5 Reasons You May Not be Able to Lose Weight

If you consistently load up on sugary drinks (including alcohol), fried foods and calorie-laden gooey confections, then weight gain is easy to understand. No doubt about it, in fact--you’ve earned those extra pounds. But, how on earth can those pounds cling to our hips and middles when we diligently watch what we eat and exercise faithfully? If this sounds like you, then there may be an underlying reason why you’re having so much trouble tipping the scale in your favor.

Are you getting enough Zzzs? There’s a good reason that retiring at a decent hour is referred to as beauty sleep. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can promote weight gain due to a higher conversion of dietary fat to body fat. In addition, sleeping less can encourage you to crave more snacks while awake. (For more information, see our blog of June 18, 2008 titled, “Lack of Sleep Leads to Snack Attacks".) Ideally, you should strive to get eight hours of sleep each night.

Do you suffer from a medical condition? The most common reason for weight gain in women is a condition known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid fails to produce enough hormones necessary to effectively regulate many functions, including metabolism. See your health care practitioner if you are experiencing unexplained weight gain, accompanied with frequent headaches, fatigue, and intolerance to cold temperatures, as these are common symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Are you taking medications? Certain medications are known to promote weight gain, including antidepressants, antiseizure drugs, and medications prescribed to treat diabetes, high blood pressure and heartburn. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should stop taking your medication! If you suspect that a medication may be the cause of unexplained weight gain, consult your health care practitioner to explore other options and/or a plan of action to help counteract this side effect.

Are you stressed out? If you read yesterday’s blog, then you learned that a little hormone called ghrelin, also known as the hunger hormone, may be responsible for tricking your brain into thinking you’re hungry when you’re not. Researchers have recently discovered that levels of this hormone increase in response to stress. (For more information and for tips on how to manage your stress, scroll down a bit to see our blog of July 15, 2008 titled, “Is Stress Triggering Your Hunger Hormone?”)

Are you in the change of life? Ah…what a nice expression. Otherwise known as menopause, the change o’ life includes some benefits as well as some drawbacks, like hormonal changes that trigger food cravings and a slower metabolism. On the up side, declining levels of estrogen usually produces weight loss in the lower body, meaning shrinking hips and thighs are possible. However, estrogen loss also causes a shift in fat deposition from the lower body to the middle. That’s why we have another charming expression for an expanding middle typically associated with menopause—menopot. Nice, huh? The good news is that you can avoid this kind of weight gain by increasing your lean body mass through strength training and enriching your diet with more calcium and vitamin D, which will also help to reduce bone loss.

Now that you’re aware of some potential reasons that you might be gaining weight despite your best efforts to lose it, where do you go from here?

First, talk to your doctor if you suspect that a medical condition or medication may be responsible. In addition, take steps to develop stress-coping skills. And, no matter what, stick to your healthy diet and exercise program.

Finally, let us help. While we can’t send you to bed at a certain time, or turn back the clock, we can help you defy the affects of aging and help you get more restful sleep each night. Our Fem Support contains more than a dozen herbs and nutrients with proven ability to improve mood and reduce the impact of fluctuating hormones at any age. And, our Healthy Sleep Support formula is an all-natural, organic blend of herbs and minerals designed to help you relax and get the rest you need.