Why can’t you lose weight?
You would like to lose a few extra pounds, but nothing works out for you. And, it seems, the matter is not only that you eat too much or move a little. You take care of yourself, but still getting better.
Medication
Some drugs can cause weight gain. Ideally, the doctor who prescribes the medicine should warn you of possible side effects. But, if the doctor did not do this, weight gain can be an unpleasant surprise for you. Most often, steroids have this effect, which is prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and some other diseases. Steroids, firstly, stimulate appetite, and secondly, affect the deposition of fat – primarily on the face, shoulders, stomach. Some antidepressants and antihistamines have a similar effect. Sedatives also contribute to fat deposition and weight gain.
Decision
If the weight gain coincides with the start of taking a new medicine, consult a doctor, and discuss alternative treatment methods with him. But, even if it is impossible to pick up another medicine in your case, do not be discouraged: after the course of treatment is over, you can lose weight.
Intolerance to certain foods
Question of whether intolerance to certain foods can cause a significant weight gain is still under discussion. So far, it has been proven only that such intolerance can cause swelling that goes away if a person refuses “problem” food. The thing is that certain products are poorly absorbed by the body, and reducing metabolism.
Decision
• Report symptoms. If you just started to get better, this does not mean that you have a food intolerance. But if the weight gain is accompanied by edema, joint pain, headache, and vomiting, this speaks in favor of intolerance.
• Keep a food diary. Mark in it what and when you ate to trace the relationship between your condition and the food you ate. Most often, flour (especially wheat) and dairy products fall into the risk group.
• Contact your allergist or nutritionist. If you just started to get better, this does not mean that you have a food allergy. To clarify the situation, a mandatory examination is necessary.
Thyroid problems
According to statistics, one in 50 women suffers from thyroid disease. If the thyroid gland does not work intensively enough, it does not produce enough hormones that are responsible for metabolism. As a result, it slows down and you begin to gain weight, even if you monitor your diet. Other symptoms of a hypoactive thyroid are dry, pale skin, hair loss, muscle, and joint pain, memory impairment, constant tiredness, and a feeling of cold.
Decision
See a doctor. Most likely, you will be offered to take a blood test for hormone levels. If it turns out to below, you may be prescribed thyroxine. Unfortunately, a standard analysis determines only a very low level of hormones, but if they are slightly below normal, then the test may not show this. Therefore, if the analysis is normal, but the general condition is bothering you, contact your endocrinologist for an additional examination.
No fluid is excreted from the body
Many women gain 2-3 kilograms before menstruation because of fluid accumulates in the body. This is completely normal. However, if you swell several times a month, then, in this case, you need to look for other reasons. Hormonal contraceptives, some antibiotics, and steroids can interfere with the normal removal of fluid from the body. As a result, edema occurs, excess weight appears, and wrists, ankles, and fingers can swell, especially towards the end of the day.
Solution
Consult a doctor. First, you need to determine if the cause of the edema is a disease of the thyroid gland, lymphatic system, kidneys, or heart failure. If nothing serious is found, reduce the amount of salt consumed, as well as canned, smoked, fatty foods.
Ovarian Diseases
About 40% of women with polycystic disease complain of being overweight. With this disease, the ovaries increase, and cysts form around them. This leads to hormonal changes. Symptoms of polycystic can be acne, increased hair growth on the face and body, irregular menstruation, the impossibility of pregnancy. Weight gain due to polycystic is a kind of vicious circle. Hormonal imbalance affects metabolism and increases insulin levels, which leads to weight gain. And the higher the weight, the more difficult the general condition of the body.
Decision
If you are recovering, you can’t lose weight and have found one or more of these symptoms, contact your gynecologist and conduct an examination. Most likely, you will be prescribed medications and will choose a low-carb, protein-rich diet.
Genes are to blame
Due to natural features, some people gain weight faster and more difficult to get rid of it. Genetics is a very young science, and it is not yet known exactly how and what genes affect a person’s weight. However, scientists suggest that genetics determines how the body processes food and regulates appetite. That is why someone needs more food to saturate, and someone less. Also, genes determine how fat is stored in humans. Although genetics is related to a person’s fullness, this does not mean that you cannot change the situation.
Decision
• Prefer low-fat foods. Increase your protein intake and reduce your carbohydrate intake. Protein food gives a lasting feeling of fullness. However, it is also impossible to completely abandon carbohydrates: they contain the nutrients that the body needs.
• Give up alcohol. Firstly, alcoholic beverages are very high in calories. Secondly, they provoke a feeling of hunger. And thirdly, in a state of intoxication, you lose your willpower, and, most likely, you will be in unlimited quantities is what you usually limit yourself to.
• Go in for sports. It is best to alternate aerobic exercise with strength exercises. This will help you burn calories and build muscle. And the more muscle, the more calories are burned.
Pituitary
The pituitary gland is a hormone gland located at the base of the brain that controls the work of many other glands in the body and also produces hormones that control growth and water balance. Our pituitary is the size of a pea, but it is very important for the normal functioning of the whole organism. And, if something is wrong with him (most often it can be a tumor), a wide variety of problems immediately arise, including weight gain. A tumor causes the pituitary gland to produce too many hormones, which always leads to weight gain. Most often, fat is deposited in the chest and abdomen. Other symptoms are hair loss, lack of menstruation, dry thin skin, and the appearance of stretch marks.
Decision
Urgently see a doctor conduct an examination. If a tumor is detected, then you will undergo a surgical operation, radiotherapy or the appointment of steroids is also possible.
You have chosen the wrong diet
Low-calorie diets promise quick weight loss but often lead to the exact opposite effect. First of all, we are trying to get rid of body fat. But, if very few calories enter the body, it begins to work in conservation mode and, conversely, it stores fat. You lose weight, but only due to fluid. To get rid of fat, you need a lot of time, and it is impossible to sit on a diet for a long time. This means that as soon as you return to a normal diet, you will gain lost weight.
Decision
Understand that losing weight quickly and permanently from diets that promise to save you a few kilograms in a week is impossible. Instead, once and for all, develop a healthy eating plan that makes you feel good.
