The transformation of weight loss

The phrase “weight loss” has been in the spotlight of the wellness world for decades. It’s splashed across magazine covers, fills our social media feeds, and is always in the headlines with “before and after” images. But there has been a transformation to weight loss as well and it isn’t the full story anymore. There’s a new trend in town, and it’s not about shrinking, starving, or relying on the scale obsessively; it’s about metabolic health and it’s a much smarter and healthier approach! 

What is metabolic health? 

Think of your metabolism like the engine that powers your body. It’s not just about how fast you burn calories, it’s about how efficiently your body uses energy, balances blood sugar, regulates hormones, and protects you from chronic disease. A healthy metabolism means more than a lower number on the scale or a smaller waistline—it means steady energy throughout the day without the 3 p.m. slump, better sleep, reduced cravings, clearer skin, a happier mood, a healthier inflammation response, improved insulin sensitivity, and sustainable weight loss. 

Despite what many people believe, not everyone who’s thin is healthy. And not everyone who carries extra weight is unhealthy. You may be shocked to hear this, but a person can be “skinny fat,” looking at a healthy weight, but with a high percentage of visceral fat, poor blood sugar regulation, and inflammation that puts them at risk for diabetes, heart disease, or hormonal imbalance. Weight is just one metric that is often highlighted over what really matters. 

Healthy metrics to look at over weight are: 

• Healthy body composition (muscle vs. fat) 
• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar 
• Cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Inflammation markers

You could lose 20 pounds on a fad diet and still feel fatigued and not well, or you could lose 5 pounds, gain muscle, balance your hormones, and feel energized and healthy. That's metabolic magic!

A healthy mindset is important—it’s not about perfection! It’s about consistency and small habit changes that add up. Think of it as building a body that works with you instead of against you.

Metabolic support tips that can make a huge difference

Prioritize protein: Make protein the foundation of every meal to fuel your muscles and stabilize blood sugar.

Balance blood sugar: Don’t cut carbs, balance them. Balance meals with fiber, healthy fats, and protein to help prevent glucose spikes.

Movement matters: Daily walks, strength training, dancing in the kitchen, planting in the garden, they all help improve insulin sensitivity.

Sleep well: Poor sleep = increased stress hormones = metabolic dysfunction.

Stress less: Cortisol, your stress hormone, can increase blood sugar and belly fat.

Gut health: A balanced gut microbiome supports hormone regulation, energy, and even cravings. 

Smart supplementation: GLP-1 boosters, protein, collagen, electrolytes, gut support, and NAD+ can support your cellular energy and metabolic health. Learn more about supplementation here.

Hormone support: This is especially important for women! This will help balance estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones for long-term metabolic success.

Many medical professionals are shifting their focus away from the scale and towards metabolic markers

This means more individualized plans that focus on feeling better and getting your body to function well, not just weighing less. Let’s change the focus to better brain function, less joint pain, fewer cravings, and longevity, not just fitting into those skinny jeans!

Working with a Health Coach can be one of the most effective ways to make this shift. A Coach helps you personalize your plan, track real progress beyond the scale, and build sustainable habits that support long-term metabolic health. While weight loss can be linear, true metabolic change is dynamic, empowering, and built on daily actions that add up over time.

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Become healthy from the inside out

Your energy, mood, strength, and sleep tell the story of your health. Forget about the diet culture and start working on your metabolism from the inside out. Weight is just one chapter, not the whole book. This isn’t about being smaller. It’s about being stronger, sharper, calmer, and becoming the real you! 

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Written by: Roseanne Schnell, CDN, Head Dietitian at Shed

Roseanne Schnell is a certified dietitian nutritionist and Health Coach with a strong passion for holistic health and wellness. As Head Dietitian at Shed, she leads the development of nutrition education and coaching strategies. She also plays a key role on Shed’s supplement science team, helping to formulate evidence-based products designed to support real, lasting change. With a focus on balanced eating and sustainable lifestyle habits, Roseanne empowers clients to make informed choices that promote long-term well-being.