ModerateGBS: 84 (High Risk)nutrition

Weight Loss Resistance Protocol

Developer: Sara Gottfried, Jade Teta, functional medicine

3-6 months to address hormonal issues and see weight loss

Protocol Overview

Comprehensive protocol for those who "can't lose weight" despite diet and exercise. Addresses hormonal imbalances (thyroid, cortisol, insulin, leptin, sex hormones), metabolic adaptation, and hidden obstacles.

Conditions Treated

Weight loss resistance

metabolic adaptation

leptin resistance

Protocol Steps

Testing - comprehensive hormone panel: Thyroid (TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, antibodies), fasting insulin and glucose (HOMA-IR), cortisol (4-point salivary), leptin, sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S), inflammatory markers (CRP), nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, iron, B12)

Thyroid optimization: Most important - even subclinical hypothyroid prevents weight loss. Goal: TSH 0.5-2.0 (not <4.5), free T3 upper third of range, reverse T3 low. Optimize thyroid medication, address Hashimoto's (see HC-005), support conversion (selenium, zinc, iron)

Reverse T3: If elevated (>15), indicates poor T4→T3 conversion (from stress, inflammation, calorie restriction). Address root causes, may need T3-only medication temporarily

Insulin resistance: If fasting insulin >5, address with MT-001 protocol (low-carb, fasting, berberine, etc.) - insulin prevents fat burning ("fat-storing hormone")

Leptin resistance: If leptin >10-15 ng/mL with obesity, suggests leptin resistance (brain doesn't sense leptin signal - increased hunger, slowed metabolism). Address: Eliminate fructose/sugar, reduce triglycerides (high TG impair leptin transport across blood-brain barrier), omega-3 3-4g, adequate sleep, intermittent fasting or calorie cycling

Cortisol dysregulation: High cortisol drives belly fat, late-night eating, insulin resistance. See HC-007 adrenal protocol - manage stress, sleep 8+ hours, adaptogenic herbs, address overtraining

Estrogen dominance: High estrogen relative to progesterone causes weight retention (especially hips/thighs). See HC-008 protocol - DIM, calcium-d-glucarate, liver support, reduce xenoestrogens

Low testosterone: In men and women - testosterone builds muscle (muscle burns calories). Optimize per HC-004 protocol

Chronic inflammation: Elevated CRP >3 impairs metabolism. Address: Anti-inflammatory diet (eliminate gluten, dairy, sugar, seed oils), omega-3, curcumin, address gut health, chronic infections

Gut dysbiosis: SIBO, candida, dysbiosis impair metabolism and cause inflammation. Test and treat per GT protocols

Toxins: Heavy metals, mold, endocrine disruptors stored in fat cells impair metabolism and prevent fat loss (body protects itself by not releasing toxins from fat). Consider detox protocol before aggressive weight loss

Metabolic adaptation: Chronic dieting slows metabolism (body adapts). Reverse diet: Gradually increase calories 100-200/week for 8-12 weeks to restore metabolic rate before cutting again

Calorie cycling: Instead of daily deficit, cycle high days and low days (high: maintenance, low: deficit) - prevents metabolic adaptation

Carb cycling: Low-carb most days, 1-2 high-carb days/week (leptin boost, metabolic support, adherence)

Protein: Increase to 1.2-1.6 g/kg (higher protein preserves muscle during weight loss, thermic effect, satiety)

Strength training: Build muscle (muscle is metabolically active) - 3-4x/week, progressive overload

HIIT: 2-3x/week (metabolic boost) but don't overtrain (excess cortisol)

Sleep: 7-9 hours non-negotiable (leptin/ghrelin regulation, cortisol, insulin sensitivity - sleep deprivation prevents weight loss)

Stress: Chronic stress = high cortisol = belly fat + insulin resistance - meditation, therapy, reduce stressors

Medications: Review current meds (many cause weight gain: SSRIs, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, insulin, prednisone) - discuss alternatives with prescriber

Hidden calories: Track meticulously for 2 weeks - many underestimate intake by 30%+ (portion sizes, liquid calories, bites/tastes)

Genetics: Some have genetic variants affecting metabolism (FTO, MC4R, APOE4) - not destiny but may need more aggressive approach

Key Resources

The Hormone Reset Diet by Sara Gottfried, "Lose Weight Here" by Jade Teta, "The Obesity Code" by Jason Fung, metabolic research

Contraindications & Risks

Address hormones before blaming patient for "not trying hard enough" - weight loss resistance is real hormonal issue

Important Notes

Frustrating reality: Some people can't lose weight despite "eating less and moving more." Blame the victim mentality is wrong - hormonal and metabolic factors often prevent weight loss. Thyroid is #1 culprit: Hypothyroidism slows metabolism dramatically. Even subclinical (TSH 3-4, "normal range") impairs weight loss. Many providers accept TSH <4.5, but optimal for weight loss is 0.5-2.0 with free T3 in upper third. Reverse T3: T4 converts to reverse T3 (inactive) instead of T3 (active) during stress, calorie restriction, inflammation - blocks thyroid receptors, slows metabolism. Many chronic dieters have elevated RT3. Insulin: Fat-storing hormone. If insulin elevated (insulin resistance), body can't burn fat even in calorie deficit. Must address insulin first. Leptin: Satiety hormone made by fat cells. Should signal brain "enough fat stored, speed up metabolism, reduce hunger." But leptin resistance (like insulin resistance) - brain doesn't hear signal despite high leptin. Result: Constant hunger, slow metabolism, can't lose weight. Caused by inflammation, high triglycerides, chronic obesity. Cortisol: Chronic stress/elevated cortisol drives belly fat, insulin resistance, evening eating. Many stressed chronic dieters have cortisol dysregulation. Estrogen dominance: High estrogen (relative to progesterone) causes water retention, fat storage especially lower body. Sex hormones: Low testosterone (men and women) means less muscle, slower metabolism. Metabolic adaptation: Body adapts to calorie restriction by slowing metabolism (survival mechanism). Chronic dieters have slowed metabolism - need reverse diet to restore. Inflammation: Elevated CRP impairs metabolism. Gut dysbiosis contributes. Toxins: Stored in fat cells, body may resist fat loss to avoid releasing toxins into circulation. Medications: Many psych meds, beta-blockers, insulin cause weight gain - often overlooked. Sleep: Leptin/ghrelin dysregulation with poor sleep drives hunger and prevents fat loss. Weight loss resistance is multi-factorial hormonal issue, not willpower. Test don't guess. Address underlying obstacles before more diet/exercise. Many patients lose weight easily once thyroid optimized, insulin addressed, stress managed.

Also Effective For

Obesity / Weight Loss Resistance

Key Supplements & Herbs in This Protocol

Supplements

Selenium Berberine

Critical Safety Warning

This protocol is documented for educational purposes only. The Gabriel Bullshit Score (GBS) of 84 reflects significant institutional response and controversy. Some alternative health protocols have resulted in serious harm or death.

Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment. Do not delay or forego proven medical care.

Quick Overview

Evidence LevelModerate

GBS Score84 / 100

Categorynutrition

DeveloperSara Gottfried, Jade Teta, functional medicine

Duration3-6 months to address hormonal issues and see weight loss

About GBS Score

The Gabriel Bullshit Score reflects the magnitude of institutional response, controversy, and documented concerns. Higher scores indicate greater institutional pushback, not necessarily inefficacy. This is a research tool, not medical advice.