Healthy Weight Management: A Naturopathic Doctor's Root-Cause, Functional Medicine Approach

You've tried eating less and moving more. Maybe you've tried keto, fasting, or a very low-carb diet. The weight won't budge, or it comes back. It isn't a lack of willpower.

I'm Dr. Elie Klein, ND, a naturopathic doctor (naturopath) with 23 years of clinical practice. In my experience, weight is a metabolism problem, not just a calorie problem.

Who this page is for

This page is for you if:

• You've dieted repeatedly without lasting results
• You eat very little and still can't lose weight
• You have a thyroid problem, diabetes or prediabetes, or you're in perimenopause or menopause
• You've tried keto, intermittent fasting, carnivore, or a very low-calorie diet, and feel worse for it
• You have fatigue, feel cold, or have low mood along with the weight gain

Ready to talk? Start with a free 15-minute conversation, or book your first consultation.

Book a Consultation or a Free 15-Minute Call

Two very different groups of people

Some people who are overweight do overeat. But there's another group, usually people with metabolic conditions like low thyroid and diabetes, who eat very little and still can't lose weight.

These two groups shouldn't get the same plan. For the second group, cutting calories further makes things worse. They need to restore their metabolism first, or at the same time.

Why restrictive diets can backfire

In my experience and in my opinion, extreme approaches such as ketogenic diets, very-low-carb diets, intermittent fasting, carnivore, and extreme low-calorie diets can work against your metabolism, especially if your thyroid, blood sugar, or stress hormones are already under strain. Ultimately, it's about fixing metabolism, not just how much a person eats.

My root-cause, functional medicine approach

I look at what's slowing your metabolism, using your history and tests such as thyroid markers, blood sugar and insulin, hormones, stress hormones, nutrients, and inflammation.

Your plan is built on my 40-40-20 approach. It's protein-forward. We don't eliminate carbohydrates. We use a moderate amount of carbs and cap the fat, because the two compete with each other, and when they do, metabolism is diminished. You'll also receive a personalized diet plan, individualized nutraceuticals and lifestyle changes, and my support in putting it into practice.

See how I approach thyroid problems, blood sugar, and menopause, since all three affect weight.

Get a sample diet plan

To get a sample plan that fits your situation, track everything you eat and drink for at least one day, as accurately as you can, in the free Cronometer app. Then reach out to me and I'll send you a sample diet plan. The tracking matters because it shows which group you're in, and the plan is different for each.

How we work together

1. Before your visit: you complete a health questionnaire and send me your recent lab work.
2. Your consultation: a one-on-one video visit.
3. Targeted testing: only what's needed.
4. Your plan: diet, lifestyle, and individualized treatments, with my support.
5. Follow-up: we track your weight, your energy, and your labs and adjust.

What we aim for

Steady weight loss that lasts, more energy, better digestion, mood, and sleep, and a metabolism that works. If you'd like examples of the results other people have experienced, reach out to me and I'll send you a link.

Virtual care across Ontario, or in person in Vaughan (Greater Toronto Area)

Appointments are by secure video from the comfort of your home, whether you live in Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Mississauga, Hamilton, Ottawa, or anywhere else in Ontario. If you prefer a one-on-one visit in person, you're welcome to come to my home office in Vaughan, in the Greater Toronto Area.

Many employee health benefit plans cover naturopathic care, so you may be able to use your employee health benefits to pay for your weight loss program. Check your plan for your coverage details.

Book a Consultation or a Free 15-Minute Call

Related reading

• Weight loss in Toronto and Ontario: a naturopathic doctor's story on hormones, metabolism and diabetes prevention
• Hormone imbalance: a naturopathic doctor's guide

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I lose weight even though I barely eat?

If your metabolism is slowed, for example by a thyroid or blood sugar problem or chronic stress, eating less may not lead to weight loss and can make it harder. Fixing metabolism comes first.

Can a thyroid problem cause weight gain?

Yes. Low thyroid function slows metabolism, and weight gain is one of the most common signs.

Is keto or intermittent fasting good for weight loss?

In my experience, extreme approaches like keto, intermittent fasting, carnivore, and very low-carb diets can backfire, particularly if you have a metabolic condition.

What is the 40-40-20 approach?

It's a protein-forward way of eating. We don't eliminate carbohydrates. We use a moderate amount of carbs and cap the fat, because the two compete with each other, and when they do, metabolism is diminished.

Do I need to count calories?

I'll ask you to track one day of eating to understand your pattern, but the goal isn't lifelong counting. It's restoring a metabolism that works.

Why did I gain weight at menopause?

Hormonal shifts, especially a drop in progesterone, along with changes in metabolism and sleep, often affect weight. See my approach to menopause.

Can I use my employee health benefits for a weight loss program?

Many employee health benefit plans cover naturopathic care. Check your plan for your coverage details.

Can a naturopath help with weight loss?

Yes. As a naturopathic doctor, I look at the metabolic causes behind weight gain, such as thyroid, blood sugar, hormones, and stress, and build a plan to restore metabolism.

Do you help with weight loss virtually?

Yes. I see patients across Ontario by secure video, from my home office in Vaughan, in the Greater Toronto Area.

This page is educational and isn't meant to replace your doctor's care.