A common misconception is that weight gain causes insulin resistance. In reality, insulin resistance is the driver of weight gain—not the other way around.

If weight loss efforts aren’t working, it’s likely because the root issue hasn’t been addressed.

What Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells stop responding efficiently to insulin, making it harder to regulate blood sugar and convert food into energy. This leads to low energy, increased inflammation, and stubborn fat - particularly around the waist.

It affects 1 in 2 women over 40, but younger women often struggle with it too, often without realizing.

Why Is It Overlooked?

Despite being a major factor in weight gain, hormonal imbalances, and chronic disease, insulin resistance is rarely tested in routine blood work. Many people experiencing fatigue, sugar cravings, and unexplained weight gain are told their blood sugar is “normal” when, in reality, insulin resistance may already be present.

This is because standard tests focus on blood sugar levels (fasting glucose, HbA1c), which don’t reveal insulin resistance until it has progressed significantly. By the time these markers are high, the problem has been developing for years.

That’s why our Nutritionists routinely assess fasting insulin, along with other key markers - allowing us to identify insulin resistance early and take action before it leads to weight gain, hormonal imbalances, and an increased risk of disease.

Testing: ‘Normal’ vs. Optimal Insulin Levels

Even when insulin is tested, results are often labeled as ‘normal’ based on standard lab ranges. But ‘normal’ doesn’t mean optimal - and mild insulin resistance can still make weight loss difficult and increase long-term health risks.

Addressing even subtle insulin resistance early can be particularly beneficial as you move into perimenopause, where metabolic changes make it even harder to maintain a healthy weight.

Why Weight Loss Feels Impossible

If insulin resistance is at play, conventional weight loss strategies - like reducing calories or increasing exercise - rarely work.

This is because insulin is a fat-storage hormone. When insulin levels are high, the body remains in fat-storage mode, making it nearly impossible to burn stored fat for energy. It’s one of the reason many people struggle with persistent weight gain despite doing everything “right.”

Additionally, blood sugar fluctuations, cravings, and energy crashes make it harder to stick to a healthy diet long-term, leading to cycles of restriction and frustration.

The Solution: Improving Insulin Sensitivity

Effective weight management must start with improving insulin sensitivity. This includes:

Stabilising blood glucose through a personalised nutrition plan
Prioritising protein and fibre-rich wholefoods to support metabolic function
Exercise that enhances insulin signalling without driving stress hormones up
Targeted supplementation to improve insulin response and energy metabolism

When insulin resistance is addressed, weight loss happens naturally - without extreme diets or unsustainable restrictions.

Why It Matters Beyond Weight Loss

Insulin resistance isn’t just about weight. If left unaddressed, it also increases the risk of:

Heart disease
Dementia
Breast cancer
Hormonal imbalances (low progesterone, heavier periods, PMS, perimenopause symptoms)

If you’ve been experiencing low energy, stubborn weight gain, or hormonal symptoms and haven’t had your insulin levels checked, testing may provide some answers. Our Nutritionists specialise in identifying insulin resistance early and creating tailored plans to reverse it.