Weight loss is challenging. People say, “It's calories in versus calories out that counts” as if your body were a math problem. If it were so easy, everyone would have aced this test.
1. Gut Health Influences New research shows how crucial your gut microbiome—the microorganisms in your stomach—is for your health and weight.
2. Genetics are against you It may be impossible to choose the body type or form you desire and easily achieve it with food.
3. Losing Muscle as You Age Women lose muscle as they age due to menopause and low estrogen levels, explains Gorin. Research shows that muscle mass diminishes 3–8% per decade after 30.
4. Blame Your Medicine Cabinet Some drugs promote weight gain or hinder weight loss. The University of Rochester Medical Center in New York lists insulin, antipsychotics, antidepressants, epilepsy treatments, steroids, and beta blockers as examples.
5. You Underestimate Portion Sizes Packaging portion sizes are random, which is a concern.
6. Mindless or Distracted Eating Repetitive eating while watching TV or on your phone can make you wonder, What did I eat? Distracted eating increases BMI, according to a September 2022 Appetite meta-analysis.
7. Skipping Meals Causes Overeating It's tempting to skip meals and eat little to minimize calories. Walter warns that restriction can backfire because your body will want to eat.
8. Overestimating Calorie Burn Karp says diet is more essential than exercise while losing weight. However, “exercise is the secret to keeping weight off,” he explains.