When it comes to weight loss, the overly simplistic message to "eat less and exercise more" is a recipe for failure. Successful weight loss is more complex than doctors lead you to believe.

Obesity is caused by a multitude of factors such as an individual's genetic makeup, hormonal stabilization, efficiency of your metabolism, food consumption, activity level, and also your environment will influence weight management.

Think about our fast-paced culture. We live in an environment of 'super-size-me," processed, high in carbs, low in nutrition that inhibit cell function. This lifestyle has cultivated an environment for the rise of type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome, sets the body up for the development of multitude of ailments and diseases like heart disease, hypertension, high blood pressure, fatigue, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. But how much does the average person know about the hormone called insulin and how it works in the body?

Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas. It helps control glucose, or blood sugar. Glucose is the body’s key source of energy - gasoline or fuel to make the body go. All of the food we consume is broken down into proteins and nutrients. Blood sugar needs to be in balance. Too much of the wrong foods or an overabundance of food in general, will send blood sugar off-kilter, setting the scene for disease to develop.

If the hormone insulin is not balanced, then it will directly affect your other hormones. They too will become unbalanced and you will soon begin to feel miserable.

So what's the fix? How do we restore insulin sensitivity so that our body begins to work efficiently? The first step is to choose nutrient dense foods. Eliminate refined carbs and empty calories. Choose lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, good fats, and complex carbs. Simply put: Eat Clean!

The second step is to consider adding supplements to your diet such as: chromium, magnesium, and fish oil. There is no supplement that can ever take the place of a solid foundation of eating clean. Not all supplements will be effective, and so you should not become discouraged if the one you choose does not produce the desired effect.

"Eat less, exercise more" is not enough to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Restoring insulin sensitivity is just as important in winning the battle of the bulge.

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Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and the articles I write are intended to increase your knowledge about the subject. It’s always a good idea to check with your personal doctor before changing your diet or starting a new fitness routine.