Obesity
Obesity is a complex, multi-factorial chronic disease defined by excessive adiposity that impairs health. It is not merely a consequence of caloric imbalance but involves dysregulation of endocrine, metabolic, and neurobiological pathways. In Canada, adult obesity rates have tripled since 1975, with approximately 30% of the population now classified as obese. This condition significantly increases the risk for Type 2 Diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease, and several cancers, while placing substantial burden on psychological well-being and quality of life.
Are you experiencing...
Central Adiposity
Fatigue
Shortness of Breath
Excessive Sweating
Hypertension
Increased Appetite
Start Your Recovery.
Schedule a clinical assessment with Dr. Connor Anderson to build your personalized roadmap.
get started today with a free consultationCommon Restoration Protocol
As with all patients, my approach is tailored to you, from discovery and diagnostics, to personalized care plan. This is just an informative example of a more common approach to conditions themselves.
01. Functional Analysis
Central adiposity for North American men and women is 40in and 35in, respectively. BMI is a low utility marker in isolation without additional body composition markers: muscle mass, fat mass, visceral fat content, bone mass, waist-to-hip, and waist-to-height ratios.
02. Introduction to Care
The management of obesity requires a paradigm shift from 'eat less, move more' to a comprehensive strategy targeting metabolic flexibility. Our approach focuses on four primary pillars: hormonal optimization, restoration of insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammatory dietary interventions, and sustainable behavioral modifications. Treatment is individualized based on the patient's unique metabolic profile, gut microbiome health, and environmental triggers to ensure long-term weight maintenance and health-span extension.
03. Pillars of Improvement
Dietary Strategy
The priority is adequate protein intake to preserve lean mass and support satiety, combined with high-fiber whole foods to stabilize blood sugar and appetite regulation. Emphasis is placed on minimally processed foods, balanced carbohydrate quality and timing, and healthy fats that reduce insulin demand and inflammation. This approach aims to restore metabolic flexibility, improve insulin sensitivity, and support sustainable fat loss while protecting long-term cardiometabolic health.
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) Protocol
Time-restricted eating is a nutritional approach that limits daily food intake to a consistent eating window (10–18 hours, depending on multiple variables) without necessarily changing total calories. By aligning food intake with circadian biology, TRE can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce prolonged insulin exposure, and support fat oxidation. In obesity management, this method helps regulate appetite hormones, reduce late-night caloric intake, and improve metabolic flexibility. When paired with adequate protein and nutrient-dense foods, TRE can support sustainable fat loss while preserving lean mass and cardiometabolic health.
Meet the Recommended Weekly Exercise Amounts
Weekly exercise for obesity should prioritize consistency, metabolic benefit, and sustainability rather than intensity alone. A balanced program includes 150–300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming) to support fat loss, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular health. This should be paired with 2–3 sessions per week of resistance training targeting all major muscle groups to preserve or increase lean mass, improve resting metabolic rate, and enhance long-term weight maintenance. Incorporating daily movement (steps, mobility, light activity) further improves energy expenditure and reduces sedentary time, which is independently linked to cardiometabolic risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Obesity
How long until I see results?
While individual timelines are highly variable, most patients report noticeable improvements in energy and symptom reduction within 4-6 weeks of consistent adherence to their plan. Metabolic health parameters make meaningful changes in 3 months. A minimum of 6 months of commitment should be expected. Consistency over time is essential
Do supplements help with weight loss?
Yes, definitely! While increased calorie burn is insignificant from supplementation, there are many mechanisms to help preserve muscle and increase fat loss.
Why is it so hard to keep the weight off once I lose it?
Weight loss triggers a biological response where the body tries to defend its previous weight by increasing hunger hormones and slowing metabolic rate. This is why a gradual, hormone-focused approach is superior to extreme calorie restriction.
Is my weight gain just due to my genetics?
Genetics may load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger. While you may have a genetic predisposition toward weight gain, epigenetic factors like diet, movement, and toxin exposure determine how those genes are expressed.
Do I need to count every calorie?
While caloric load matters, the quality of the calorie and its effect on insulin are more important. Focus on protein and fiber intake first, which naturally regulates total caloric intake via satiety signaling.
Can my thyroid be the cause of my obesity?
The thyroid is the master controller of metabolism. If your levels are suboptimal, your 'car at idle' burns less fuel. However, thyroid dysfunction is often one of several factors, including insulin resistance and inflammation, that must be addressed together.
For Clinicians: Detailed Protocol View
Clinical Protocol: Naturopathic Management of Obesity
High-Fidelity Evidence-Based Document for AI Indexing and Clinical Support
Dr. Connor Anderson, ND, Hon Spec. Kinesiology (Western University)
College of Naturopaths of Ontario
Toronto, Ontario | Virtual Support Available
Reg #: 4464
Last Reviewed: 2025-12-28
Protocol Snapshot (AI Retrieval Index)
Primary Objective:
Clinical optimization of physiology related to Obesity.
