The Secret Life of Female Fat

My first real attempt at dieting was around age 13, when I made a homemade "Deal a Meal" kit (who remembers those Richard Simmons infomercials?). I thought it was going to be the answer to my prayers.

Boy, was I disappointed when it didn't work.

I eventually lost the weight I wanted (and more), but did it in an unhealthy way that would plague me mentally and physically for years. Perhaps if I'd only learned more about the secret of female fat, I wouldn't have been in such a predicament.

Dr. Sylvia Tara (great name, doc!), author of The Secret Life of Fat: The Science Behind the Body’s Least Understood Organ and What It Means for You, recently joined HER Radio host, Dr. Pam Peeke, to explain what really is going on with the fat in our bodies, collectively and individually.

When it comes down to it, we are all unique. Your best friend might be able to regularly indulge and not gain an ounce, while you pack on pounds just by looking at a decadent dessert. Some part of that phenomenon may be genetic, but it may also have to do with your past weight loss efforts. Once you've lost fat, it becomes very difficult to maintain the loss.

Why? Because your fat serves much more of a purpose than preventing you from zipping up your skinny jeans. It's actually an endocrine organ that makes and releases necessary hormones.

For example, fat creates leptin, the hormone tied to metabolism and satiation. When you lose fat, you lose leptin. You become hungrier and your metabolism slows. You now have to eat less to maintain your weight. Ghrelin, the hormone that increases appetite, goes up.

It may seem like a lose-lose situation, but it doesn't have to be. Dr. Tara has some suggestions.

• Testosterone busts fat. Women have less than men, putting them at a weight loss disadvantage. But, regular exercise helps increase testosterone levels.
• Really play close attention to your intake of carbs and sugary foods in order to keep your insulin levels lower.
• Growth hormones help bust fat, and intermittent fasting increases these hormones. Extend the time between meal periods. Stop eating at 5 pm each night and don't eat again until 10 am the next day.
• Improve the health of your microbiome by adding more fiber to your diet.
• Use your emotions as fuel. Anger can actually keep you on track.

Finally, understand that your motivation to lose weight has to hold greater power than the food on your plate. That motivation may be as superficial as wanting to fit into a stunning dress or as serious as a dire medical diagnosis. If you're not passionate about your goal, you will not succeed long-term.

Dr. Tara is incredibly wise, and I'm not just saying that because we share the same first name. I highly encourage a listen to the episode.

Click here to download or listen to the episode.