If you are currently focusing on weight loss, you may have noticed that losing weight initially seemed easier.
Changing your treatment plan or strategy can help.
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Javier Zayas Photography / Getty Images
Research shows that exercise is most effective when paired with a healthy diet.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Staying hydrated can help you lose weight.Drinking water keeps you hydrated and boosts your metabolism.
Skipping Breakfast
Skippingbreakfastmay affect weight loss results, but the research is mixed.
If you consistently feel hungry at bedtime, you may not be eating enough throughout the day.
This can lead to an unhealthy cycle ofovereatingat night and not feeling hungry in the morning.
However, not giving your body the necessary nutrients can lead to weight gain.
Restricting calories may increase hunger and cause you to eat more than planned.
Eating less also lowers your bodys metabolic rate, so you will naturally burn fewer calories.
Eating Too Fast
Eating your meals and snacks too quickly may lead to weight gain over time.
It is common to grab a quick bite on the run when youre in a hurry.
Every few bites, pause and ask yourself if you are still hungry.
Cortisol provides some helpful benefits, like quick energy.
This is because the body does not have the opportunity to reset overnight.
Gender
A persons sex may affect their weight loss efforts.
People assigned male at birth tend to have higher muscle mass than those assigned female at birth.
Genetics
Geneticsand family history may affect your weight loss results.
Metabolism
Your metabolism determines how quickly your body uses energy and burns calories.
Everyones metabolism is different, and some work faster than others.
Physical activity can increase your metabolic rate.
Getting Older
Everyones body changes as they age.
After age 30, the body starts to lose muscle mass.
This naturally slows down the number of calories you burn each day.
After age 30, body fat naturally increases as well.
To slow down these natural changes, focus on consuming nutritious foods, exercising daily, and managing stress.
Medications
Several common medications can lead to weight gain or make weight loss more challenging.
Medicines known to contribute to weight gain include:
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Underactive Thyroid
Thethyroid glandis part of theendocrine systemand affects the metabolism.
Having an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is linked with weight gain.
Fortunately, hypothyroidism is treatable.Talk with a healthcare provider if you are concerned about your thyroid health.
Is It Due to a Problem With My Overall Health?
If you have been struggling to meet your weight loss goals, talk with your healthcare provider.
Your goals may need to be adjusted, especially if you have a health condition that affects your weight.
Health factors like chronic conditions, family history, and lifestyle choices may impact your body size and shape.
Everyone is different, and meeting a certain number on the scale or body look may not be possible.
Once you begin your weight loss journey, expect times of weight plateaus.
Focus on fueling your body with nutritious foods and engaging in daily physical activity.
Work with your healthcare provider to understand your body’s unique needs and health conditions that may impact weight.
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