If weight loss were just about discipline, most people wouldn't struggle. The truth is that weight gain and resistance are usually signs of hormonal, metabolic, or inflammatory dysfunction—not personal failure.
Understanding Your Metabolism
At Gentle Revive, we approach weight loss as a medical issue, not a moral one. Insulin resistance, stress hormones, sleep disruption, medications, and past dieting history all influence how your body responds.
Sustainable results come from understanding why your body is holding onto weight—and addressing that root cause.
The Insulin Resistance Factor
When cells become resistant to insulin, your body stores more fat and burns less. This creates a frustrating cycle where eating less and exercising more can actually make the problem worse by triggering stress hormones that further impair metabolism.
Cortisol and Stress
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which signals your body to store abdominal fat and break down muscle tissue. No amount of willpower can overcome sustained hormonal disruption—the physiology must be addressed first.
The GLP-1 Phenomenon
GLP-1 medications are powerful—but they're not magic. When they stop working, people often assume they're broken—or that they failed. In reality, GLP-1s stop working when insulin resistance, cortisol, poor protein intake, or overly restrictive diets interfere with their effects.
Why GLP-1s Sometimes Plateau
These medications work best when the metabolic environment supports them. Inadequate protein intake (less than 100g daily) leads to muscle loss. Excessive calorie restriction triggers compensatory hormonal responses. Poor sleep undermines the medication's effectiveness.
A Different Approach
We see this often. Fixing the environment allows the medication to work again. If you've tried "everything" and still feel stuck, a consultation can help identify what your body actually needs to release weight safely and effectively.
The Comprehensive Evaluation
Our approach includes metabolic panel testing, hormone evaluation, body composition analysis, and detailed dietary assessment. We don't guess—we measure, then treat based on data.
About This Article
Authors: Dr. Steven Cherrington, DO & Kenna Graff, NP
Editorial Process: Initial content ideas and drafts may be generated with the assistance of AI language models. Every article is then thoroughly reviewed, edited, and medically verified by Dr. Cherrington and/or Kenna Graff before publication to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with current medical standards.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.