Struggling to Lose Weight? Poor Metabolic Health Might Be the Reason
Your metabolic health might be to blame if you’re having trouble reaching your weight loss goals despite eating healthy and exercising. But what is metabolic health, and why does it matter?
What Is Metabolic Health?
Metabolic health refers to how effectively your body processes glucose, the sugar that fuels your body. Poor metabolic health can increase your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, chronic inflammation, and even certain cancers. Maintaining good metabolic health is crucial for weight loss, overall well-being, and disease prevention.
How to Know If You’re Metabolically Healthy
One of the most effective ways to assess metabolic health is to monitor blood glucose levels. A continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a wearable device that tracks your glucose 24/7 and provides real-time feedback on how your body responds to food, stress, and exercise.
Critical indicators of metabolic health are:
- Blood glucose variability
- Glucose oscillation
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measures average blood glucose over 90 days. This test is typically done in a lab and can be ordered by your healthcare provider
- Fasting Insulin
- Triglyceride:HDL Ratio
- Waist circumference
Real-Life CGM Experience: Chicago Nutrition Coach Gwen
For eight weeks, Chicago-based online Nutrition Coach Gwen wore a CGM (FreeStyle Libre 2). The insights she gained were transformative for her metabolic health and weight loss journey. She discovered that:
- Eating smaller meals
- Pairing carbohydrates with fat and protein
- Fasting for 12–14 hours
…helped stabilize her blood glucose levels. She also learned that even “healthy” foods—like rice, potatoes, and oatmeal—caused blood sugar spikes, so she ate them less frequently and in smaller portions.
By the end of the experiment, her metabolic markers had significantly improved. This experience confirmed the importance of monitoring blood glucose to make informed dietary choices.
Signs You Should Monitor Your Metabolic Health
You might benefit from monitoring your metabolic health if:
- You’ve been told you’re pre-diabetic
- Your fasting glucose or HbA1c levels are borderline high
- You experience fatigue, brain fog, carb cravings, mood swings, or frequent urination
- You’re having difficulty losing weight
- You’re tired after eating carbohydrates
Tools for Measuring Metabolic Health
To measure your blood sugar response:
- Use an over-the-counter glucometer to check fasting and post-meal glucose
- Consider wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) for more comprehensive data
A CGM for weight loss is a game-changer. It helps identify which foods stabilize or spike blood sugar, offering a clearer path to better metabolic function.
Client Success Stories with CGMs
Many clients at Beyond the Box Nutrition® have successfully used CGMs for their personalized weight loss and wellness plans. For example, a 53-year-old woman reached her lowest weight in years while still enjoying an occasional glass of wine, with no negative impact on her glucose levels.
Everyone’s metabolism is different, and that’s why personalized guidance matters. As online weight loss coaches, we track client data and help create customized solutions that support metabolic health and sustainable weight loss.
Work with a Nutrition Coach to Improve Your Metabolism
If you’re ready to take charge of your metabolic health, consider hiring a nutrition coach from Beyond the Box Nutrition®. We provide personalized coaching based on your unique health and wellness goals—whether focused on weight loss, glucose control, or simply feeling your best.
👉 Request a complimentary call with one of our certified nutrition coaches to learn how blood sugar monitoring and personalized nutrition coaching can benefit you.