Why can’t I lose weight?
Losing weight can sometimes be difficult, especially if you feel like you’ve tried everything. It can sometimes be a long and daunting process. On top of this, you have to stay motivated to lose the weight, which is especially hard if you feel like you are not seeing the results you would like. It also depends on the weight you are trying to lose. You may be looking at the scales and thinking that your weight is ‘too high’. However, relying on a scale is never good. It does not take into account your muscle percentage or your height. Remember that
So how do I lose weight?
There are several ways to lose weight. The biggest thing to remember is to understand that it can take a while depending on how much you are trying to lose, the methods you are trying and how much you currently weigh. The following suggestions provide reasons as you why you may not be losing weight and how you can.
Your exercise routine:
To lose weight healthy, you will need to exercise. This does not necessarily mean going to the gym (although this will help). You could attend gym classes, join an activity class, go swimming, play football.. the list goes on. You will need to exercise regularly in order to see a difference. If you are new to exercising, I would recommend starting off a couple of days a week. Once your body is used to the exercises, increase the duration and how many times a week. Ideally you want to be exercising 3-4 times a week.
What you eat:
If you already exercise and still aren’t losing weight, perhaps it is time to take a look at your nutrition. If you are not eating the recommended nutrition or a calorie deficit, it will be difficult for you to lose any fat. Calorie deficits are important to help lose weight. You will want to consume less food than the energy consumption you are using from exercising. Remember to eat a balanced diet including the right amount of fat, protein and carbs. DO NOT UNDER EAT! There are apps out there that can calculate a calorie target for you to aim for if you need help with tracking your calories. You could also see a nutritionist for any questions you may have.
Your genetics:
Genetics can also play a large part in why you may struggle to lose weight. It could be that you have a slow metabolism for example. In addition to this, where your fat is distributed may also play a factor. This is not a bad thing, but figuring out whether your genetics plays a part can be useful.
Remember that losing weight can take time. Do not worry if it is taking longer than expected. If you are really concerned about your weight, speak to a health professional to see what options are out there.