01/97 reasons why you are unable to lose weight
02/9Scale not going down
Losing weight is a challenging task, and many people find themselves frustrated when their efforts don’t give them the desired results.
While it is essential to remember that weight loss depends on your choices and decisions, there are several external factors that can slow your progress.
Here are seven reasons why you might be struggling to lose weight –
03/9Poor diet choices
One of the most significant reasons for weight gain is an unhealthy diet.
Consuming high-calorie but low-nutrient food such as high in sodium snacks, fast food, and processed meals can lead to weight gain. Packed with empty calories, these foods don’t provide the essential nutrients your body needs.
To overcome this obstacle, focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Note : Portion control and calorie counting is also important because even healthy foods can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excessive amounts.
04/9Lack of physical activity
Weight loss isn’t just about what you eat; it’s also about how much you move your body.
A sedentary lifestyle can make it challenging to shed those extra kilos that you are targeting for so long.
Regular physical activity not only burns calories but also improves metabolism and overall health.
If you find it challenging to stay active by joining a gym or committing to a ‘fitness class’, start with small, achievable goals, such as 6000-8000 steps a day, opting the stairs, a 30-minute dance workout at home or even starting your day with light yoga and meditation.
Gradually, as you see changes in your body you will want to increase the intensity and duration of your workouts contributing to better health.
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05/9Emotional eating
Emotional eating and binging is a common reason why people struggle to lose weight.
As humans we tend to turn to food as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, boredom, or sadness. This can lead to overeating and poor food choices. The bag of chips beside you or the chocolate lying in your fridge’s corner seems like a perfect snack when the turbulent emotions hit.
To combat emotional eating, it’s essential to identify triggers and develop alternative coping strategies such as meditation, journaling, or seeking support.
06/9Inadequate sleep
Often overlooked during weight loss journeys, sleep plays a significant role in regulating hormones that control hunger and appetite.
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and less leptin (the hormone that signals fullness).
Additionally, it is no surprise that staying up at night promotes bouts of hunger, leading you to overeat.
Thus, aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support your weight loss efforts.
07/9Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can make it difficult to lose weight.
Conditions like hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and insulin resistance can affect metabolism and make it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it.
If you think a medical condition is hindering your weight loss, consult a professional for a thorough medical check-up and seek appropriate treatment.
08/9You’re consuming excess sugar
While you might have swapped your regular sugar for Stevia or other alternatives in your tea or coffee, you might still be consuming excess sugar in the form of ‘healthy smoothies’, fizzy drinks, sodas as well as the shakes you drink on your way home.
While you think about what harm can fruit do, the sugars, sweeteners and flavorings added to your smoothies and juices can add up to your calories and put you in a caloric surplus.
Thus, it is essential to practice moderation even while consuming liquid calories.
09/9Unrealistic expectations
Setting unrealistic weight loss goals can be demotivating and leads to the ‘I have failed’ feeling way too fast.
Expecting rapid results, with the help of crash or fad diets or extreme workout regimes will although do you good initially, but are unsustainable in the long term.
Thus, remember that healthy, sustainable weight loss typically occurs at a rate of 0.5-1.5kg per week.
Slow and steady progress will lead to lasting results and will help you in the long run.
End of Story
