5 Reasons Why Women are Struggling to Lose Weight despite Diet and Exercise

It happens often that we are on a diet, we exercise regularly, but the pounds don’t go down. After that happens we often lose our motivation and give up on both diet and exercise. But you are not the only one. There are many among us who are struggling to lose weight despite diet and exercise. What could be the cause of this?

There are a number of medical conditions that cause weight gain, and some of these conditions have few or no symptoms. Some of the following conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and thyroid problems are very common in women. Treating any existing conditions can help you achieve a leaner and healthier body.

Here are the five most common problems that cause weight gain at women.

1. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism or the condition of insufficiently active thyroid gland may cause weight gain.

In addition to weight gain, other symptoms may include dry skin, constant feeling of cold, hair loss, brain fog, fatigue, constipation and depression.

Fortunately, there are effective therapies in treating these disorders.

The best way to find out if you have problems with your thyroid is to do a blood test and analyse the results that may reveal the cause of your weight gain.

2. Depression

Although depression may cause both weight gain and weight loss, it is more often associated with weight gain.

Depressed people often reach for comfort food. In addition, the medications for depression often contribute to weight gain. Finally, people who are depressed often have higher levels of stress hormone and poor sleep. So, it is a vicious circle that contributes to weight gain from all sides.

3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Women often suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome and most of the women do not even know they have this problem.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is caused by an excess of male hormones, and have many effects, including weight gain, increased acne breakouts and facial hair growth.

How to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome? Although there is no single test to diagnose this condition, a blood test, gynaecological examination and ultrasound may help in diagnosing PCOS. Some doctors recommend oral contraceptives in the treatment of PCOS. Therefore, if you have any of the above symptoms, make sure to see a doctor and do the necessary tests.

4. Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder in which a person that sleeps repeatedly stops breathing long enough to reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood and brain and increase the amount of carbon dioxide.

People suffering from apnoea are often tired during the day. In addition, it is a serious medical condition that can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart problems, so it is important to diagnose and treat this condition as soon as possible.

This condition can contribute to weight gain – when you do not get enough sleep, the hormones associated with appetite (leptin and ghrelin) do not control the feeling of hunger.

5. Medications that cause weight gain

Many medications often cause weight gain, such as steroids, hormonal therapy, birth control pills, antidepressants, some medications used to control blood sugar, antiepileptic drugs, migraine medications and antihistamines.

If you are taking medication and gaining weight, talk to your doctor. Drug-related weight gain is quite common. There may be a medicine that your doctor may prescribe that will have the same desired effect but without weight gain as a side effect.

Final Thoughts

If you are the one amongst people who are struggling to lose weight despite diet and exercise, I hope you’ve found this article helpful. These conditions are not the only ones that may cause weight gain, but they are among the most common in women. Once you have solved these problems, focus again on a healthy diet and regular exercise and the results will follow.