Do you ever wonder why you fail to lose weight despite being very active in the gym and following a strict diet plan? You may be thinking that you are doing something wrong because you have failed to achieve your weight loss goals after months of trying. It is true that you may not lose weight when your workout sessions are not intense enough or your food portion sizes are not proper. But, many people do not know that there can be medical reasons for not losing weight. You may have an underlying condition or you may be taking a medication that is making it difficult for you to lose weight. Let's find out more about it.
Medical Reasons Why You're Not Losing Weight
If you have followed a good diet plan along with an exercise program for long enough and have not witnessed enough weight loss, you may have to work with your healthcare provider to ensure you do not have an underlying medical condition. Here are some of the reasons for not getting weight loss benefits.
1. You Take Certain Medications
You may have heard that pills can make you fat, and it is actually true. Unwanted weight gain may be a side effect of prescription medicines, including steroids. Certain antidepressants and medicines used to treat asthma or other inflammatory conditions can cause weight gain. Some medications can make it difficult to manage weight – some examples are psychiatric medications, steroids, beta-blockers, and insulin. Talk to your doctor about your concerns to change your meds or adjust the dosage.
2. You Are Stressed
Wondering the medical reasons for not losing weight? Your stress could be to blame. Not doing anything to reduce stress in your life can cause all sorts of problems. Stress accumulates in your body and kills you in many ways. Stress triggers the release of a hormone called cortisol, which not only degrades muscle tissue but also encourages your body to store more fat. Lowering your stress levels may help you notice a significant change in your weight. Try meditation, avoid exercising for longer than 45 minutes, get plenty of sleep.
3. You Have Thyroid Problems
Hormonal problems can make you gain weight and sometimes make it difficult for you to lose it. This is especially true in case of a gland, called the thyroid gland, which is in your neck and pumps thyroid hormone that regulates body metabolism. You may start to gain weight when your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone – this is called hypothyroidism. You can talk to your doctor about your concern who will order a blood test to confirm if thyroid problems are making it difficult for you to lose weight.
4. You Have Digestive Problems
It is still not entirely clear how the natural micro-biome of gut bacteria actually works, but it is clear that keeping your digestive system in prime condition is directly going to boost your immune system. This not only helps you lose fat quickly but also improves your overall health. People with poor digestion are going to find it difficult to lose weight. It may help to give your digestive system a break by having periods of fasting. Moreover, you should limit the consumption of grains, legumes, pastured dairy, and sugar.
5. You Have Clinical Depression
One of many medical reasons for not losing weight is depression. About 49% of women experience depression soon after pregnancy. Brain chemistry changes, hormonal changes, stress, lifestyle influences, and genetics may have a role to play here. Whatever the reason, depression will affect you in many ways along with pushing your body weight up. When you are depressed, your body releases cortisol, which can make you put on weight. Depression can also lead to overeating, which is again going to make it difficult to achieve your weight loss goals.
6. You Have Cushing's Syndrome
You develop Cushing's syndrome when the adrenal gland overworks and produces too much cortisol. This is going to result in fact accumulation in your upper back, face, and abdomen. It may as well be the reason why you have all sorts of trouble losing weight and keeping it off.
7. You Have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
You develop this condition due to a hormonal imbalance. The most common symptoms include acne, irregular menstrual bleeding, excessive facial hair, difficulty getting pregnant, thinning hair, and weight gain.
8. You Have Syndrome X
Also called insulin resistance, Syndrome X is one of the many medical reasons for not losing weight in many people. You can develop a number of medical problems due to insulin resistance. Many hormones that help regulate your metabolism fail to work properly when you have insulin resistance. This will result in quick weight gain.
What Can Be Done?
You should talk to your doctor without wasting any time if you think you are gaining weight or having trouble losing it because of an underlying medical condition. However, you should never stop trying even if you have a medical condition. Weight management may be difficult but it is certainly not impossible, especially when you work with your healthcare provider who will help treat the underlying medical condition.
You may also consider changing your diet and workout program considering your medical condition. You may have to work with a dietician for the best advice, but this will help you get good results. In case you have diabetes or insulin resistance, you may have to take certain medicines to control blood sugar levels. You also need to pay more attention to your diet in this case, and you will eventually see some results.
Keep in mind that some medical conditions may require you to work under the supervision of an expert – this is true in case you have diabetes and your blood sugar falls quickly. Just by managing your condition better, you can help lose weight like a normal person.