The issue of weight management has become increasingly complex in recent years, as more individuals struggle with persistent problems related to obesity despite having access to vast amounts of information about diets and nutrition. According to Katarina Robić, a registered nutritionist and one of the leads of the new Metabolic Balance Outpatient Department at Aviva Polyclinic, sustainable changes in eating habits are often misunderstood as quick fixes rather than long-term lifestyle adjustments. This misconception can lead to repeated cycles of dieting followed by weight regain, known as the yo-yo effect.
Robić emphasizes that many people fail to recognize that weight issues are not solely due to poor diet or lack of discipline but are rooted in deep-seated habits, relationships with food, and complex underlying causes. She highlights that individualized and holistic approaches, supported by multidisciplinary teams of experts, are essential for identifying and addressing the true reasons behind each person's weight concerns. Research indicates that up to 80 to 95 percent of people who lose weight through restrictive diets eventually regain it within a few years, often due to the body’s natural defense mechanisms against perceived starvation.
One of the most significant mistakes people make is attempting drastic and sudden changes in their eating patterns. Robić warns that such abrupt shifts often result in relapse, returning to old habits, and even exacerbating the problem. There is no universal healthy diet that works equally well for everyone, as nutritional needs vary based on factors such as age, gender, lifestyle, and health conditions. The first step towards effective weight management, she argues, is understanding the physiological processes and behavioral patterns that contribute to weight gain over time.
Food is not merely a matter of calorie counts but also involves psychological, emotional, and life circumstances. Robić points out that modern lifestyles have led to fewer instances of home-cooked meals, mindful eating, and sustained quality dietary habits. Instead, food is often consumed hastily between meetings, while driving, or under stress. Understanding this multifaceted relationship with food is crucial for developing lasting solutions.
In addition to Robić's insights, Dr. Dražen Perica, an endocrinologist specializing in metabolic disorders, explains that obesity is not just a question of excessive calorie intake or lack of physical activity but a complex metabolic disease involving hormonal regulation. He notes that hormones such as leptin, which signals satiety, and ghrelin, which stimulates hunger, play a critical role in how the body regulates appetite and metabolism. Modern medicine recognizes that there is no single medication for weight loss and that hormonal imbalances significantly affect the body's response to hunger and fullness.
Perica further elaborates that metabolic disorders can lead to chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, low energy levels, and a general feeling of being unwell, even after adequate rest. These symptoms are often overlooked and attributed to lifestyle choices rather than underlying hormonal and metabolic issues. Individuals struggling with excess weight frequently face insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which further complicates weight management efforts.
To address these challenges effectively, the Aviva Polyclinic has established a new Metabolic Balance Outpatient Department, led by experts like Perica and Robić. This initiative aims to provide personalized care through detailed diagnostic evaluations and ongoing support. The department collaborates with Meddox, a domestic digital healthcare platform, offering users educational content, risk assessments, personalized recommendations, and continuous support throughout their treatment journey.
As part of this comprehensive approach, nutritionists like Violeta Kushkyan emphasize the importance of balanced breakfasts that combine proteins, fibers, and healthy fats to maintain stable energy levels and reduce the urge to snack throughout the day. Practical examples include whole-grain toast with avocado and eggs, Greek yogurt with fruits, and protein shakes made with banana and milk. These options are designed to be both nutritious and satisfying, helping individuals avoid the pitfalls of restrictive diets.
Overall, the consensus among medical professionals and nutritionists is clear: weight management requires a nuanced, individualized strategy that goes beyond simple dietary restrictions. It involves understanding the intricate interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that influence eating behaviors and metabolic functions. By adopting a holistic and sustainable approach, individuals can achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in their health and well-being.
4 reports
Net.hrIndependentCenter4 days agoNutritionist Katarina Robić warns that many people today know a lot about diets but still struggle with weight issues due to incorrect approaches. She emphasizes that sustainable weight loss requires understanding the root causes of obesity rather than relying on short-term dieting. Robić explains that restrictive diets can trigger the body’s defense mechanisms, slowing metabolism and leading to weight regain after the diet ends. Research indicates that up to 80–95% of people who lose weight through strict diets regain it within a few years. Robić advocates for an individualized, holistic approach involving multidisciplinary experts to address the unique factors contributing to each person's weight problems.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses health and nutrition advice from a private clinic and does not take a clear ideological stance. It presents information from a professional perspective without overtly favoring any political viewpoint or agenda.
tportalIndependentCenter4 days agoThe article discusses healthy breakfast options that aid in weight loss, challenging the common belief that oatmeal is the best choice. It highlights that while oatmeal is simple, filling, and high in fiber, it may not be sufficient on its own for sustained satiety. Nutritionist Violeta Kushkyan emphasizes the importance of combining protein, fiber, and healthy fats in breakfasts to maintain energy levels and control blood sugar. The article suggests alternatives such as avocado toast with eggs or cheese, whole grain toast with cottage cheese and tomato, and Greek yogurt with fruit. These combinations provide balanced nutrition and are more effective for weight management compared to oatmeal alone. The piece promotes variety and practicality in breakfast choices, suggesting they can be both satisfying and flavorful.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on health and nutrition advice, which is apolitical. It presents factual information about dietary choices without taking a stance on political issues. The content is informative and balanced, offering multiple breakfast options without favoring any particular ideology or group.
Večernji listIndependentCenter4 days agoThe article discusses the importance of protein intake during weight loss, emphasizing its role in preserving muscle mass while reducing fat. It explains that adequate protein consumption helps maintain muscle tissue during calorie deficits and increases satiety, making it easier to adhere to a diet. The article provides guidelines on daily protein requirements based on activity levels and age, recommending higher intakes for those engaged in intense training or over 50 years old. It suggests spreading protein intake across multiple meals rather than consuming it all at once, highlighting the importance of breakfast and post-workout consumption. Natural food sources like eggs, chicken, fish, yogurt, legumes, and tofu are recommended, along with protein supplements such as whey protein and vegan blends for convenience.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on health and nutrition advice, providing factual information on protein intake during weight loss. There is no political framing, bias, or controversy present in the content.
Net.hrIndependentCenter5 days ago "Obesity is not just a matter of lack of discipline": Dr. Perica reveals why weight regains after a dietThe article discusses why weight loss achieved through dieting often returns, attributing this phenomenon to metabolic disorders rather than just lack of discipline or poor diet. Dr. Dražen Perica, an endocrinologist specializing in metabolic issues, explains that obesity involves hormonal imbalances such as leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger and satiety. He highlights the role of GLP-1 hormone, produced in the gut, which signals the brain for satiety. The article emphasizes that modern medicine recognizes obesity as a complex chronic condition affecting multiple systems in the body, not just a result of overeating or lack of exercise. It also notes that restrictive diets can exacerbate feelings of hunger and lead to weight regain. Metabolic imbalances can cause fatigue, sleep problems, and low energy levels, often going unnoticed by individuals who attribute these symptoms to lifestyle factors. The article mentions the new 'Metabolic Balance Clinic' at Poliklinika Aviva, offering specialized care for those struggling with weight management.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on health and medical explanations for weight gain and metabolism, without any political commentary, framing, or bias. It presents information from a medical expert and does not take a stance on broader societal or political issues.
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