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Weight Loss and Gain as Related to Oxidation Types
Many people ask why all slow oxidizers are not overweight and why all fast oxidizers are not
underweight? The question is a good one, as those with a faster metabolism should burn their
food faster and therefore lose weight more easily. However, this is often not the case.
Whether one tends to gain or lose weight is a very complex biochemical, genetically-
determined and even psychological process. The mind plays a large role, as do the major glands
and many other factors. Lifestyle and eating habits, of course, also play major roles. In fact, an
improper diet or an unhealthy lifestyle can be more important than many genetic or biochemical
factors in weight gain or loss.
For these reasons alone, any discussion of weight gain and weight loss cannot be limited to
solely one factor such as the oxidation type. Having said this, let us examine how the oxidation
rate affects weight, as it is an important, but only one important reason for the tendency to gain or
lose weight.
Slow Oxidation And Weight
Slow oxidation is the exhaustion stage of stress, in which the adrenal and thyroid glands are
depleted and toxic. This leads to reduced glandular activity in most cases. The exception is a
secondary hyperthyroidism that occurs often in slow oxidizers that is due to a toxic thyroid and
pituitary condition. This can in fact cause significant weight loss and is one reason for weight loss
in a slow oxidizer.
The exhaustion stage of stress has a wide variety of effects on body chemistry which may
affect one’s weight. Weight gain can occur if food is metabolized improperly and is converted to
fat. This occurs most often in slow oxidizers in the lower part of the body such as the hips and
legs. This is sometimes called the ‘pear-shaped’ weight gain pattern commonly seen in middle-
aged women. In addition to low thyroid effect as a cause of weight gain, reduced adrenal
glandular activity impairs the body’s ability to convert its stored fat into glucose to reduce fatty
deposits. Impaired circulation is also common in slow oxidizers and is one of the reasons these
people have difficulty burning fats.
Chronic infections such as candida albicans in the intestines can also lead to excess weight gain
or loss. The body may attempt to dilute toxins generated in the intestines which it cannot get rid
of adequately. This would increase one’s weight. However, intestinal infection in slow oxidizers
can also lead to weight loss due to malabsorption of food and nutrients.
Impaired digestion and absorption of one’s food is the rule, rather than the exception, in slow
oxidizers. Many, if not all slow oxidizers are somewhat malnourished. This itself can lead to
weight loss, but also to weight gain if one compensates by overeating in an attempt to obtain
more nutrients. This is a very common situation, especially in those who live on refined foods.
The body calls for more nutrients, so one keeps eating the ‘empty calories’ in a vain attempt to
obtain one’s vitamins and minerals.
Many slow oxidizers are what is called sympathetic dominant individuals. That is, they overuse
their sympathetic nervous systems, also called the fight-or-flight nervous system. This nervous
system has a variety of subtle effects that are associated with the lean or slender body type.
Sometimes these people are referred to as ‘thyroid types’ and they tend to maintain a slender
body, although they may be quite ill with cancer, diabetes and other conditions.
Many slow oxidizers are emotionally shut down. We see this reflected on hair mineral tests
when the calcium level is very high. This is called a calcium shell. At times, these individuals
demonstrate a body type that is withdrawn and thin, a representation of their emotional
withdrawal. Others, however, withdraw behind layers of excess fat.
Most all slow oxidizers are copper toxic and zinc-deficient. One effect of this situation is a
decrease in appetite. These slow oxidizers are prone to anorexia due to copper toxicity, which
results in a thin and unhealthy body. Many slow oxidizers also have a tendency for chronic low
blood sugar due to weak adrenal glands. This can attract one to sweets and sugary foods, which
may contribute to excess weight gain.
Fast Oxidation And Weight
Fast oxidizers are in a more sympathetic state or fight-or-flight mode of body chemistry. This
condition is characterized by excessive adrenal and thyroid glandular activity. In a few cases, this
is what is called ‘true fast oxidation’. In most instances, however, it is a temporary state of
irritation caused by the presence of toxic metals or other toxic substances that stimulate the
glandular system and the autonomic nervous system.
Fast oxidizers may lose weight by burning their food at an excessive rate. However, weight
gain is more often the rule. For example, many of the people with Syndrome X and carbohydrate
problems are fast oxidizers. These people usually gain weight around the waist and in the upper
body such as the chest. This is called the ‘apple-shaped’ pattern of weight gain, often seen in
men with a large belly and thin legs.
This is a direct effect of cortisone and cortisol secretion by the adrenal glands. It is a mild form
of Cushing’s syndrome, the condition of overactive adrenal glands.
Cortisone and cortisol cause fat deposition, especially in the abdomen and shoulders, where
the fat pad is called a ‘buffalo hump’. Fast oxidizers are prone to this condition.
Fast oxidizers may also retain water. This occurs because their tissue sodium levels are
elevated above normal. Elevated sodium tends to cause water retention as a compensatory
mechanism. Such individuals often have a fleshy, somewhat flabby appearance, even though they
may have strong muscles. They do not have good muscle definition, but instead have a more
water-logged bodily appearance.
Fast oxidizers are especially prone to water retention when they overeat on carbohydrate
foods. They may lose considerable weight quickly when they switch to a diet low in all
carbohydrates, and especially low in refined grains and sugars. Fast oxidizers require more zinc
in their diets to offset their high sodium levels. Carbohydrates deplete their zinc, which causes
their sodium level to rise further. They do much better consuming more meats, which contain
higher levels of zinc. This, in turn, helps lower their high sodium level. Carbohydrates also break
down into water, which may further contribute to their water-logged appearance and excessive
weight. Carbohydrate consumption also stimulates insulin production which can lead to fat
deposition. Fast oxidizers should have lower insulin levels for optimum health.
Mixed Patterns
Many people’s metabolic pattern is a mixture of fast and slow oxidation due to the presence
of toxic metals, nutrient deficiencies and other factors including mental/emotional ones. A first hair
mineral analysis on these individuals may indicate fast or slow oxidation, and the pattern changes
on later tests.
There is no way to predict the shifts in the oxidation rate, and one can only follow the dietary
and supplementary nutrient programs faithfully through the changes until one is clear of toxic
metals and chemicals.
In our experience, when this occurs, weight will settle at a healthful level, which varies
depending on genetics, glandular balance, bone structure and other factors. This takes at least
several years of continuous attention to the correct diet, the proper supplements, a healthful
lifestyle and emotional control. Extra detoxification procedures are also often required including
infrared sauna therapy, colon hydrotherapy, body work and other natural healing modalities. If
one will follow such as natural healing program, most weight problems are quite solvable without
the use of surgery or drugs.
Copyright © 2004
This material is for educational purposes only
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
