    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.