Why taking a holistic approach to weight loss will give you the best results

Having had my own struggles with weight, I have really come to realise how essential it is to take a holistic approach.

There are multiple factors that influence weight, including physical, emotional, mental, and behavioural aspects.

Here are some key reasons why a holistic approach is important:

It helps you achieve sustainable results

Focusing only on diet and exercise without considering other factors such as stress levels, sleep quality, emotional well-being, and lifestyle choices may lead to temporary weight loss but is less likely to result in long-term success. A holistic approach takes into account all these factors, making weight loss efforts more sustainable and effective in the long run.

It can help you improve your overall health

Weight loss is not just about shedding pounds; it's also about improving overall health. A holistic approach considers the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By addressing underlying health issues, such as hormonal imbalances, digestive problems, or emotional eating, a holistic approach can lead to improved overall health and well-being, not just weight loss.

It can help you identify the root causes of your weight gain

Often, weight gain is a symptom of underlying issues, such as emotional eating, stress, lack of sleep, or hormonal imbalances. By taking a holistic approach, you can identify and address these root causes, rather than just treating the symptom of excess weight. This can lead to more effective and sustainable weight loss results.

It can help you make lasting lifestyle changes

There is no quick fix for weight loss. Weight loss is not just about short-term changes; it's about creating sustainable lifestyle habits that promote healthy weight management. A holistic approach encourages lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management techniques, improved sleep habits, and addressing emotional and mental health, which can lead to long-term success in maintaining a healthy weight.

A holistic approach is a personalised approach

Everyone is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. A holistic approach recognizes this and promotes a personalized approach to weight loss. By considering individual needs, preferences, and circumstances, a holistic approach can create a customized weight loss plan that is tailored to an individual's specific requirements, making it more effective and sustainable.


How we can help you with weight management at The Secret Garden

At the Secret Garden, we take a 360-degree approach to weight management, incorporating dietary and nutritional support, medical weight management, body contouring and skin tightening processes, and access to personal trainers.

Diet and exercise

Diet and exercise are fundamental pillars of weight management. They play a crucial role in creating a calorie deficit or balance, regulating appetite, supporting metabolism, improving body composition, promoting overall health, and establishing sustainable lifestyle habits. Incorporating a healthy diet and regular exercise routine into daily life is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight over the long term. It's always recommended to consult with a qualified professional before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine to ensure that it aligns with your individual health needs and goals.

Gut health

Gut health can have a significant impact on weight, as there is a complex interplay between the gut microbiome, digestive function, and metabolism.

If the gut is not functioning optimally due to imbalances in the gut microbiome, inflammation, or other issues, it can affect the absorption of key nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can affect metabolism and energy production, potentially leading to weight gain or difficulty in losing weight.

The gut also plays a role in regulating appetite through the release of hormones such as ghrelin, known as the "hunger hormone" and leptin, known as the "satiety hormone". Imbalances in gut bacteria can affect the production and regulation of these hormones, leading to disruptions in appetite control and potentially overeating or poor food choices, which can impact weight management.

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fibre-rich foods, staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding excessive use of antibiotics and other medications that can disrupt the gut microbiome can all help support a healthy gut and promote healthy weight management.

Medical weight loss injections

Weight loss injections typically refer to injections of medications or substances that are used to aid in weight loss efforts. They are prescription medications which work as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, helping to reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness.

It's important to note that weight loss injections should always be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional and as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes. These injections are not a magic solution for weight loss and should be used in conjunction with other evidence-based strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Potential risks, benefits, and suitability of weight loss injections should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine if they are appropriate for an individual's specific needs and health status.

Augmenting your results with body sculpting or fat dissolving treatments

Body sculpting or fat-dissolving treatments are designed to help reshape and contour the body by reducing localised pockets of fat.

While these treatments can provide cosmetic improvements to the appearance of the body, they are not intended as weight loss methods on their own. However, they may support weight loss efforts by offering targeted fat reduction in areas resistant to diet and exercise and can help boost motivation and confidence in individuals who are on a weight loss journey.

Seeing visible improvements in body shape and contour can provide positive reinforcement, which may encourage individuals to continue their healthy lifestyle habits, including maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine.

We are going to be launching our new body sculpting machine in clinic this month. It uses a technology that targets and dissolves stubborn fat while tightening the skin and building muscle, and we can't wait for you to try it.

It's important to remember that body sculpting or fat-dissolving treatments are not intended as a substitute for healthy lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. These treatments are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive approach to weight management, which includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and overall wellness practices.

In summary, a holistic approach to weight loss addresses the multiple factors that influence weight and promotes sustainable results, improved overall health, identification of root causes, lifestyle changes, and a personalized approach. By taking into account the whole person, a holistic approach can lead to more successful and sustainable weight loss outcomes.


To find out how The Secret Garden can help you achieve your weight loss goals, contact us on 01962 277007 or book a consultation online.

Sharron Gordon