Why is it hard for me to lose weight? 5 reasons why you're not succeeding

Can't seem to lose weight despite all your efforts? Do you diet and exercise and still don't get results? In this post, we'll show you some of the main reasons why the desired weight loss isn't happening and how to correct these problems.
1. You eat because of stress
Being overweight is very closely related to a poor diet, especially to consuming excessive amounts of food.
When eating due to stress, it's normal to binge on unhealthy food, and to do so constantly at different times of the day.
Logically, none of this contributes to your weight loss. In fact, it will increase your chances of gaining weight, as you'll be consuming many more calories, fats, and sugars than your body needs.
According to studies, like this, published in 2015, stress increases the risk of developing what is known as “emotional hunger,” a response to elevated levels of cortisol (known as the stress hormone) that makes you anxious to eat, even when you are not hungry.
Basically, if you deal with a lot of stress, there are high chances that you will end up overeating due to anxiety.
This is important because weight loss occurs due to a caloric deficit (when you consume fewer calories than you expend daily). If you eat due to stress, you are unlikely to achieve the necessary caloric deficit to lose weight.
So in addition to watching what you eat and exercising — among other efforts, you have to try to reduce your stress levels.
Try engaging in a recreational activity (like watching a good movie) or dedicating some time to a hobby that allows you to clear your mind. This will be crucial for facilitating your weight loss process.
2. You don't take care of the type of food you eat.
Having a healthy diet doesn't just mean controlling the portions you eat at each meal; it also involves avoiding unhealthy foods.
Tens of studies They have shown that the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods (like fast food, ice cream, soda, etc.) significantly increases the risk of obesity.
Processed and ultra-processed foods are typically high in sugar, fat, and have a high caloric density, so even if you eat a small amount, it's likely you're giving your body more sugar, fat, and calories than it needs. As a result, you gain weight.
And yes, even if you're exercising or trying to eat healthier, if you're already overweight and often consume ultra-processed foods, it will be difficult for you to lose weight.
Therefore, the ideal thing is to avoid processed and ultra-processed foods, even more so if you are trying to lose weight and are not succeeding.
3. Your medications don't allow you to lose weight
Certain medications, such as some antidepressants or birth control pills, can cause you to gain weight.
In cases like these, it's very difficult for you to lose weight while continuing to take the medication that's causing the problem.
The ideal scenario in these situations is to consult with a bariatric that evaluates your profile and presents you with alternatives so you can lose weight without having to interrupt other treatments.
4. You skip your diet or keep changing your diet all the time.
Many diets require weeks or months, depending on the severity of being overweight, to start showing noticeable results. If you change your diet every so often and never stick to any of them long enough, it's unlikely you'll lose weight..
Nowadays, it's easy to find all sorts of diets on social media, and while they may sound good in theory, you need to stick with one long enough to see results.
And beyond that, it's important to keep in mind that your diet should be determined by a specialist, as it should always be adapted to your health situation and your goals. Only then can you avoid unnecessary risks.
On the other hand, even if you already have a diet established by a specialist (such as a bariatrician or nutritionistit won't work if you don't stick to it.
Remember, weight loss is a long process, there are no instant results, even with the most effective treatments.
If you want to lose weight, you need to be consistent with your diet.
5. You don't change the habits that caused your overweight
To lose weight, it's not all about your diet, you also need to change many bad habits that cause overweight in the first place.
Many people with obesity, for example, have sedentary lifestyles, with little to no physical activity. This may be your case as well. If so, and you're struggling to lose weight, review the habits in your life that contribute to weight gain and start changing them.
Smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and excessive alcohol consumption are three of the most problematic habits if you want to lose weight.
You don't need to overdo it; you can make small changes in your daily life to develop healthier habits, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking from place to place instead of taking a taxi, or having juice instead of alcoholic beverages at social events.
It might seem like a little, but these types of changes in your habits can help you lose a lot of weight, and furthermore, they'll allow you to be healthier (which is just as important).
There you have it, some of the main reasons why you might be having trouble losing weight. Does any of this sound like you? If so, it's now easier for you to make the necessary changes so you can achieve the results you dream of.
If you have tried all kinds of solutions and still cannot get rid of being overweight or obese, Contact our team, we will evaluate your case FOR FREE and tell you what's best for you to lose weight permanently..

Dr. Cristobal Garza
I am a bariatric surgeon certified by the Mexican College of Obesity Surgery. Over the last 10 years, I have helped more than 3,500 patients overcome their obesity and live a happier, healthier life.