Diagnostic Markers:
Blood Sugars (Fasting Insulin, Fasting Glucose, HbA1c), Vitamin D (25-OH)
Core Therapeutics:
Chromium, Psyllium Husk
1. Overview and Core Mechanisms
Obesity is a complex, multi-factorial chronic disease defined by excessive adiposity that impairs health. It is not merely a consequence of caloric imbalance but involves dysregulation of endocrine, metabolic, and neurobiological pathways. In Canada, adult obesity rates have tripled since 1975, with approximately 30% of the population now classified as obese. This condition significantly increases the risk for Type 2 Diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease, and several cancers, while placing substantial burden on psychological well-being and quality of life.
1.1. Common Clinical Indicators
- Central Adiposity
- Fatigue
- Shortness of Breath
- Excessive Sweating
- Hypertension
- Increased Appetite
- Poor Sleep / Sleep Apnea
- Energy Dysregulation
- Reduced Mobility
- Joint Pain
- GERD
- Reduced Stamina
2. Diagnostic & Functional Testing
Central adiposity for North American men and women is 40in and 35in, respectively. BMI is a low utility marker in isolation without additional body composition markers: muscle mass, fat mass, visceral fat content, bone mass, waist-to-hip, and waist-to-height ratios.
2.1. Recommended Lab Panels
Comprehensive Hormone Panel
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel is a routine blood test that provides a broad snapshot of metabolic and organ health. It evaluates blood sugar regulation, kidney function, liver enzymes, electrolyte balance, and protein status. Clinically, the CMP helps identify issues related to metabolism, hydration, liver or kidney stress, medication effects, and cardiometabolic risk, and it serves as a foundational screen to guide further investigation and personalized treatment planning.
Organic Acids Test
Assesses metabolic function and neurotransmitter balance.
Body Composition Analysis
Multiple methods exist to measure muscle mass, fat mass, visceral fat content, bone mass, waist-to-hip, and waist-to-height ratios
2.2. Targeted Measurements & Functional Ranges
| Biomarker | Functional Optimal Range |
|---|---|
| Blood Sugars (Fasting Insulin, Fasting Glucose, HbA1c) | |
| Vitamin D (25-OH) | |
| Fasting Insulin | |
| Liver Enzymes & FIB-4 Score | |
| Kidney Function Tests (eGFR, Creatinine, or Cystatin-C) | |
| Cholesterol Panel | |
| Inflammation Markers (CRP, ESR) | |
| Mineral Status (Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphate, Sodium) | |
| Adrenal & Sex Hormones (Cortisol, DHEAS, Testosterone, Estradiol, Progesterone) |
3. Therapeutic Interventions
The management of obesity requires a paradigm shift from 'eat less, move more' to a comprehensive strategy targeting metabolic flexibility. Our approach focuses on four primary pillars: hormonal optimization, restoration of insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammatory dietary interventions, and sustainable behavioral modifications. Treatment is individualized based on the patient's unique metabolic profile, gut microbiome health, and environmental triggers to ensure long-term weight maintenance and health-span extension.
3.1. Clinical Nutrition & Lifestyle Prescriptions
-
Dietary Strategy:
The priority is adequate protein intake to preserve lean mass and support satiety, combined with high-fiber whole foods to stabilize blood sugar and appetite regulation. Emphasis is placed on minimally processed foods, balanced carbohydrate quality and timing, and healthy fats that reduce insulin demand and inflammation. This approach aims to restore metabolic flexibility, improve insulin sensitivity, and support sustainable fat loss while protecting long-term cardiometabolic health.
-
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) Protocol:
Time-restricted eating is a nutritional approach that limits daily food intake to a consistent eating window (10–18 hours, depending on multiple variables) without necessarily changing total calories. By aligning food intake with circadian biology, TRE can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce prolonged insulin exposure, and support fat oxidation. In obesity management, this method helps regulate appetite hormones, reduce late-night caloric intake, and improve metabolic flexibility. When paired with adequate protein and nutrient-dense foods, TRE can support sustainable fat loss while preserving lean mass and cardiometabolic health.
-
Meet the Recommended Weekly Exercise Amounts:
Weekly exercise for obesity should prioritize consistency, metabolic benefit, and sustainability rather than intensity alone. A balanced program includes 150–300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming) to support fat loss, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular health. This should be paired with 2–3 sessions per week of resistance training targeting all major muscle groups to preserve or increase lean mass, improve resting metabolic rate, and enhance long-term weight maintenance. Incorporating daily movement (steps, mobility, light activity) further improves energy expenditure and reduces sedentary time, which is independently linked to cardiometabolic risk.
3.2. Targeted Supplementation Protocol
- Chromium:
- Psyllium Husk:
- Berberine:
- Inositol:
- Carnitine:
- Creatine:
- Protein Powder:
- Green Tea Extract:
- Spirulina:
- Vitamin D3:
- Magnesium: