weight loss vs fat loss

Why Does the Weight Loss Journey Seem So Slow?

The journey of losing weight can be frustrating, especially because it can often take a long time before you see the results. In fact, reaching your weight goal should take time. If you lose too much weight at once, you could suffer physically.

It’s important not to create too large a difference between the calories you take in and the calories you use during the day. The process is complicated by many factors and could take more effort than just counting calories.

Factors That Slow Your Weight Loss

Why does it seem that you and your friend can eat the same foods, get the same amount of sleep, and exercise together, but you don’t see the same amount of change? The answers are affected by several factors, including your age, gender, and sleep habits. If you’re taking any medications, have a family history of obesity, or have certain medical conditions, you may also find it harder to get rid of those extra pounds.

Age

In general, it is easier to lose weight during your 20s and 30s than later in life. As you get older, your muscle tissues shrink and your body struggles to replenish damaged muscle cells. Muscles may also become rigid as you have limited endurance and strength. Because your muscles aren’t working as efficiently, calories that don’t get used turn to fat. Changes in hormones may also affect muscle loss and lead to a slower metabolism.

Gender

There’s a popular belief that men lose weight faster than women, but the truth is that men and women lose fat differently. Men often lose weight quickly when they first start working to drop extra pounds, but that momentum doesn’t continue. After six months of working through the same weight loss program, men and women show comparable results. If you’re a woman wondering why you aren’t losing as much as a male workout companion, remember that you’ll catch up in a couple of months.

Sleep Habits

If you aren’t getting enough sleep at night, this could be a contributing factor to why you aren’t losing weight as quickly as you’d like. Research shows that a lack of sleep seems to increase hunger and appetite. There are apparent links between too little sleep and obesity. If you’re following a healthy diet plan and healthy lifestyle goals, you might look to how much sleep you’re getting – or not getting.

Medications

There are many types of prescription medications that cause weight gain. If you happen to be taking one of these medications, your weight loss journey may be slower. This doesn’t mean that you should stop taking the medicines your medical provider has prescribed. However, you should talk to your doctor about the situation. In some cases, medical professionals can recommend or prescribe weight-loss medicines or supplements.

Family History of Obesity

Genetics do play a role in how quickly or slowly you lose weight. If both of your parents were overweight, for instance, you may find it harder to keep the weight off. This isn’t just because of genetics, however. Other factors may include your family habits, such as what you eat at holiday gatherings and whether you spend a lot of inactive time when you’re together.

Medical Conditions

Did you know that a lot of stress could slow your weight loss progress? Other conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, depression, and insulin resistance can make it difficult to work off extra pounds. Don’t give up on your weight loss goals, however. There are many benefits to sticking to a diet rich in nutrients and a consistent exercise program. You may find it harder to lose weight or see slower progress, but it isn’t impossible to finally see some of those pounds coming off. Do include your doctor in your efforts.

Weight loss often seems to take much longer than you expected, but with a positive outlook and focus on short-term goals, you can see improvements. Start out with a reasonable idea of how long weight loss will take and give yourself credit for sticking to your goals.

 


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