Why You Struggle With Weight Loss & What To Do About It
So your goal is weight loss, but you're having a difficult time on your journey. There are numerous reasons why you may struggle with weight loss despite your best efforts. Understanding these reasons can help you overcome the obstacles you may face on your weight loss journey. Here are some of the top reason people (maybe even you) struggle with weight loss and what to do about it.
Lack of consistency is one of the biggest reasons why people struggle with weight loss. Many individuals begin their weight loss journey with a lot of motivation and enthusiasm, but lose momentum after a few days or weeks. Which is very normal! This inconsistency makes it difficult to see results and stay motivated. To help overcome this, it's important to establish a consistent routine that you can realistically stick it, even when progress seems slow. There's no point in implementing a routine or eating style that you don't enjoy or can't stick due to due to time, taste or money. Another thing you can do is take a diet break. Every 2-3 months of dieting I recommend taking a week off by increasing your calories to maintenance calories (you can find your maintenance calories here).
Undereating is another common reason why people struggle with weight loss. People who undereat often experience feelings of hunger, which can lead to binge eating and this means derailing weight loss efforts. It is important to eat a balanced and nutritious diet that provides the body with enough energy it needs to function, while still allowing for weight loss to occur. Death do diets that are 1200 calories or less!
Overeating is also a major cause of weight gain and lack of weight loss. People who consume more calories than they burn will gain weight - simples. This can be a result of poor portion control, unhealthy food choices, or a lack of mindfulness around eating habits. To overcome this, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes, choose nutritious foods, enjoy treats 20% of the time and establish a healthy relationship with food.
Inadequate sleep is another factor that can contribute to weight loss struggles that many people forget about. Sleep is essential for weight loss as it helps regulate hormones that control hunger and metabolism. Lack of sleep can lead to increased hunger and decreased metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. It's important to establish a regular sleep schedule and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and work on sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene includes not having caffeine in the afternoon, not looking at screens before bed, ensuring temperature in your room is adequate and keeping out light while trying to go to sleep.
Emotional / boredom eating is a common issue that can sabotage weight loss efforts. People may use food to cope with stress, boredom, or sadness, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. To overcome this, it is important to address the emotional issues that may be contributing to emotional eating and find healthy coping mechanisms. Including treat foods everyday, like we do in our Slim Down Program, can also help overcome this issue.
Lack of physical activity is another factor that can contribute to weight loss struggles. Regular physical activity is crucial for weight loss as it burns calories, helps build muscle, and boosts metabolism. People who do not engage in regular physical activity will struggle to lose weight and keep it off. It's important to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, and it doesn't have to be going to the gym! It can be things such as going for a walk, doing a home workout, or engaging in your favourite sports.
Genetics can play a role in weight loss struggles. Some people may have a more difficult time losing weight due to a slower metabolism or a predisposition to gain weight. While genetics can make weight loss more challenging, it is an issue that can be overcome. By making healthy lifestyle choices and being consistent with their efforts, you can still achieve their weight loss goals.
Finally, certain health conditions, such as hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances, PCOS, can make it harder to lose weight. These conditions can impact metabolism, hormone levels, and overall health, making it more difficult to lose weight. It is important to seek medical advice and work with a healthcare professional to address any underlying health issues that may be contributing to weight loss struggles.
In conclusion, weight loss is a journey that requires dedication, effort and persistence. However, by understanding the reasons why you struggle with weight loss and addressing these challenges, you can overcome these obstacles and achieve their weight loss goals.
If you need some assistance in your weight loss goals, check out how our Slim Down Program can help you by clicking here.