Medical research has found the oftentimes our bodies interpret a decline in fat storage as a threat to survival despite the fact that the goal of exercise and weight loss is typically to enhance your long-term health. As fat storage declines, people may notice an increase in appetite, a decrease in desire for physical activity or metabolic changes. All of these actions may be naturally triggered by the body as a form of self preservation, making it harder for you to continue exercising and achieving the health benefits of weight loss.

But what if we could trick the body into thinking that weight loss isn’t occurring so some of these natural processes aren’t triggered? That’s the theory behind a weight vest for weight loss.

Gravitostat Theory

The idea that a weighted vest could aid weight loss is rooted in a new theory called the “gravitostat” hypothesis. The idea here is that weight loss is sensed in the bone cells in the lower extremities as a reduction in gravitational loading. The cells notice this reduction and send signals to the brain to increase appetite and decrease energy expenditure, which makes continued weight loss even more difficult. The hypothesis suggests that a weighted vest would trick the body into thinking it hasn’t lost energy reserves so that these processes aren’t triggered.

Researchers put this theory to the test in the form of a clinical study. Participants were randomized into a weight loss group or a weight loss plus daily use of a weighted vest group, and participants also followed a very low-calorie diet to induce weight loss. They found that after six months, both groups lost statistically equivalent amounts of weight, suggesting that the weighted vest did not have much of an impact on weight loss.

However, by 24 months (18 months after the end of calorie restriction and vest use), the weight loss group had regained all lost body weight from baseline, but the weight loss plus weighted vest group had only regained slightly more than half of the lost body weight. Moreover, there was a significant difference in resting metabolic rate reduction in those with the weighted vest compared to the weight loss group. Those who wore the vests did not see much of a resting metabolic rate change (-16 calories a day) suggesting the weight vest did offset the reduction in resting energy expenditure typically seen with loss of fat mass (weight loss group saw a drop of -238 calories per day in RMR, for example).

The findings aren’t definitive proof that weighted vests are essential for continued weight loss, but they do give some credence to the gravitostat theory.

Dr. Silverman Comments

I had a similar hypothesis several years ago.

It’s a neat concept. Make the body think you are not losing weight to prevent the restriction of resting metabolic rate, which often slows during weight loss phases and is responsible for the dreaded plateau. I look forward to more studies that focus on the gravitostat theory.

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Losing Weigh To Treat Foot Conditions

Again, it’s important that we note that weight loss should not be the only form of treatment you pursue for your foot health. Exercise, physical therapy and custom orthotics are all great options to pair with weight loss for the best results.

Here’s a look at five conditions that may improve if you work to shed a few pounds.

1. Plantar Fasciitis – Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the underside of your foot arch becomes torn or inflamed. Your plantar fascia helps to handle and disperse stress as you move, and the heavier you are, the more stress the tissue will have to manage. Losing weight is oftentimes recommended for anyone working to overcome a plantar fascia issue.

2. Bunions – Losing weight can also help to slow or stop the progression of a bunion. Bunions tend to develop as a result of poor footwear and excessive stress on the big toe joint. Making sure you switch to a roomier footwear option is the most important step, but losing some weight can also help limit the continual shifting of the big toe joint.

3. Toenail Fungus – Studies have found that overweight and obese patients are more likely to develop toenail fungus. Among other factors, researchers believe that fungal infections may feed off the higher sugar content in an obese person’s blood. Managing your weight can also help to lower your toenail fungus risk.

4. Flat Feet – Fallen arches are another issue that can be exacerbated by excess weight. Repetitive stress takes a toll on your feet over the years, and this burden is larger if your arches are constantly under strain from excess body weight. Protect your arch and your foot shape by managing your weight.

5. Foot Surgery Success – Finally, losing weight prior to an operation can increase your risk of undergoing a successful surgery. Obesity is linked to an increased likelihood of many surgical complications, including bleeding, nerve damage and prolonged recovery time. You’re also going to be physically limited while you recover after surgery, so creating a healthy diet regimen prior to surgery can make it easier for you to avoid weight gain after your procedure.

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According to a new study from Novo Nordisk, patients who discontinue use of the use of weight loss drugs such as Wegovy risk regaining their original body weight in about five years. The individual profile suggests that patients could gain back about half their original body weight in 2-3 years if they stop the treatment.

