Weight loss can be a complex and challenging journey. You might be making efforts to eat healthier and exercise more, yet find the scale refusing to budge. It’s a frustrating experience, and you might be left wondering why you’re not losing weight.
If you feel like you are doing everything right and still aren’t losing weight, our functional medicine Studio City experts have listed common reasons this might be happening.
1. You Aren’t in a Calorie Deficit
The foundation of weight loss is creating a calorie deficit, which means you consume fewer calories than your body uses each day. Regardless of the type of diet you choose—keto, low-fat, vegetarian—if you’re not in a calorie deficit, you will not lose weight. If your weight isn’t dropping, it may be worth reevaluating your portion sizes or tracking your food to ensure you’re not consuming more calories than you think.
2. You Think You Can Outrun a Bad Diet
A common misconception about weight loss is the belief that as long as you exercise enough, you can eat whatever you want. The reality is, that while exercise is crucial for overall health and can help in weight loss, it’s very hard to outrun a bad diet. The calories in a chocolate bar, for example, would take a long time to burn off through exercise. As functional medicine Burbank providers, we suggest eating nutrient-dense, lower-calorie foods, a more effective strategy for weight loss than relying on exercise alone.
3. You Have an Inconsistent Sleep Schedule
Your sleep schedule has a big impact on your weight. Poor or inconsistent sleep can increase your hunger hormones, leading you to eat more. It can also leave you feeling tired and less motivated to exercise or make healthy food choices. Try to establish a regular sleep schedule, aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, to support your weight loss efforts.
4. You Aren’t Drinking Enough Water
Drinking water is often overlooked in weight loss plans, but it plays a crucial role. Water can help to control your appetite by making you feel full, and it also helps your body function properly. If you’re not drinking enough water, you may mistake thirst for hunger and end up eating when you’re actually just thirsty. As providers of functional medicine Los Angeles, we recommend aiming for eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, although needs can vary.
5. You Are Indulging Too Much in Alcohol
While an occasional glass of wine or beer isn’t likely to sabotage your weight loss efforts, regular or excessive drinking can. Alcohol is high in calories and can also lead to increased hunger and poorer food choices. If you’re consuming alcohol regularly and struggling to lose weight, consider cutting back.
Seeking a provider of Hollywood functional medicine that can help you lose weight? Contact Functional Medicine Los Angeles today!