10 Reason Why You're Not Losing Weight

Why You're Not Losing Weight

With obesity and obesity related disease climbing at a rapid rate, we must begin to understand that weight gain is not a simple "too many calories going in, not enough going out" equation anymore.
 
This type of mentality is adding to the already painful stigma that many people experience from being overweight.
 
Every day in clinic I see people who are completely fed up with how they are feeling. They have cut carbs, cut calories, tried fasting and done everything in their power to shift the weight but it doesn't seem to move!
 
This is when I know it is time to dig a little bit deeper.

Careful questioning and occasionally pathology testing can uncover multiple underlying issues that have been preventing success the entire time.
 
Today I want to discuss a few of the most common underlying issues I see every day and what to do about them. The good news is, once we start correcting these issues, the weight begins to drop away, for good!

1. You're Not Getting Enough Sleep  
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There are many ways lack of sleep contributes to weight gain or an inability to lose weight.
Changes to hormones that regulate hunger and appetite can occur when we don't get enough sleep. The hormone leptin suppresses appetite and encourages the body to expend energy.
Lack of sleep reduces leptin. Inadequate sleep also makes you more likely to eat more of your overall calories at night, which can also cause weight gain.

It is time to make sleep a priority again!

If you struggle to 'switch off' at night or to stay asleep, talk to me about some gentle that can help. You could also practice a mindfulness meditation or use specific breathing techniques to help you to get to sleep earlier and easier.

2. You Have a Lowered Metabolic Rate (Sluggish Metabolism)  
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Yo-yo dieting, changes in hormones and reduced muscle mass can cause the metabolism to slow down. This means, no matter how much you cut your calories, the body will adapt and weight loss will stop.
 
Seek advice on how to increase your lean muscle mass slowly and gently. Work on increasing calorie dense foods gradually to show the body that it is safe to burn more.
 
This is one of the harder underlying issues to resolve without support and guidance. The process can be slow but resolving it now will reward you in the future.

3. You Have Insulin Resistance  

Insulin resistance is one of the leading causes for stubborn weight gain. Insulin resistance occurs when the body is forced to release far too much insulin (the fat storing hormone) in response to what you are eating.
 
If you are the type of person who can look at a piece of cake and gain a kilo, this could be your issue.
 
Insulin resistance can be resolved using specific herbs and nutrients. These work best when combined with a lower carbohydrate eating plan.

4. You're Taking Prescription Medication  

Certain prescription medications can cause sudden and stubborn weight gain. In some cases, the health condition requiring the medication can be resolved and you can work with your doctor to reduce the dosage. Most other times we simply support the body to respond to the prescribed medication in a healthier way.
 
There is no one-size-fits-all protocol for this issue so it is best to seek personalised advice.

5. You Have PCOS, Endometriosis or Hypothyroid  

Hormonal disorders are often a key driver in stubborn weight gain. These types of issues typically respond well to diet and lifestyle interventions. PCOS in particular responds amazingly well to low-carb and ketogenic plans.
 
In conjunction to a tailored eating plan, I also like to use herbal medicine to support the body to correct the imbalance that is causing the weight gain.

6. Your Blood Test Results Are Normal But You Don't Feel Right...  

This is one that I see all the time!

​An integrative GP or naturopath will often look at results slightly differently and will help you to identify issues that might be hiding behind a "normal" result.

7. You're Vitamin D Deficient  

Vitamin D deficiency is something that can actually occur all year round. In addition to weight gain, vitamin D deficiency can also cause fatigue, joint pain and low mood.
 
If you suspect a vitamin D deficiency you can request for it to be tested by your GP. If a deficiency is present ensure you take a high quality supplement that is well absorbed.
 
Vitamin D requires fat to be transported into cells so you want to ensure you are consuming and digesting healthy fats effectively too.

8. You're Stressed
 
Acute or chronic stress will lead to either an excess in cortisol or cortisol depletion (aka adrenal fatigue). Either way, when cortisol is out of balance it creates disruptions in other hormonal pathways and will often lead to stubborn weight gain.
 
Relaxation techniques, gentle exercise and eating more (not less!) can contribute to the healing process. I also like to use specific herbs and nutrients to restore healthy energy levels and assist to reduce mental and emotional stress.

9. You're Too Busy Taking Care Of Everyone Else
 
If you're a mum you can probably resonate with this.

​Helping yourself is the best way to ensure you are healthy and energetic enough to care for others. We can discuss in detail easy, time saving ways to prep healthy meals that won't disrupt your home life.

​10. You're Intolerant To Certain Foods  

Food intolerance can often be tricky to detect as the symptoms are chronic and build up over time. Weight gain, extreme bloating and digestive discomfort are common symptoms of food intolerance.
 
To resolve this issue you can follow an elimination diet or use a food intolerance test to uncover the problematic foods. The problem foods are then eliminated for a short period of time while the gut heals and then reintroduced slowly and carefully. For more information on the test I use and recommend, contact me using the website form below or CLICK HERE
 
Conclusion
 
Repairing these underlying issues can take time and commitment on your behalf. We have been conditioned to expect a quick fix but it is time to change our view on weight loss for ourselves and future generations. Spending the time to heal these issues is a rewarding process and will allow you to achieve and maintain your healthy weight for life.
 
If you would like some assistance and expert guidance on your journey to a healthier you, contact me today!

​You can call me on 0411 982 105 or email me at [email protected]