Eight reasons why you can't shift the extra pounds: no carbs, stress, and low Vitamin D
WEIGHT loss expert Dr Christopher Wong has some solutions to these common problems
When you're doing your best to eat a nutritious, low-calorie diet and making the effort to exercise there's nothing more frustrating than seeing the number on the scale refuse to budge. Or even worse, if your weight keeps creeping up despite a healthy lifestyle, it can really get you down.
The truth is that simply cutting back on calories isn't always the answer to beating the bulge.
Sometimes undiagnosed health conditions, certain medications, your emotional state or even eating at the wrong time of day can thwart your best efforts. Here are the most common problems and how you can solve them.
1. YOU'RE TAKING STEROIDS
Oral steroids are used to treat a variety of conditions which involve a malfunction of the body's defences.
While they can be a successful treatment, some patients suffer the unwelcome side effect of weight gain. Steroids can cause bloating and puffiness and can also increase appetite which can lead to an expanding waistline.
SOLUTION: It's important not to stop taking your medication. Instead, share your concerns with your GP and ask about alternative treatments.You could try swapping snacks for lower calorie alternatives to help cancel out the effect of the steroids.
2. YOU'RE DEPRESSED
Many of us have an emotional relationship with food so when we feel depressed we tend to eat and often we choose unhealthy foods, which are high in fat and sugar to "cheer ourselves up".
Around a quarter of patients who use antidepressant medications also report weight gain as a side effect.
SOLUTION:
If you feel your appetite has increased, it's important to ensure the extra foods you are consuming are healthy and low in calories. Keep fresh fruit at hand and eat balanced, filling meals.
3 YOU'RE NOT GETTING ENOUGH VITAMIN D
0ur bodies absorb vitamin D from exposure to sunlight but the unpredictable weather in the UK means many of us have low levels of this important vitamin.A lack of vitamin D is associated with weight gain so if you spend a lot of time indoors you could be affected.
SOLUTION: Get outside more. Even a 20-minute walk at lunchtime can help improve your levels of vitamin D and boost your mood. You could also consider taking a vitamin D supplement.
7. YOU'RE STRESSED OUT
Short-term stress often means we skip healthy meals and instead reach for high-sugar, high-fat snacks as a "pick-me-up".
Long-term stress can also have an impact on your weight as stress produces cortisol which is linked to blood sugar imbalance and weight gain around the mid-section.
SOLUTION: It is important to treat stress by getting to the root of the problem and reduce stress factors in your life. Try to eat regular, balanced meals and consider a relaxing form of exercise such as yoga.
8. YOU HAVE A FOOD INTOLERANCE
Many people are intolerant to a certain food or food group such as dairy or wheat without even realising it.
If the body is aggravated by a certain food it can make it more tricky to lose weight.
SOLUTION: Try keeping a diary to work out which foods are causing you problems. Many patients find weight loss improves significantly after they eliminate foods to which their body is intolerant.
Christopher Wong is a weight loss consultant and surgeon at Spire, The Glen Hospital, Bristol. Visit spirehealthcare.com/bristol