You've tried everything and yet you still ask yourself: "why can’t I lose weight"? There can be many reasons, from the most obvious ones like bad eating habits, to serious illnesses that are difficult to diagnose. If you want to learn how to lose weight, you need to know the most common reasons why losing weight is difficult. You may need to consult a specialist to help you.

Table of contents

  1. I can’t lose weight because of bad eating habits
  2. I can’t lose weight because I don’t exercise
  3. I can’t lose weight because I'm dehydrated
  4. I can’t lose weight due to diabetes
  5. I can’t lose weight due to hypothyroidism
  6. I can’t lose weight due to sex hormone disorders
  7. I can’t lose weight because of stress
  8. I can’t lose weight due to sleep deprivation
  9. I can’t lose weight due to the medicines I take
  10. I can’t lose weight because I suffer from dysbiosis
  11. What to do when I can’t lose weight?

I can’t lose weight because of bad eating habits

An unhealthy diet is the most common cause of weight problems. Unfortunately, following a diet doesn’t always help us lose weight. Many people misinterpret dietary recommendations.

Food products labelled "light" are particularly problematic. Consuming them in large amounts also leads to weight gain. On the other hand, many people restrict their diets so much that after a few days of fasting, their appetite doubles.

That is why a dietitian is helpful in creating an individual diet plan that will include balanced meals, eliminating the urge to snack in between.

I can’t lose weight because I don’t exercise

In addition to the right diet, exercise is extremely important. Lack of exercise slows down our metabolism and the body enters the "stocking up" mode. If you can’t lose weight, it's time to exercise.

In order to stay encouraged, start with regular walks. Swimming or cardio workouts are also good. Only after raising your fitness level a bit consider adding more strenuous activities.

I can’t lose weight because I'm dehydrated

Lack of proper hydration leads to slower metabolism. What's more, research shows that many people mistake thirst for hunger, and instead of reaching for a glass of water, eat a snack.

This is why you should get into a habit of drinking water regularly. Limiting alcohol is also extremely important when trying to lose weight, because it is very caloric, and at the same time dehydrating.

I can’t lose weight due to diabetes

Metabolic diseases are a frequent cause of weight problems. Type 2 diabetes, which itself can develop as a result of obesity, makes it difficult at a later stage to lose unwanted pounds as it can increase our appetite.

If you have symptoms such as increased thirst, polyuria or increased appetite, you should immediately see a doctor to undergo an oral glucose tolerance test.

I can’t lose weight due to hypothyroidism

The question "why can’t I lose weight" is also often asked by people suffering from hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism usually affects women, and the incidence of the disease increases with age.

With hypothyroidism, it is difficult to lose weight because fewer thyroid hormones result in slower metabolism. Other symptoms include:

  • feeling of weakness,
  • excessive sleepiness,
  • problems with concentration,
  • excessive feeling of cold,
  • swelling of the eyelids and palms.

The diagnosis is made after checking the TSH hormone level, which regulates the work of the thyroid gland.

I can’t lose weight due to sex hormone disorders

Problems with losing weight can also be due to sex hormone disorders. A typical hormonal disorder is polycystic ovary syndrome, characterised by high levels of androgens (male sex hormones).

As a result, in addition to menstrual disorders, hirsutism or acne, the patient can experience abdominal weight gain, typical for men.

I can’t lose weight because of stress

Under stress conditions, the body secretes large amounts of glucocorticoids, including cortisol. High levels of this hormone over a long period of time has a negative effect on the entire body. One of the effects is abdominal obesity while maintaining slim limbs.

The fact that many people deal with stress by snacking does not help. Studies have shown that any type of exercise, even a simple walk, can reduce cortisol levels.

I can’t lose weight due to sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation can also cause similar effects because it also increases the body’s cortisol level.

There are two other hormones at play here: leptin and ghrelin. An increase in the leptin level is a signal for the body that it is "full", whereas sleep deprivation results in lower leptin levels, so we are constantly hungry. At the same time, the stomach produces more ghrelin, which increases our appetite.

I can’t lose weight due to the medicines I take

The side effects of taking certain medicines make it impossible to lose weight. If you’re having trouble losing weight and you regularly take prescribed medicines, ask your doctor if they can cause weight problems.

Check with your doctor if you take these medicines in particular:

  • corticosteroids,
  • antidepressants
  • beta-blockers,
  • hormonal contraception.

I can’t lose weight because I suffer from dysbiosis

Dysbiosis, i.e. disturbances in the composition and amount of intestinal bacterial flora may also make losing weight difficult. Studies have shown that dysbiosis, which most often occurs after taking antibiotics, can have a strong effect on our appetite.

What to do when I can’t lose weight?

Creating your own healthy diet, even if you are aware that you have a disease affecting your metabolism, is extremely difficult. Especially when you want to achieve quick results, and after following a restrictive diet instead of losing weight, you gain even more.

If you want to know how to lose weight, consider consulting a specialist who will choose the right diet for your age, weight, physical activity and any health problems you may have.