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Question: Have you heard of the diet; "Eating for your body type?"
I am currently on the "Eating for your body type" diet and I have lost 12 lbs. in 5 weeks, however, most articles I read about metabolism say that I should not decrease my caloric intake by more than 500 calories. Well, I did that in this diet, but I am stuck at 12 lbs. and I am afraid that is because of this decrease in calories. Any suggestions? Dr. Joshua Rassen responds:
I had not heard of the diet you mention although when I do a search I find some interesting information along those lines. One site mentions five body types based on body shape (apple, pear, stick, etc.). On another site I see mention of a book that discusses 25 body types that seemed to be named after different organs (adrenal, stomach, gallbladder, gonadal, heart and so on)! A third site refers to a yoga-based approach. You are probably referring to a specific program so I am not sure what you are actually doing at this time. The body does have ways of compensating for rapid weight loss. It is not unusual with dieting to reach a plateau even though you continue the program. If you continue to consume fewer calories than you burn, eventually weight loss will resume. I hope you are including some exercise in your program. You may find that you are losing “inches” even if your weight is stable. Your clothes may fit a bit better and you may be trading fat for muscle. Losing 12 pounds in 5 weeks actually seems a reason to be very proud rather than discouraged. As you may know, the biggest problem is actually not losing the weight but keeping it off. A gradual rate of weight loss suggests that you are changing your life style in a way that is more likely to help you keep the weight off in the long run. I hope you continue with your lifestyle changes and I wish you both short-term and, most importantly, long-term success. Dr. Joshua Rassen -- Joshua Rassen, MD, is a board-certified internist and geriatrician in northern California. He has a private practice in geriatrics and internal medicine and is the Chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine at California Pacific Medical Center.
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First published March 29, 2005
Last updated January 29, 2008
Copyright © 2005 Consumer Health Interactive
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