The Real Reasons Diets Don't Work
Five Non-Diet Reasons for Weight Loss Resistance
Losing weight involves diet and lifestyle changes. But sometimes even those who eat a perfectly healthy diet still can't lose weight. Five hidden reasons why diets fail.
The most common misconception regarding weight loss is the oversimplification that diet and exercise is all it takes. While these things are essential for healthy living, in many cases other factors are involved in successfully losing weight. Often, stubborn, excess weight is a symptom of a hidden health issue. Below are five such issues frequently seen in overweight people.
Food Allergies
Unknown food allergies are one of the most common problems effecting overweight people. Some allergic reactions are so subtle that the person may not even be aware that something is wrong. But internally, the body is fighting an enemy and an immune reaction is taking place whenever that food is consumed. These unknown allergies typically will prevent a person from losing weight because the body is busy fighting this food-enemy and will retain fat as a future energy source.
Thyroid Problems
Undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction is another common reason diets fail. The thyroid is the most important organ for controlling weight and body fat. Many people show all the symptoms of hypothyroidism (slow thyroid function) but their blood tests fall within a normal range. This is sometimes referred to as “subclinical hypothyroidism”. It will likely not be diagnosed or treated until it becomes full-blown thyroid disease (perhaps several years in the future), but will prevent a person from losing weight all the same.
Hormonal Imbalances
The thyroid itself belongs to a system within the body known as the endocrine system. This is the complicated communications system that controls and regulates a vast array of reactions and processes throughout the body. Through the secretion of hormones acting as chemical messengers, the endocrine system influences mood regulation, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, sexual function and reproduction. A hormonal imbalance anywhere in this system can cause dramatic weight gain and difficult (or impossible) weight loss. Common for woman is an imbalance in the sex hormones, such as estrogen dominance. This overabundance of estrogen has been linked to obesity and insulin resistance, among other serious conditions (such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
Stress
Chronic stress is another contributing factor in slow or difficult weight loss. Stress, whether emotional, mental or physical, pushes the body into “fight or flight” mode. This biological response is the same whether or not the stress is life-threatening. In fact, the body responds with over 2,500 reactions that affect every system including metabolism, blood sugar, hormonal function and appetite (among many, many other things). Consequently, unchecked stress will often cause the body to retain fat, increase cravings, and slow the body’s ability to burn calories. Stress is, undoubtedly, one of the most common reasons diets fail.
Lack of Nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies can also cause an inability to lose weight. The metabolism requires certain levels of particular vitamins and minerals in order to properly function. Chromium, manganese and certain amino acids are typically deficient in overweight people. Supplementing these and other essential nutrients in the diet has been found to help regulate blood sugars and boost metabolism.
These are just a few of the reasons dieting doesn’t work. It’s essential to make lifestyle changes when attempting to improve your health. Weight loss is not short term. It’s a life long journey. Once the weight is off, maintaining the new healthy you is another adventure completely. If you’ve been struggling with weight loss in the past, consider seeking the help of a nutrition professional who can help you recognize if there are other factors, like the ones discussed above, that may be involved in your struggle. Qualified Nutrition Consultants can make knowledgeable recommendations on how to overcome these problems. To find a Nutrition Consultant in your area, refer to the National Association of Nutrition Professionals at www.NANP.org
For more articles like this, check out Whole Foods for Whole Health and The Truth About Carbs.
