Could Neurotransmitter Deficiency Disorder Be the Cause of Obesity

You exercise five days a week, eat a lean, vegetable-rich diet, and avoid carbohydrates religiously. Yet, no matter how hard you try, you can't lose weight. Perhaps you even gain weight! It's not your fault, and here's why!

During a recent episode of "The Biggest Loser", Jillian (the trainer) yelled at a female contestant who had lost only one pound that week, and zero pounds the week before. "You're not trying!" she insisted. "You can't stand there and tell me that you are eating what you are supposed to eat and doing all the exercises and still not losing weight." The woman started to get tears in her eyes, the anger welled up inside as she exclaimed, "Yes, I am trying. And yes, I am doing everything. I don't understand it either!" As it would turn out, the other members kicked her off the show, insisting that she was not motivated enough or was somehow sneaking around to eat off-limits foods. Could it be that this woman was actually doing her best, but like many people, could not lose weight no matter how hard she tried?

For many years people have been experiencing a pleasant side-affect when taking anti-depression medications: weight loss. Suddenly, people who have struggled with weight all of their lives started buying these medications on the street, black market, or through medication websites. Sometimes these individuals may even seek out their own prescriptions for anti-depression medication to lose weight, lying to the doctor in response to various behavioral questions. Even some of our most famous celebrities, such as Brittany Spears, have reported using anti-depression medications to lose weight. Are these people really depressed or only seeking a quick fix for their weight problem?

In reality, I believe it is both. Doctors are now beginning to realize that serotonin, a major neurotransmitter in the body, is related to weight retention and/ or the inability to lose weight (see numerous references below). Serotonin is produced naturally in the body, along with many other neurotransmitters, which in turn work cooperatively to regulate all parts of the body. Should one of these key components become unbalanced with all the others, physical and mental results can, and often does, occur.

When someone tries to lose weight, he or she may not experience the same results as someone else for a number of reasons, including underlying illnesses such as diabetes or thyroid disorders. If all of these venues have been tested and ruled out, then perhaps the reason why someone cannot lose weight has to do with a neurotransmitter deficiency.

Neurotransmitters are produced naturally in the body when adequate nutrition, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids are in place. While diet and exercise are important for optimal health and well-being, they are only a part of the overall weight loss picture. If the diet is lacking in nutrition, the body will attempt to make up for these deficiencies by making the person feel hungrier, tired all the time, and even depressed. Serotonin, as it would appear, is the primary neurotransmitter related to weight gain and/ or weight loss, which is why someone who takes anti-depression medications, especially SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Re uptake Inhibitors) such as Prozac, will often experience weight loss without really trying. These same individuals will report that they are less hungry, have less cravings for carbohydrates or sweets, and feel more rested.

It is never, ever a wise choice to seek out depression medications to lose weight. After all, SSRI's do not create more serotonin, rather, they make the body more receptive to what little serotonin is already present. The very best way to enjoy these results is to help the body produce serotonin naturally. In order to do so, the person should first and foremost ensure proper nutrition (at a minimum) by taking a good quality multi vitamin as well as an amino acids supplement. Replace soft drinks and coffee with water, and avoid caffeine if at all possible. Go outside a little each day and allow the sun to hit your skin for about ten to fifteen minutes every day, which will help your body to produce Vitamin D (which cannot be synthesized without the sun). Take small steps toward health as you think of them, such as exercising just a little bit more or eating just a few more fruits or vegetables each day. Through these methods, and especially when adding amino acids to the daily regimen, not only with the person begin to feel healthy and alive, but they will often begin to lose weight as well!

Sources:

These sources include information about neurotransmitter deficiency disorder, serotonin and weight loss/ gain, depression medications and weight loss, and optimal nutrition for weight loss

www.drkaslow.com/html/neurotransmitter_repletion.html
www.asktheinternettherapist.com/counselingarchive_neurotransmitter.asp
www.powersupplements.com/craniyums-neuro.html
cityhealthnews.com/read58.html
weightloss.suite101.com/article.../serotnin_and_weight_loss
www.advance-health.com/weightloss.html
thyroid.about.com/cs/dietweightloss/a/losingweight.htm
www.webmd.com/depression/recognizing-depression.../antidepressants
depression.emedtv.com/depression/zoloft-medication.html
helpguide.org/mental/medications_depression.htm