. R. (1999). Stress and Body Shape: Stress-Induced Cortisol Secretion Is Consistently Greater among Women with Central Fat. Psychosomatic Medicine, 61(5), 627-634.
- Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., et al. (1998). Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.
- Oschman, J. L. (2015). Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Wallace, D. C. (2005). A Mitochondrial Paradigm of Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases, Aging, and Cancer. Cell, 120(4), 511-522.