Why is losing weight so hard?
Losing weight is not a simple maths equation as you have probably worked out. There is actually a fair bit of science behind it. Hunger and metabolism are regulated by many interacting factors, all of which must be considered when aiming to lose weight. A few things I mention are linked to each other because it all has to work in harmony together.
- EXERCISE – Exercise helps build lean muscle, help balance hormones and improve insulin sensitivity
- SLEEP – Sleep deprivation leads to circadian rhythm imbalances, which raises your cortisol and blood sugar levels.
- APPETITE HORMONES – Appetite hormones can be divided into two categories: – stimulating appetite (ghrelin)and suppressing appetite (leptin). To lose weight, these 2 hormones need to be working properly.
- MUSCLE MASS – Maintaining or developing muscle mass, whilst losing fat mass, is the ideal way to lose weight. With more muscle, you will be burning energy on your body even while you sleep.
- MITOCHONDRIAL HEALTH – Essential fatty acids are vital for mitochondrial health to ensure sufficient transport of nutrients and energy into cells and mitochondria.
- STRESS – Stress elevates your hormone cortisol, which then has many knock on effects that compromise your ability to lose weight.
- HORMONE IMBALANCES – It is important to address health issues such as Hypothyroidism, PCOS or menopause with diet, medication, herbal medicine or lifestyle factors.
- DIET – Around 90% of your weight loss results will come from your diet. Glucose that isn’t immediately needed by your cells can be stored in your liver and muscles as glycogen. But, there is a limit to the amount that can be stored. Once your glycogen storage sites are full, any additional glucose from excess carbohydrate will be converted to fat and stored in your body.
Liza.