Dr Libby Weaver's latest book Exhausted to Energized was the number one non-fiction best seller in its first two weeks of release. She tells Rebecca Fox why it is so popular.
Being tired has become the new normal but nutritionist and biochemist Dr Libby Weaver says we need not resign ourselves to it.
Her belief that society has come to accept a certain level of fatigue is supported by the fact most people seek her out to help with other issues, weight loss or following a diagnosis, she says.
''It's when I ask about their energy levels that it comes out how tired they are.''
Added to that, she has people in their 20s and early 30s tell her they are tired, but that given their age it is to be expected.
''I don't accept that. They should have endless energy at that age.''
It was that realisation that led Dr Weaver, who is better known as ''Dr Libby'', to investigate the science behind energy.
''When you are tired you are less likely to cook your own dinner or get off the couch and go for a walk. It impacts the jobs we apply for, the friends we make, and the way we speak to the people we love the most in the world. The consequences of long-term poor energy can be enormous.''
Using her degree in dietetics and with the knowledge gained from her PhD in biochemical and nutritional factors in children with autism, she found there were many factors affecting energy levels, including sleep, digestion, nutrition, liver health and stress.
In her book Exhausted to Energized she explains the science behind tiredness with the aim of giving people an insight into why they feel that way.
''The way I explain it is that you are born with a certain amount of energy and from that moment in time you make deposits or withdrawals. A lot of people live their life constantly withdrawing. They then live their life in overdraft and to keep the analogy going they then pay interest on that overdraft, the interest being a poorer quality of life.
''It's really time to start talking about energy as the true health currency.''
Essentially, there are three pillars - biochemical, nutritional and emotional - to energy, Dr Weaver says.
She believes people should have robust and consistent energy levels across the day.
''Not enough people are experiencing that these days. I want to help people live with more energy, so they can still do things they want to do, just feel far better, with great energy.
''It's all about knowing what levers to pull.''
The road to lousy energy could be different for everyone, she says.
''It's important to understand what that road is, as the road in has to be the road out.''
For some, a nutritional deficit might be behind their lack of energy.
It might be an iron deficiency, as 20% to 30% of women are iron deficient, she says.
If they fixed their iron levels, it would help their energy levels.
However, if the issue is that they had glandular fever as a teenager and the repercussions were never addressed, then no amount of iron will help, she says.
People need to understand the inner workings of their body if they are to change things to start making more deposits than withdrawals from the ''bank''.
Exhausted to Energized lays out the science in some detail, in digestible portions, employing shorthand explanations where necessary to make the impenetrable more approachable.
For example, Dr Weaver uses an analogy of a ''mouse on the bicycle'' to explain the workings of mitochondria within the body's cells.
Mitochondria, she says, is where the energy is generated, and if we think of it as a mouse, furiously pedalling, then it is clear that mouse has to be looked after.
''It's something people can visualise. It helps to think in a playful way.''
It does not necessarily mean major changes, as people can take ''little steps'' in their daily choices to start improving energy levels, she says.
''The threat of a big disease developing does not motivate people to change, science shows that.''
An example is trying a different breakfast. If it sustains a person throughout the morning they are more likely to do it again, as it has such a positive impact on their morning, she says.
''For some people it's about making a few more deposits and a few less withdrawals. It doesn't have to be this great big overhaul.''
It is hoped her national tour will leave people with more knowledge and feeling uplifted and energised enough to start making changes, Dr Weaver says.
''The quicker you deal with it when it first arises the better quality of life you'll have.''
Her visit
• Dr Libby brings her Exhausted to Energized national tour to Queenstown, on October 18, and Dunedin, on October 20.
Freebie
Dr Libby and the Otago Daily Times have three copies of her new book Exhausted to Energized to give away. Email your name and contact details to playtime@odt.co.nz with Dr Libby in the subject line by October 16 or send your details on the back of an envelope to Dr Libby giveaway, Features, Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517 Dunedin.
