Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by
Are you obsessing about the number on the scale? Are you scared of putting on weight? Is your mind constantly occupied with thoughts about getting fat? Do you have a fear of weight gain? Give it up. You probably think that eating healthy food means that you’re going to be thin and stay in shape. While eating well is very important, it doesn’t mean that you’ll never be overweight again. Unless…
Weight gain is something that most of us want to avoid. Unfortunately, sometimes it happens despite our best efforts. I was going through this exact situation a while back. Trying to lose some weight and then put on some muscle just seemed impossible for me. Eventually, I found a few products that had been working for almost everyone else and decided to try them myself as well. My goal was to not just lose extra weight but make my body even healthier as well. If you want to know more about Labs To Check For Weight Gain, make sure you read this article.
Labs To Check For Weight Gain
Obesity is a medical condition that puts people at risk for other chronic and serious health problems. People with obesity account for more than 30% of U.S, adults and 20% of U.S. children, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Having excess body weight can lead to other health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and certain types of cancer.
If you are concerned about your weight, there are certain numbers that will be important for you and your doctor to know.
First, a screening calculation called the body mass index (BMI) will be done by your doctor to determine if your weight may put you at risk for other diseases. BMI results are categorized into five main groups:
- <18.5 – Underweight
- 18.5-24.9 – Healthy weight
- 25-29.9 – Overweight
- 30-34 – Class 1 Obesity
- 35-39 – Class 2 Obesity
- 40+ – Class 3 Obesity
It is important to understand that the BMI is only a screening tool, and an approximation of risk. For example, even if your BMI falls in what is known as the healthy range, it is still possible for you to be affected by weight-related metabolic disease. This is why your doctor will also use lab tests and perhaps even other measurements to guide your weight management treatment plan. This may include completing a blood test, which will help provide accurate information that will allow the doctor to determine a diagnosis as well as care options for you.
- Book on our free mobile app or website.Our doctors operate in all 50 states and same day appointments are available every 15 minutes.
- See a doctor, get treatment and a prescription at your local pharmacy.
- Use your health insurance just like you normally would to see your doctor.
Book an appointment
Why Do You Need Labs for Weight Management?
Labs are used to check certain items that pinpoint possible sources of weight gain. Checking labs will screen for underlying conditions, and can help determine if weight loss medications can be used safely. Labs can also determine what type of medication and lifestyle change may work best for your body.
What Blood Tests are Done for Weight Loss?
Blood tests which are typically done measure general blood chemistry, liver and kidney function, blood count, insulin sensitivity, thyroid hormone levels, and cholesterol. The following are common measurements taken as part of a blood test for weight loss:
- CMP – Used to measure metabolic reactions in the body, electrolytes, and liver/kidney function.
- Vitamin D (25-hydroxy) – Obesity can contribute to vitamin D deficiencies.
- A1c – Used to determine if you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes.
- CBC – Used to determine blood count, immune function, platelet counts, and to screen for anemia.
- Lipid Panel – Used to determine cholesterol levels.
- TSH – Used to check thyroid function.
Other tests that are done for managing weight loss treatment include your blood pressure and pulse measurements. Carrying excess weight can increase your risk for high blood pressure and heart problems. A baseline blood pressure and pulse measurement is also important prior to prescribing weight loss medications, as some of these can affect blood pressure and pulse.
Is There a Blood Test to Check Your Metabolism?
Because weight regulation is complex, there is no one blood test to check your metabolism. Blood tests are checked to determine if there may be imbalances that can contribute to a slower metabolism. For example, if insulin resistance is found by testing your fasting insulin and glucose levels and then using an equation to calculate what is known as the HOMA-IR (https://thebloodcode.com/homa-ir-calculator/), this can be a contributor to unwanted weight gain in some individuals. The good news is, if insulin resistance is present, diet changes can help.
Thyroid hormone is also generally checked, especially the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). The TSH is the master regulator of the entire thyroid system. Low thyroid hormone levels can contribute to small amounts of weight gain over time. However, when the TSH level is abnormal, this is more likely to be a result of the weight gain than a cause. Your doctor can help you decipher the meaning of abnormal thyroid hormone levels and what action would need to be taken next.
How Often Should You Get Labs Done for Weight Management?
