Why can’t I lose weight?

If you feel like you’re constantly trying new diets, with little to no success, the Family Medical Home team can help determine what’s causing your plateau and get you back on track to reaching your weight-loss goals.

Some of the most common reasons you may be struggling to lose weight are:

You eat right before bed.

Late-night snacking raises your blood sugar, insulin levels, and body temperature, which makes it difficult for your body to burn fat. In addition, most people tend to snack on unhealthy foods, such as chips, crackers, and cookies, late at night, derailing their daytime progress.

You have a slow metabolism.

Do you ever feel like your friends can eat whatever they want without gaining weight? If so, they may simply have a faster metabolism than you. Your metabolism is a chemical reaction that converts your body’s calories into energy. A slow metabolism means you don’t burn as many calories as somebody with a fast metabolism.

You’re stressed.

When you’re stressed, your body’s cortisol levels spike. This hormone stimulates the release of insulin, which can make you hungrier than usual. In addition, cortisol may lead to fat deposits in the abdomen, rather than the hips, which raises your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack.

Thyroid problems

An underactive thyroid, called hypothyroidism, causes your body to hold onto salt and water, which can lead to bloating. The thyroid also affects your metabolism and energy levels. Without proper treatment, hypothyroidism often causes weight gain.

What happens if I don’t lose weight?

Though weight loss can help you look your best and boost your self-esteem, it isn’t purely superficial. Obesity raises your risk of serious health complications, including:

• Heart disease
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Fatty liver disease
• Colon cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Breast cancer
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Infertility
• Arthritis
• Sleep apnea

Obesity is defined as having a body-mass index (BMI) — a general calculation of your weight in relation to your height — of 30 or above. Losing weight can help lower your BMI, which offers a number of health benefits.

What are the benefits of weight loss?

Losing 5-10% of your body weight reduces your risk of many chronic conditions while improving your overall health. Some of the most important weight-loss benefits include:

• Improved mobility
• Reduced joint pain
• Less knee and back pain
• Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
• Improved breathing
• Reduced risk of stroke
• Improved osteoarthritis symptoms
• Lowered blood pressure
• Lowered cholesterol levels
• Reduced risk of certain cancers

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight and prevent disease. Your Family Medical Home physician will perform a thorough physical exam, review your family and medical history, and talk to you about your lifestyle habits to determine the right diet and exercise plan for you.

If you’re ready to lose weight, call Family Medical Home or book a visit online today.