Struggling with Weight Loss? Here's What Might Be Happening
Losing weight isn’t just about eating less or exercising more. Hormone imbalances and other underlying factors could be making it harder than it needs to be. If you’ve tried multiple diets and exercise routines with little success, it’s time to consider what’s happening beneath the surface. Let’s break it down:
Hormonal Imbalances
Leptin (The Satiety Hormone):
Leptin tells your brain when you’re full, but leptin resistance (common with excess fat and inflammation) can lead to overeating and weight gain.
Fix it: Eat an anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s. Exercise regularly, sleep well, and manage stress to improve sensitivity to leptin.
Insulin (The Storage Hormone):
Insulin helps your body use sugar for energy, but insulin resistance can cause fat storage, hunger, and cravings, particularly for carbs.
Fix it: Avoid sugary, processed foods and focus on whole foods like lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Move daily—walking, strength training, or any activity can help lower insulin resistance.
Cortisol (The Stress Hormone):
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, increasing cravings for comfort foods, promoting fat storage (especially around the belly), and breaking down muscle.
Fix it: Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or simply getting outside for a walk. A balanced diet and 7–9 hours of quality sleep can also keep cortisol levels in check.
Natural Solutions for Weight Management
Balanced Diet: Focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Starting your day with 30-40g of protein at breakfast can balance blood sugar and reduce cravings.
Regular Exercise: Mix cardio with strength training. Aim to move daily and include muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week.
Stress Management: Find ways to relax—whether it’s journaling, mindfulness, or a hobby you enjoy. Lowering stress can help regulate hormones.
Sleep: Poor sleep disrupts hormones like gherkin (which increases hunger), making weight loss harder. Prioritise 7–9 hours of good-quality sleep every night.
Hydration: Drink at least 8 cups of water daily. Staying hydrated supports metabolism and prevents mistaking thirst for hunger.
Intermittent Fasting - may support weight loss by reducing calorie intake, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting fat burning during fasting periods. Check with your GP before trying as its not suitable for everyone.
Using Functional Testing to find out whats driving your weight gain
Sometimes, your weight struggles aren’t just about diet and exercise.
Hormone Testing will assess levels of leptin, insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones, this helps to identify imbalances that may contribute to weight fluctuations.
A comprehensive stool analysis may uncover gut issues that could be affecting your metabolism and contributing to weight changes.
Testing for deficiencies in nutrients, vitamins and minerals can help tailor a more effective diet plan for weight loss.
If you feel like you're doing everything right but still can't lose weight, it might be time to look deeper. As a Nutritional Therapist, I can work with you to help uncover and address the underlying factors affecting your weight.
Book a free chat with me today and take the first step towards achieving your weight loss goals naturally and effectively.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns, before starting any supplements, or making significant changes to your diet, particularly if you are taking any medication.
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