5 Reasons Why Losing Weight is Hard

Many people believe that it is simply age that makes it harder for us to lose weight as we go through life. This is true to a certain extent but there are several other reasons why we are finding it harder than ever to lose the excess weight.

Throughout this blog, I will be sharing with you why it is so much harder to lose weight now, than it was a decade ago. And of course, what you can do about it.

A study, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, looked at the dietary data of nearly 36,400 American adults between 1971 and 2008.

The researchers compared 3 crucial factors and found that, even when all three were identical, a person in 2006 would still have a body mass index that was approximately 10 percent higher than that of a person eight years prior.

This means that a person eating the same amount of macronutrients, e.g. fat and protein, eating the same amount of calories and exercising the same amount as a person did in 1988 (of the same age), would still be heavier today! (1)

When we combine this knowledge with the following factors, its no wonder losing weight can seem like an uphill battle! 

1. Our plates are now at least 25% bigger

There is a direct correlation between the size of your plate and how much you eat. Since the 1900’s , the size of a dinner plate has grown at least 25%! The average size of a dinner plate in the 1960’s was 9 inches, now in 2017, the average size of a dinner plate is 11-12 inches.

The solution: Choose smaller plates 

2. Stress is at an all time high

Chronic stress can boost hunger. Chronic stress also leads to increased cortisol levels. Increased cortisol levels increases the supply of glucose to the blood stream.

For our ancestors, this was vital for survival. When being chased by a lion or tiger or bear (for example) cortisol would increase, the blood would be flooded with glucose, and we would have the necessary burst of energy to beat the beast!

Now, the same response can be ignited when we are cut off in traffic or running late for work. This response is now happening multiple times each day, and instead of using up that flood of glucose while running for our lives, it is circulating in our blood stream and then, being stored as fat.

The solution: practice mindful meditation to reduce stress and cortisol levels

3. We're exposed to too many plastics, BPA, body care products and phyltates

Our bodies are being forced to process large amounts of toxic chemicals that can disrupt our hormonal balance and make it harder for our liver to work as it should.

The solution: Cleanse your home of these toxic products and choose natural/organic products first.

4. Over use of prescription drugs

Anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressants and anti-biotics are being prescribed more than ever right now, these drugs are essential for many people but unfortunately they do carry with them the side effect of weight gain.

The solution: Speak to a professional and seek alternative help safely, e.g. from a qualified naturopath/holistic health professional. Talk to your GP about other options when you feel it is safe to do so.

5. Unhealthy gut microbiome

Once again, certain prescription drugs like anti-biotics and the contraceptive pill can destroy the delicate balance of healthy gut bacteria. Many studies have proven the poor quality gut bacteria is directly linked to obesity. Other factors such as stress and a diet containing artificial processed food and also negatively affect gut bacteria
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The solution: Care for your gut. Choose plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and cultured foods to maintain a healthy balance of good gut bacteria.

These are just some of the most common reasons why we are struggling to lose weight. Every body is unique and different and these reasons may not necessarily be true for you. For further information, contact me using the form below.

(1) http://www.vegkitchen.com/nutrition/portion-control/