Weight loss can pose a challenge for a variety of reasons.
Certain medical conditions can also play a role in slowing down or preventing weight loss.
Race and Ethnicity
Racial and ethnic differences have been observed in various aspects ofweight gainand loss.
Johner Images / Getty Images
Hormones
Hormonal fluctuations can affect your hunger, metabolism, cravings, and body-fat distribution.
For example, changes inestrogen, often duringperimenopauseandmenopause, are a common cause of unwanted weight gain.
Mental Health
Your mental health can impact your weight in a number of ways.
Hormonal factors, such as lowerserotoninlevels, may play a role as well.
Possible Medical Conditions
Weight gain is a side effect of certain prescription medications.
Examples include some psychiatric medications, steroids, and drugs to treat diabetes and epilepsy.
You might notice thenumber on the scale staying the samefor many different reasons.
This may occur because of hormonal changes or shifts in your metabolism, especially after losing initial weight.
Once you reach a certain weight, the rate at which you burn calories may slow down.
To overcome aweight loss plateau, you may need to increase your calorie deficit.
Summary
Many people find weight loss difficult.
If youre struggling to lose weight, reach out to a healthcare provider.
They can recommend healthy weight loss options and offer alternative treatments, if necessary.
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