On average, labs should be done after your initial visit with your doctor, and then at least once a year for weight management. Depending on your initial results though, and your treatment plan and care goals, your doctor may order labs more frequently. It can also be exciting and motivating to obtain more frequent labs to see the results of your progress, too.
How Much Do Labs for Weight Management Cost?
Labs for weight loss management are affordable. Labs for weight loss are considered to be prevention medicine, which is generally covered by health insurance plans. Cash pay reduced rate lab options may also be available, and this can be discussed with your physician.
- Book on our free mobile app or website. Our doctors operate in all 50 states and same day appointments are available every 15 minutes.
- See a doctor, get treatment and a prescription at your local pharmacy.
- Use your health insurance just like you normally would to see your doctor.
Talk to a Doctor About Lab Tests for Weight Management
If you are concerned about your weight or wish to discuss your body mass index, talk with a PlushCare doctor to get an order for lab tests. Labs can highlight important information that is used to guide weight loss treatment plans. Book an appointment today to speak with a board-certified primary care doctor about weight management options.
133 Different Mechanisms for Weight Modulation
Pro Weight Gain
Blood Tests
You can take blood tests for these, which is better than looking at your genes for these.
- Insulin (has mixed effects – it reduces appetite, but can increase fat mass) (R).
- Cortisol (R)
- Progesterone [1]
- VIP (on the whole) [1]
- PAI-1 [2]
- Glutamate [2]
- TGFb1 [2]
- C3a [2]
- IGF-1 [1]
Genetics Tests/SelfDecode
There are genes related to these. You can take a genetics test and plug the results into SelfDecode. I’m adding SNPs frequently, so keep checking back if you already purchased a subscription.
- Ghrelin [1]
- Opioids [3]
- Dynorphin [3]
- Cannabinoid CB1 receptor activation [3]
- PPAR gamma [3]
- FTO [3]
- INSIG2 [3]
Pro Weight Loss
Blood Tests
You can take blood tests for these, which is better than looking at your genes for these.
- Leptin (R)
- MSH [1]
- IL-1beta [2] – hard to detect in the blood
- ACTH [1]
- Histamine [2] – hard to detect in the blood
- Epinephrine [2]
- Norepinephrine [2]
- Dopamine [3]
- Growth hormone [1]
- CRH [1] – can be inferred from ACTH
- Testosterone [1]
- Estradiol [1]
- Estrone [1]
- Melatonin [1]
- Adiponectin [1]
- TRH [1] – can be inferred from TSH
- TSH [1]
- T3 [1]
- PrRP [3] – Prolactin is an indirect measure
- IL-4 [2]
- IL-10 [2]
- TNF-a [2]
- IL-6 [2]
- IFN-y [2]
- IL-8 [2]
- Quinolate [2]
Genetics Tests/SelfDecode
- MC4R and MC3R activation [2]
- Oxytocin [1]
- STAT3 [2]
- BDNF [3]
- ANP [3]
- NPS [3]
- PPAR alpha [3]
- PPAR delta [3]
- PGC-1a [3]
- SIRT1 [3]
- NAMPT [3]
- SIRT3 [3]
- CTNNBL1 [3]
- NGF [3]
- Obestatin [1]
- Genetic variation in PFKP, KCNJ11, PTER, and SEC16B was associated with obesity [3].
Which diet plan is going to help you most?
It seems like every year, a new diet regimen surfaces onto the mainstream, claiming to be revolutionary and life-changing. And some people swear by it, promising you the world if you just adapt to the diet they’re on. But on the other end of the spectrum, you have people sharing their horror stories on that same diet.
The problem is, there is no one-size-fits-all weight loss program because your genes can influence which diet is best for you. So the best option is to create a regimen specifically for your body, and that’s exactly what you’ll be able to do with SelfDecode’s Weight DNA Wellness Report.
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Mixed Effects
Blood/Urine Tests
- DHEA might have gender-specific effects – men lose and women gain weight [1].
- Serotonin has tissue-specific effects – it causes weight gain in the body but weight loss in the hypothalamus [2].
Genetics Tests/SelfDecode
- LXR has mixed effects on weight.
Want help making sense of your lab results?
Labs in the ‘normal range’ does not always indicate optimal health. Find out which of your labs are not in the optimal range and how to get them there. Store and track your labs over time.