Why Calorie Restriction Alone Fails
Weight regulation is controlled by hormones (insulin, leptin, ghrelin, cortisol, thyroid), gut bacteria (which extract different amounts of calories from the same food), and genetics (energy expenditure varies by up to 25% between individuals).
Naturopathy investigates these variables before prescribing — moving beyond generic dietary advice.
Key Metabolic Drivers We Test
Diagnostic investigations include:
- Fasting insulin and HbA1c: Is insulin resistance present?
- Comprehensive thyroid panel: Is low thyroid function limiting metabolism?
- Sex hormones: Is oestrogen dominance or PCOS contributing?
- Cortisol pattern: Is chronic stress driving visceral fat storage?
- Gut microbiome: Are unfavourable bacteria extracting more calories?
Natural Metabolic Support
Evidence-based interventions: Berberine (insulin sensitivity comparable to metformin), inositol (particularly for PCOS-related weight), chromium picolinate (blood glucose stability), thyroid-supporting nutrients (selenium, zinc, iodine if indicated), and gut restoration to shift toward lean-type bacterial profiles.
Key Takeaways
- Weight challenges have metabolic root causes — naturopathy investigates them
- Insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, and gut dysbiosis are common drivers
- Berberine has evidence comparable to metformin for metabolic syndrome
- We focus on metabolic health and energy — not a number on the scale
- Sustainable change requires addressing physiology, not fighting it
Address Your Metabolism at the Root
Book a metabolic health consultation at Health Therapies Clinics.
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