We often hear people ask, “Why can’t I lose weight?” Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer. But don’t worry, we can help you figure out why it feels so hard to shed those extra pounds and offer some solutions.
Lots of people try fad or crash diets and end up failing. Maybe you’ve been hitting the gym regularly, but the scale won’t budge. Does this mean you’re stuck being overweight forever? Is there any hope? If this sounds like you, you might be weight loss resistant.
A significant portion of the population struggles with their weight. Around 65% of people are overweight, leading to health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. All chronic diseases seem to have a link to nutrition, and yo-yo dieting can actually contribute to weight gain.
Diets often fail for several reasons. Many people hope to diet for a short period then return to their old habits, but these habits are what caused the weight gain initially. Others look for quick fixes or miracle pills and are not prepared to make long-term lifestyle changes. I tell my patients that if it took a long time to gain the weight, it will also take time to lose it healthily.
In my practice, I’ve seen other factors like not identifying the root causes of weight gain, damaging metabolism through repeated dieting, and neglecting the psychological aspects of weight loss. To get lean, you have to start living like a lean person!
Weight loss resistance means you struggle to lose weight no matter what you do. It’s said that 95% of people who diet end up regaining the weight within five years. Weight loss resistance is much more complex than just counting calories.
Several factors can contribute to this issue including stress, poor sleep quality, neurotransmitter imbalances (leading to food cravings), food sensitivities, digestive issues, insulin and leptin resistance, thyroid disorders, toxin overload, and hormone imbalances. Additional conditions like diabetes can also make it harder to lose weight.
Despite all these challenges, there is hope! My approach to weight loss is comprehensive. During the first visit, I conduct a health assessment, take body measurements, review your diet history, and have you complete a three-day diet recall. Based on this, I may order lab tests to confirm any areas of resistance.
The goals are tailored to each individual’s needs. Lab testing, either traditional or functional, provides an objective look at factors affecting your weight. Every person’s metabolism and stress levels are unique, so understanding these is crucial.
Functional lab testing might include a variety of assessments to pinpoint where the resistance is coming from. Without these tests, trying to treat weight loss resistance is like shooting in the dark.
Treatment strategies can include specific supplements, exercise routines, stress management techniques, sleep improvement, switching to non-toxic products, and behavioral and psychological support. Remember, if you feel stuck in your weight loss journey, it’s important to recognize that each person’s situation is unique and may require a combination of strategies to overcome resistance.
