Millions of people struggle with their weight. Obesity has become one of the developed world's most pressing problems. Some 50 percent of Canadians are overweight, and the statistics for Americans are even worse.

The simple answer is too many calories. If you consume more calories than you burn, the remainder is stored in your body as fat. To lose one pound of fat requires you to achieve a deficit of 3,600 calories.

That's the pure science of weight loss. But it doesn't explain why so many people are having so much trouble these days. After all, the laws of thermodynamics are the same now as they were 100 years ago, but being overweight was not the problem then that it is now.

The answer lies in what people are eating. Processed foods composed mainly of white flour and/or sugar are more popular now than ever before, according to the US Department of Agriculture. In other words, the problem is related to carbohydrates.

But carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy. Diets like the high-protein Atkin's Diet that drastically reduce carbohydrates in favour of protein and fat aren't just dangerous, they don't work.

The solution is the Glycemic Index (GI). The GI was developed by Dr. David J. Jenkins in 1981 at the University of Toronto. The GI ranks foods according to their effect on blood sugar levels.

By mostly eating carbohydrates that have a low GI, as well as lean protein and healthy fats, stable blood sugar levels can be maintained. You'll feel full longer, because these foods digest slowly and give you a steady supply of energy. The cravings that are a result of blood sugar spikes and subsequent drops are reduced or eliminated.

The Glycemic Index is what makes The Zone by Dr. Barry Sears work. It's what makes the South Beach diet by Dr. Arthur Agatson work too. And Rick Gallop, formerly the president of the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Ontario, based his entire book, The G.I. Diet, on it.

All of these researchers agree that managing blood sugar levels through hormonal balance is the key to effective and sustainable weight-loss.

Empowered Nutrition takes this research and proven effectiveness to the next level by working with your trainer, fitness consultant or nutritionist to create the ideal Program for you.

Your profile is carefully studied to take into account everything necessary for your success. Each day of your Program is crafted by a trained nutrition professional to ensure that:

• You receive a ratio of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats that is precisely designed to achieve the optimal hormonal and energy response in your body.
• You receive the calories suited to your goal, whether it’s to shed body fat, maintain a healthy body weight, or bulk up. Time-consuming calorie counting is eliminated.
• You have small meals during the day in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner so that you don’t feel hungry and you stay energetic.
• You have a meal after each workout, so that your body can build and repair muscle and replenish its energy stores after the strain of working out.

That's the bottom-line!