Despite iron discipline and strong willpower, losing weight sometimes just doesn't work.
Five possible causes.
At the beginning of a diet, motivation is usually still high and discipline great.
But frustration can set in after some time: namely, when the weight loss comes to a standstill and losing weight just doesn't want to work anymore.
"To blame" for this can be, for example, a diet that is not tailored to the individual metabolism.
According to researchers, three biomarkers play a role if the weight loss plan doesn't work.
Factors such as irregular meals and too little exercise can also slow down the metabolism and thus reduce the weight loss success.
Five other reasons you may not have even thought of can also get in the way of your weight loss journey.
Losing weight: five reasons why it won't work
+
If you are unable to lose weight, there can be a number of reasons.
© Lars Zahner/IMAGO
Some behaviors can limit the success of a diet.
Often, however, we are not even aware that they are responsible for the fact that the kilos on the scales do not want to tumble - despite great willpower and effort.
Therefore, pay attention to the following five possible factors during your weight loss project.
Losing weight doesn't work - Reason 1: Confuse thirst with hunger
When losing weight, it is important not only to stick to strict diet plans, but above all to listen to your body and interpret signals correctly.
Intuitive eating in particular can help in the long term to lose unwanted pounds.
However, sometimes we misinterpret the signs of the body and confuse thirst with hunger.
Since there is also liquid in food, this assumption is not that illogical.
However, if you are thirsty, you should drink water because it has no calories.
Otherwise, this can rather prevent you from losing weight.
Losing weight doesn't work - Reason 2: You may be eating too little
It is true that losing weight depends on a calorie deficit: However, if you eat too little over a long period of time, you cannot lose weight in this way.
If the body does not get enough important nutrients and energy, then the immune system is weakened.
In addition, the body switches to economy mode and reduces energy consumption.
Thus, the necessary calorie deficit to lose weight becomes smaller and you no longer lose weight.
There are also fluctuations in blood sugar.
They trigger food cravings and tempt you to eat unhealthily.
After all, it is not only the body that suffers from this, but also the psyche.
Therefore, at the beginning of a diet, you should calculate how many calories you can and should eat.
A calorie deficit of 300 to 500 kcal daily is recommended.
Don't miss anything: You can find everything to do with health in the regular newsletter from our partner 24vita.de.
Losing weight doesn't work - Reason 3: reward with food after exercise
In addition to changing your diet, many people who want to lose weight start an exercise program at the same time - although one anthropologist claims that exercise hardly helps with weight loss.
However, it does no harm either.
However, many people make a mistake: they reward themselves with food after training.
Most of the time, however, it is not a salad, but pasta or even something sweet.
After all, you've already burned a few calories on the treadmill or in the pool.
However, since we slightly overestimate these, it tends not to work to lose weight with this approach.
Instead of rewarding yourself with food after exercise, it is better to go to the sauna, have a good cup of tea or read a good book.
Losing weight doesn't work - Reason 4: Hormone balance is not in balance
If losing weight does not work despite all the tips, this could also be due to the hormones.
For example, if you suffer from an underactive thyroid, this disease can lead to a slowed metabolism.
As a result, you may not lose weight or even gain weight even though you haven't changed your diet.
You can have a doctor clarify whether it is actually related to a hormonal imbalance that prevents the kilos from falling.
Losing weight doesn't work - reason 5: giving up your favorite food
Enjoyment should also be possible when losing weight, even if many diets involve doing without.
Because if you keep forbidding yourself your favorite food, you encourage cravings.
The brain wants precisely what is forbidden.
As a result, it becomes more and more difficult to completely avoid favorite foods over time and to stick to the diet.
Therefore, treat yourself to your favorite dish in reduced quantities and, for example, with healthy side dishes.
Losing weight doesn't work: ten mistakes you should avoid
Losing weight doesn't work: ten mistakes you should avoid
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.
List of rubrics: © Lars Zahner/IMAGO