More and more of us are looking for ways to reduce our weight. The number of Americans struggling with obesity continues to rise, but at the same time, so does the number trying to do something about it. The CDC reported that 17% of Americans are currently on a diet.
Now, many have come to realize that weight management is about way more than calories in and calories out. That's where weight management lab tests come in. They can give us an insight into what's really going on in our bodies.
Let's take a look at weight loss lab tests and how they could help you shed those excess pounds.
What Is the Definition of Obesity?
The CDC uses the Adult Body Mass Index or BMI to define obesity. All you need is your current weight and height, and you can check your BMI using the BMI Index Chart.
If you have a BMI that is 25.0-30.0, you are classified as overweight. Higher than 30.0 is obese. If your BMI is higher than 40.0, this is called severe obesity.
Learning More About Obesity
Many of us struggle with weight gain as we get older. The pressure of balancing work and family life can make it hard to keep our diets as healthy as we would like. It's easy to neglect regular exercise.
Other factors, including stress, can also affect our ability to lose weight. Stress raises cortisol levels, which can cause our body to hold on to body fat. If you think this might be an issue for you, weight management tests can identify raised levels of cortisol in the bloodstream.
Risk Factors for Obesity
There are multiple risk factors that can lead to an individual struggling with weight management. They can include factors outside our control, such as age, family history, gender, ethnicity, and sex.
Other factors such as diet, lifestyle, and activity levels also impact our weight.
Causes of Weight Gain
Whether we're battling our genes or not, an unhealthy lifestyle will cause us to gain weight. The most obvious is consuming too many calories, especially from foods that are high in fat, sugar, or both. Not getting enough exercise can also cause us to pile on the pounds.
Less commonly considered are lack of sleep and high levels of stress. Both affect our hormones and can make it harder to control our appetites.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Obesity?
There are no specific symptoms of obesity. When checking whether you are overweight or obese, don't rely on BMI alone. It's very important to check waist circumference.
A high waist circumference is a cause for concern. This can mean a high visceral fat level, leading to many further health complications.
Weight Management Lab Tests
Your first step should be taking a comprehensive look under the hood. A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) test looks at your metabolism and how it is functioning. This shows how the body is using food and energy.
This test checks, among other things, how your liver and kidneys are functioning. It can detect abnormal blood sugar levels. Your doctor can use this to detect underlying issues that may be making it difficult for you to lose weight.
Hormone Tests
Hormones related to sex, thyroid function, and stress can greatly impact weight management. The following tests can help you to understand if you have imbalances in these areas:
Elevated or lower-than-normal levels may indicate an underlying condition to your doctor. They can recommend treatment or lifestyle changes that may help to balance your hormones. Once hormone levels are balanced, appetite control and weight loss should become easier.
Early testing can diagnose the beginnings of insulin resistance. If caught early, this can be controlled with lifestyle changes. Weight loss can help to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How Weight Management Tests Are Carried Out
Weight management lab tests can be ordered online. You will take a blood test at an authorized patient service center and then receive the results in a few days, depending on the type of test. After that, you will need to meet with a doctor to help you understand the results.
Your doctor can provide lifestyle advice and treatment options that can help you manage your weight more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Management Lab Tests
Many people haven't previously considered weight loss lab tests as an option for helping them to lose weight. Some of the frequently asked questions include:
- What are blood tests done for weight loss?
- Is there a blood test to check metabolism?
- What tests should be done for weight gain?
A comprehensive set of baseline biomarker tests are the first step. This may give you answers right away. It may also highlight areas that your doctor will want to investigate further.
Getting these tests is about more than losing weight and looking better. They can detect serious health conditions, such as diabetes, that contribute to metabolic syndrome. The sooner treatment or lifestyle changes are made, the better your chance of reversing these conditions.
Take Control With Weight Loss Lab Tests
Weight loss lab tests can help you to understand your body and how it works best. Along with your physician, you'll be able to find a weight management plan that works for you. They can be your first step on the road to real, long-term weight loss.
Ulta Lab Tests offers tests that are highly accurate and reliable. They let you make informed decisions about your health. We offer:
- Secure and Confidential Results
- No Insurance or Referral Needed
- Affordable Pricing, including Doctor's Order
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Order your weight management lab test today. Your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.
Take charge of your health and track your progress with Ulta Lab Tests.
