"Losing weight is hard. But, it's not your fault." There's so much truth to this statement, and exactly why it headlines our Science Page.
At bistroMD, we recognize that you've been misled by the notion to “Eat less and move more." And we also understand weight loss and management are majorly impacted by biological and metabolic processes, especially the invisible factor known as insulin resistance.
The bad news? Insulin resistance can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions if left uncontrolled.
The good news? Insulin resistance is reversible and treatable, and bistroMD's science-backed program is different from the lies you've been sold and effective for helping you get your health and life back!
What Is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance is when cells do not respond well to insulin, a hormone required to use glucose as energy. Glucose is the simplest type of carbohydrate and the body's main energy source.
Think of insulin as a key: When glucose from carb sources is ingested and absorbed, insulin is released and essentially unlocks the cell's "door." This allows most glucose to enter the cell and exit the bloodstream.
But when cells resist insulin and cannot easily take up glucose, it stays in the blood—hence high blood glucose or sugar. People with prediabetes, also known as borderline diabetes, already have some degree of insulin resistance. If left uncontrolled, blood sugars continue to rise, and the risk of type 2 diabetes (and other chronic diseases) greatly follows.
How Do You Know If You Have Insulin Resistance?
Lab values offer concrete evidence for detecting insulin resistance. You may have insulin resistance if you've been told you have ANY of these:
• High blood sugar (100 mg/dL or above)
• High hemoglobin A1c (5.5% or above)
• High insulin (6 or above)
• High triglyceride levels (150 mg/dL or above)
• Low HDL—or "good"—cholesterol (below 60 mg/dL)
But what if you don't have lab levels available? Some of the most telling symptoms of insulin resistance include:
• Gaining weight despite consistent efforts trying to lose it
• Accumulating weight around your midsection
• Experiencing intense carb and sugar cravings—like bread, pasta, chips, and sweets
• Feeling weak and shaky if mealtimes are inconsistent
• Increasing hunger pangs, even if you just eat a meal
Soo… Now what? First and foremost, it's best to consult your doctor for expert guidance.
But remember, the good news is insulin resistance can be managed and even reversed! Diet is critical for treating insulin resistance, and bistroMD's doctor-designed meal delivery program is both a nutritious and delicious solution.
How bistroMD Treats Insulin Resistance
Founded by weight loss expert Dr. Caroline Cederquist, MD, bistroMD is the byproduct of breakthroughs she discovered in managing insulin resistance, blood sugars, and weight. Let's explore how bistroMD treats insulin resistance in greater detail.
Provides Balanced Meal Plans
We'll be the first to tell you cutting out carbohydrates, and other food groups, is NOT the answer. In fact, eliminating all carbs—which would also include nutritious fruits and veggies!—means missing out on key nutrients and setting yourself up for yo-yo dieting since meal plans that eliminate complete food groups are very unsustainable.
Yo-yo dieting can also lead to body-weight fluctuations, and research1 shows that repeatedly losing and regaining weight promotes weight gain around the abdomen/midsection and long-term health risks like heart disease.2
Moreover, we've found that if someone completely eliminates carbs and reintroduces them into their diet, all their insulin resistance symptoms—like intense hunger, relentless cravings, and overwhelming fatigue—come flooding back immediately. Because we don't want that for you, let's explore how bistroMD treats insulin resistance in greater detail.
All meal plans are balanced with:
• Complex carbs that are portion controlled and lower in net carbs—the total grams of carbs minus the grams of dietary fiber, which don't impact blood sugar.
• Adequate lean protein to fuel your metabolism, stabilize blood sugars, minimize cravings, and preserve lean muscle tissue, especially during weight loss.
• Healthy fat to promote heart and hormonal health while enhancing satiety.
Promotes Weight Loss
While anyone can experience insulin resistance regardless of weight, research from the Diabetes Prevention Program shows that people with a high risk of developing diabetes—an advanced form of insulin resistance—can significantly reduce their risk by losing weight. In fact, just losing 5-7% of body weight can significantly decrease the risk of developing diabetes!
Let's put these numbers in perspective by using a 200-pound individual as an example: Losing 5-7% equals as little as 10 pounds and as much as 14 pounds while regaining their health and wellness!
Through years of research and expertise, bistroMD's science-backed approach aids weight loss that actually works. Because what we've found is that resisting hunger is not a sign of discipline but rather a biological problem occurring at a cellular level.
And by targeting insulin resistance with balanced and sustainable meal plans, our members finally get the weight loss answers they've desperately been looking for.
Offers Endless Support
Beyond providing favorable changes to metabolic processes, bistroMD recognizes just how invaluable support is to your success. This is why the entire bistroMD team is here to keep you inspired, motivated, and on track throughout your wellness journey.
If you aren't already taking advantage of bistroMD's supportive resources, we encourage you to:
• Check in and consult the dietitian team at dietitian@bistromd.com
• Join bistroMD's members-only Facebook community
• Check out your exclusive resources, including The Fundamentals of Weight Loss Course and DIY Guides for managing meals on your own
So while losing weight and managing insulin resistance is hard, bistroMD has you covered!
References
1. Tannir H, Itani L, El Masri D, et al. Lifetime Weight Cycling and Central Fat Distribution in Females With Obesity: A Brief Report. Diseases. 2020;8(2):8. Published 2020 Mar 26. doi:10.3390/diseases8020008
2. Bangalore S, Fayyad R, Laskey R, et al. Body-Weight Fluctuations and Outcomes in Coronary Disease. N Engl J Med. 2017 Apr 6;376(14):1332-1340. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1606148. PMID: 28379800.