Why Am I Not Losing Weight

Losing weight is not easy. It’s not impossible, though. 

There are many factors involved when you’re trying to lose weight. It’s not only about cutting carbs, eating less fat or fewer calories. 

Every single person is different. The genetic makeup of individuals makes a difference when it comes to weight loss. 

Genes and DNA provide instructions for the body to function optimally. Since every person has different combinations of genes, dieting isn’t one size fits all. 

This is why some people can eat pizza every day and never suffer from obesity. Again, weight gain occurs for many reasons. 

Cortisol, Stress, and Belly Fat

Let’s look at cortisol - the stress hormone. When people are stressed, they may overproduce a hormone called cortisol. This hormone has been known to increase the accumulation of belly fat. However, cortisol levels don’t increase at the same rate for everyone. Some people naturally produce less cortisol than others and some people don’t feel as stressed as others over similar situations. 

Body Weight: More Than Fat

Body weight is also quite complex. It consists of body fat, muscle mass, water, and bone mass. If you’ve been relying on a calorie deficit by reducing your calorie intake and not losing weight, it’s likely because your body is reducing body fat but increasing some other part of your body’s weight, such as muscle mass or water. 

The above is especially true if you’re doing cardio to burn calories. What many people don’t realize is that they are building muscle while exercising, and muscle weighs more than fat. Cardio can also increase appetite especially for carbohydrates (for energy) and carbs in the body can hold water - retaining water makes body weight increase. 

The Right Foods and Moves

Dietary changes are a good idea when trying to lose weight but knowing the right healthy foods for your genetic makeup is important. Dietitians often use genetic testing to help people who are not losing weight. It provides insight into what to eat to increase metabolic rate and even what type of physical activity is most effective, such as resistance training over strength training. You can learn more about this in ⁠DNA Testing for Weight Loss Diets. 

Calories, Diets, and Medical Conditions

The number of calories you consume isn’t all you should consider. The amount of calories someone should consume depends on what their body needs to function efficiently. Not eating enough calories could lead to gaining weight or a weight loss plateau. Eating a low-fat diet, avoiding whole grains, or a low-carb keto diet may not be the best choice if your body doesn’t function well with those extremes, especially when suffering from a medical condition such as thyroid disorder, PCOS, or high blood pressure. 

Sleep and Weight Loss

Getting enough sleep for your body is also important when trying to lose weight. Sleep deprivation keeps your body from working at its full potential - this can lead to a decrease in metabolic rate AND reduce calorie burn. 

How do you know how many hours of sleep you need? It’s different for everyone, which is why it’s good to take a DNA test to find out. Genetic testing for weight loss can help you achieve your weight loss goals by getting an adequate amount of sleep for your unique body. 

If you’re wondering if ⁠DNA works for weight loss, you’re in luck - it really does work!

What Personal Trainers and Nutritionists Miss

The same goes for your exercise routine. Many personal trainers will create a workout plan based on heart rate. While this can be beneficial to cardiovascular health, it may not be as beneficial to weight loss. This is why it’s important to know what your body needs as far as physical activity. DNA testing can identify exercises best suited for your body, which can help your entire body function much better. 

Nutritionists will often recommend drinking enough water, eating whole foods and veggies, and avoid snacking and fast food to lose weight. While these tips can help avoid extra calories, mental health matters. Moderation can help people lose weight over time, especially when keeping their activity level high. 

Why You’re Not Losing Weight

Why aren’t you losing weight? You’re not eating or moving in the way that your body thrives best. DNA testing can uncover the foods you should eat for your unique genetic makeup and the exercises you should do to help your body function optimally. Learn how you can get a ⁠free weight loss DNA report here, so you can start losing weight.

For additional information, read ⁠Can a DNA Test Help with Weight Loss.