Weight has always been a struggle for
me. Growing up, I was “the fat one.” Kids made fun of my body shape. At age 15, I
was 5 feet 9 inches and weighed about 280 pounds. 37 years later, I fully understand that I can watch
diligently what I eat, but I have a tough time losing weight! I just conceded
being “the fat one.” While I try
to understand, I assume I never will.
I have had a metabolism issue for the last quarter
of a century. What is that? Metabolism is the chemical process a
body uses to transform food into the fuel that keeps us alive. Nutrition (food)
consists of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Digestive enzymes break down these substances and then carry them to the cells for fuel. Your body uses these substances immediately or
stores them in the liver, body fat, and muscle tissues for later use.
So, what happens to my metabolism if I have too much or
too little of the essential substances I need to stay healthy? I found I am sensitive to metabolism
errors. The body must have
amino acids and many types of proteins to perform its functions. For
example, the brain needs calcium, potassium, and sodium to generate electrical
impulses and lipids (fats and oils) to maintain a healthy nervous system.
Metabolic disorders can result
from a missing enzyme or vitamin that is necessary for a significant chemical
reaction, abnormal chemical reactions, disease in the liver, pancreas,
endocrine glands, or other organs, or just a fundamental nutritional deficiency.
Have I caused the issue from stupidity? I know I can develop a metabolic disorder if specific organs (for
instance, the pancreas or the liver) stop
functioning correctly. I know I
have had minor issues, and the only issue I have now is the heart. My sister and I have similar problems, but no others in the family have the same issues. So, I discount anything genetic.
I have often wondered if it is Diabetes,
which is the most common metabolic concern. I have regularly checked my glucose levels, and I have been
under 100 for several years.
Before I knew of the potential issue, I had a high of 106, which is still not an alarming level of work to keep it under 100. Although always in the high 90’s,
it should not be a concern.
I am still baffled, and I am thinking of
it even more as my weight is near my lifetime high, over 300 pounds. I need to get this under control. At least I have a start; I realize the
problem. Now, the hard part: finding a
solution?
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