At this time of the year as the UK summer sun means fewer clothes, many people think about losing weight.
However, there are lots of reasons why people struggle to lose weight. Losing weight is more complex than just eating less because there are often emotional issues, your physical health and your lifestyle to consider.
If you are struggling to lose weight or if you know someone who is struggling, these reasons and tips might help to make some positive changes.
The first step is always to check if you are actually overweight. It can be difficult to say exactly what a person’s weight should be however using a Body Mass Index (BMI) chart will give people a good idea if they are obese.
Go to the NHS BMI calculator and find out if you are overweight before deciding to lose weight.
If you are overweight and have been trying to lose weight, here are the 10 reasons why you might be struggling, along with things you can do.
1. You have health reasons for putting on weight or difficulty in losing weight.
Thyroid problems, fluid retention, excess tiredness and inactivity, Cushing’s syndrome, stress and low mood, diabetes treatments, ageing, Polycystic ovary syndrome, and some other medications may contribute to difficulties losing weight.
Find out more about these medical conditions on the NHS website.
- Always get a health check if you have got a lot of weight to lose and especially if you are finding things difficult.
- If you are taking medications ask your pharmacist or healthcare professional if any of the side effects are related to weight gain. Some drugs, such as steroids can increase weight. However, you should never stop the medication without speaking to your doctor first.
2. You eat too much.
This sounds obvious but some people don’t realise exactly how much they are eating. Added to this your body doesn’t need the amount that you are feeding it if you have a weight problem.
- Become aware of the amount that you are eating. Write a food and mood diary.
- Slow down when you are eating and choose a smaller plate.
- Take a photograph of your meal and send it to a trusted friend to ask them if this is too big a meal.
- Measure your food and then consider a lower measure of high-calorie foods.
- Swap high-calorie foods for better options
- Read the labels on food packets
- Try not to eat processed foods and takeaways.
3. Diets become boring.
If you eat the same foods like the same salad, same vegetables and same meat then the sameness is boring. Eating should be enjoyable and a social event.
What you can do:
- Think about the colours of foods. Eat more variety of colours in your food and discover easy to prepare new meals.
- Look up new recipes on the internet.
- Invite friends to come and have a healthy meal with you.
- Go to a cookery school and learn to cook healthy meals on a budget.
- Add spices and flavourings to bland tasting foods.
4. You haven’t increased your exercise enough.
Of course, you should do this within safe boundaries and you might need to get advice before starting any exercise regimen.
- Change the word exercise to activity and do different things such as clean the house or car, or go for a walk. It’s all activity and if you achieve something you will feel better.
- Employ a personal trainer.
- Aim to walk a few more steps every day.
- Join a walking group and socialise outside as well.
5. You eat the wrong things.
It’s about understanding what you eat and making the right choices. Unfortunately, some marketing can make us believe that some foods are good for us when they contain hidden sugars, fats and chemicals.
- Find out about healthy eating from the NHS website.
- Read the labels on food packets.
- One way to reduce your calorie intake is to swap a shop-bought chicken and salad sandwich for a homemade sandwich because you could use low-calorie mayonnaise and no butter.
- Get a referral to a dietitian if you have a lot of weight to lose.
6. You need more motivation and support.
Any big task in life needs drive and support so why should weight loss be any different? Moreover, people often go through a process of thinking about making change and then take some time to actually do something. Perhaps you are one of those people who starts well but then doesn’t maintain healthy eating.
What you can do:
- Get a personal trainer if exercise is the issue.
- Get support from a hypnotherapist or counsellor if you need help with your mindset.
- Get help from friends and family.
- Go for a daily walk.
7. You haven’t set yourself realistic goals.
Small amounts of weight loss at regular intervals is better than a crash diet when you try to lose a lot in a short amount of time. Consequently, you need to have lots of smaller goals before you get to your target goal.
What you can do:
- Eat healthily and plan to lose 1 – 2lbs a week.
- Make gradual changes towards healthy eating rather than suddenly going onto an unhealthy, crash diet.
- Get a diary and write down deadlines.
8. You believe that losing weight is expensive and hard work.
If you are struggling to lose weight you might think that it’s hard work but it doesn’t need to be. Furthermore, eating fresh, unprocessed foods is much cheaper than eating processed foods and takeaways.
What you can do:
- Make shopping lists before you go out to buy food or buy online.
- Try cheaper ‘own brands’ of foods.
- Buy healthy foods in bulk.
- Buy frozen foods that are cheaper than some fresh foods.
- Explore different recipes with leftovers.
- Use more vegetables and pulses.
- List how many products are process foods and swap them for more natural foods.
- Preparing and cooking your own food is often cheaper than buying convenience foods.
- Exercise, such as a daily walk doesn’t cost anything either.
9. It’s not the right time.
True, if you are under a lot of stress at work or home weight management may be more difficult. But you do need to consider the consequences if you wait too long to do something if you are very overweight.
What you can do:
- If you can, stop the stress. If not, get support from friends, family or a counsellor, coach or hypnotherapist.
- Learn to relax first then start again.
- Write down a date that you intend to start.
10. You are using your weight as an excuse to avoid something else.
It is common to ignore the problem of obesity if you have lots of responsibility and pressures in life. But your life is important.
What you can do:
- Think about what you really want in life and what you don’t want. Can you change anything or have you got to accept some things?
- Find your vision. You could attend a vision board workshop? (Contact Linda to find out when her next vision board class will run)
- Assess your responsibilities for others. Is there something that you can give up or delegate?
Finally, are there any other reasons why you are struggling to lose weight? This list of reasons is only a snapshot. If you need help please contact me for individual or group hypnotherapy, counselling, coaching or get involved in one of my vision board workshops.
Although most people think that diets will resolve a weight problem, dealing with emotional problems and the cause of the weight gain is often more important than special diets.
If you found this blog helpful please share it with others who might benefit.
Awaken that Change!
Kind regards
Linda