The Answer Is Within: What a Blood Test Can Tell You Before Weight Loss

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 5 years ago · 5 min read

As of 2015-2016, obesity prevalence sits at 39.8%, affecting 93.3 million people in the United States alone and that number climbs to 42.8% in the 40-59 age group.

With numbers like that it is no secret that obesity is a problem afflicting many people across the United States.

Whether you are someone who suffers from obesity, or your situation is less severe, odds are you've tried many different methods of weight loss. And like many people, these attempts may have been unsuccessful.

Everyone's body is different, and If you're struggling to shed weight, it's not necessarily due to a lack of effort. Before beginning a weight loss journey, it is recommended that you take a blood test to make sure your weight loss plan is optimal for your body.

When getting a blood test done, what results should you pay close attention to in order to achieve your goals?

Let's take a look.

Glucose

These sugars are found inside carbohydrates, which and are broken down into glucose after they enter the body. Glucose is more commonly known as your blood sugar.

High glucose levels can play a role in weight gain, particularly if you are found to be insulin resistant. Insulin is a hormone that naturally occurs in the body and serves the purpose of moving your blood sugar into cells when levels become too high. If you are insulin resistant, this process doesn't work efficiently.

Insulin resistance makes your body use food improperly and can result in excess fat storage.

Luckily, glucose and insulin are among the most commonly performed blood tests and it can be easily determined if you are subject to any abnormalities that may be hurting your weight loss.

Vitamin D

This one may surprise you because most people don't often correlate vitamin D with weight loss, but a deficiency of the "strong bones" vitamin can cause a chain reaction in the body, contributing to your inability to lose weight.

This is because a lack of vitamin D is known to cause mood swings, fatigue, and even depression. Depression, in particular, is a serious side effect that is known for causing weight gain.

Low vitamin D levels can also result in underactive thyroids, another course for stifling your ability to lose weight.

Cortisol

Cortisol, or the "stress hormone" plays a key role in the body. Cortisol helps us deal with both physical and emotional stress and also helps to break down glucose and fat. However, if you are experiencing high levels of cortisol in your body over a period of time, it can have the opposite effect, storing excess fat.

Achieve Your Weightloss Goals with a Blood Test

Hitting you weight loss milestones can seem like a daunting task, and it certainly isn't an easy road. That's why it is important that you give yourself every advantage possible to help reach your health goals.

A blood test gives you the opportunity to plan your weight loss around any deficiencies your body may have and in turn, help you reach your goal weight quicker and healthier.

As your journey down your path to a healthier life, you can check out our blog for more useful health tips along the way.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.