Moreover, there have been some concerning claims about the type of weight a patient stands to lose on this drug. Previous studies have found that while these weight loss drugs can help you lose fat, you also stand to lose muscle mass, which is not something you would experience through a standard weight loss program that focused on dietary improvements and increased exercise.

When you end up gaining back this weight like this study found, you’re not gaining back fat and muscle at the same rate that you lost it. You’re gaining more fat and less muscle, which again is problematic.

No Magic Pill

As we’ve said on the blog in the past and we’ll say here again, there is no magic pill that can help you lose weight without any negative side effects. With any drug, there will always be potential risks and side effects, and they are certainly not an ideal substitute for some old fashioned improvements to your diet and exercise regimen. We know that this is easier said than done, but just know that these diet pills aren’t helping you lose the best kind of weight, and once you stop, odds are that weight will come back.

Losing weight can help to reduce your risk of a number of different lower body conditions and take some strain off your feet and ankles, but it won’t be easy. While we focus on foot and ankle conditions, we are more than capable of helping you find a diet and exercise program that is right for you so that you can improve your overall health. If you have questions or concerns about any specific diet, exercise program or weight loss pill, we’d be happy to be your resource.

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The study examined several slightly overweight and sedentary men in their 20s-30s for 13 weeks. The test group was told to maintain their regular routines and eating habits. Another group underwent a moderate exercise routine of 30 minutes a day (burning roughly 300 calories in each session). The third group worked out for roughly 60 minutes each day, burning 600 calories with each workout. All groups were told to maintain their normal diets.

Results showed that both of the exercising groups lost weight. Surprisingly, the group that exercises at moderate rates lost more weight than the rigorous exercisers. The 30 minute group lost an average of 7 lbs. each, while the 60 minute group only lost an average of 5 lbs.

Researchers attribute this difference to subconscious diet changes in the participants. In other words, those who exercised 60 minutes each day were more likely to overeat to compensate for the lost calories.

Dr. Silverman Comments

This title and findings of this study are a bit misleading.

The study actually tells us two things:

• If you increase your exercise routine a lot, you will eat more, making it harder to lose weight
• If you increase your exercise routine by only small amounts, you probably won’t eat more, and thus you’ll be able to shed more pounds

Exercise is not necessary for weight loss, it only accelerates it. Following a Paleo style diet (low carbohydrate diet) will guarantee safe weight loss. It’s just hard not to eat carbohydrates when you are hungry after a workout.

Related Sources:

nytimes.com

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“For the first time in almost 3 years I woke up without any ankle pain! And it was all thanks to your care, Dr. Silverman. It’s amazing how well the surgeries and my recommended diet came together to fix my ankle!”

This patient brings up an often overlooked part of surgery – weight loss.

As an orthopedic surgeon my job is to fix mechanical problems, reconstruct deformities, and replace things as needed to get patients back on their feet. But any surgery requires hard work from the patient as well as the surgeon. One way patients can improve recovery following surgery is weight loss.

I always take the time to offer dietary recommendations to patients in order to decrease inflammation in the body, and limit pain in both the pre-op period and post-op periods. I recommend my patients adhere to a Paleo diet.

Weight loss leads to less stress on the repaired area, greater function, and less breakdown on other areas of the body.

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According to Lawson, following the bunion surgery it was too painful for her to walk to the fridge. As a result she had to ask people to go to the fridge to get food for her, which made her more conscious of how much she was eating.

But bunion surgery was likely not the primary reason for the weight loss, according to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lance Silverman.

Dr. Silverman Comments

This is a cute story, but the weight loss is more due to a newfound habit, rather than bunion surgery. Lawson decided that asking others to help her eat made her more conscious of what she was eating. This enhanced understanding led to better choices during her recovery.

Elevation and strict bedrest for 23/24 hours per day is critical during the first 3 days. After that, patients use pain and swelling as their guide. A compressive dressing helps control swelling. This dressing is changed during the first week, and then a removable compression splint is applied.

Most of my patients walk immediately after surgery in a simple post operative sandal. As soon as tennis shoes or hard soled clogs will fit, they are recommended to use them. By 6 weeks, I expect bone healing and return to sport or walking.

People worry incessantly about the pain. I tell them, “This is not your mother’s bunion surgery.” Bunion surgery is painful only during the first 1-2 days after the procedure (the time we control pain with narcotic medication). After that, symptoms recede quickly.

Related Sources:

Dailymail.co.uk

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