We often get asked, “Why can’t I seem to lose weight?” It’s a tough question with no simple answer. But don’t worry, we’ve put together some expert insights on why you might be struggling to shed those pounds and what you can do about it.
Have you ever tried a crash diet and found it didn’t work? Or maybe you’re working out but the scale isn’t budging. You might wonder if you’re just meant to stay overweight forever. The reality is, many people face what’s called weight loss resistance.
With 65% of people being overweight, it’s clear this is a common issue. Being overweight can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Often, these health issues are linked to nutrition. More so, bouncing between different diets can actually lead to more weight gain.
One reason diets fail is that many people treat them as temporary fixes. They diet for a while and then return to old habits, which caused the weight gain initially. Some hope for a quick fix or a miracle pill, but real change requires commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
If you’ve gained weight over time, expect it to take a good while to lose it in a healthy way. In my experience, failing to spot the root causes, repeatedly dieting, and not tackling the psychological side of weight loss can all make the journey harder.
To successfully lose weight, you need to live a lifestyle that supports it. Weight loss resistance isn’t just about counting calories. It involves many factors like stress, poor sleep, neurotransmitter imbalances (leading to cravings), food sensitivities, digestive issues, insulin and leptin resistance, thyroid problems, toxin buildup, and hormone imbalances.
Conditions like diabetes can also affect your ability to lose weight. These factors often stem from our fast-paced and demanding lifestyles. But don’t lose hope!
In my practice, we take a detailed approach to weight loss. It starts with a personal health check, measuring key body metrics, taking diet histories, and recalling everything eaten over three days. Based on this, we order lab tests to focus on the areas causing resistance.
From there, we set personalized goals. Lab tests could include traditional or functional testing, which looks deeply into how your metabolism works together. These tests help us understand why you’re struggling to lose weight.
Without such tests, it’s like trying to hit a target in the dark. Treatment may use specific supplements, tailored exercise plans, stress and sleep strategies, switching to non-toxic products, and psychological support.
Remember, if you feel like you can’t lose weight, each person’s situation is unique. The right combination of strategies based on thorough testing and assessment can make all the difference.
