Women almost always start a new weight loss journey with high hopes and well-written goals. While the first couple of weigh-ins may prove fruitful, progress often slows or comes to a halt entirely.
If you have experienced this, then you know it feels like your weight loss efforts have been wasted. You aren’t alone — many women find themselves facing this same battle.
So, what are you doing wrong? The truth is, you can do everything just right and still struggle to lose weight.
Before you get discouraged, keep reading. This article explores common weight loss struggles faced by women and what can be done to overcome them.
Common Weight Loss Struggles Women Face
Have you been finding it tough to lose weight regardless of your efforts? Women can face many challenges when it comes to losing weight. Below are just a few of the many struggles.
Lack of Quality Sleep
Believe it or not, sleep is more important for your weight loss efforts than you think. Not getting enough zzz’s can disrupt your hormones which, in turn, can impact your ability to lose weight.
What’s more, when you are tired, you are less likely to engage in physical activity and you may even find yourself reaching for high-carb, high-calorie foods.
Your Hormones
When a woman’s hormones are out of balance, two things can happen —- her emotions run high and her body may not run as efficiently as it should. Both can interfere with weight loss efforts.
These hormonal imbalances can often occur due to menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Elevated Stress Levels
Too much stress in your life can cause your body to struggle when burning fat. Not only is the constantly high level of cortisol a detriment to your health, but stress can also reduce your ability to get enough quality sleep. It can also cause you to eat mindlessly — and consume unhealthy foods.
It should be no surprise that high stress and weight gain go hand-in-hand.
Medications and Medical Conditions
Certain medications can impede weight loss. Things like antidepressants and steroids are used regularly by many but can make it hard to lose weight.
Medical conditions can also hurt a woman’s ability to lose weight. Hypothyroidism can play a significant role as it causes everything in your body to slow down, including your metabolism. And it just so happens to be commonly diagnosed in women over 40 years of age.
Other medical conditions that can cause you to struggle with weight loss include diabetes, chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, physical injuries, autoimmune disorders, metabolic diseases, and more.
Finding Success With Your Weight Loss
Dieting and weight loss do not come with a one-size-fits-all program — especially since you just read above that many factors can play a role in your ability to shed pounds. Nonetheless, there are ways to lose weight.
Add fitness to your routine. Eating the right amount is one thing, but including resistance and weight training, HIIT exercises, and more in your workouts can help. Combine this with regular cardio. Remain consistent and you can help spark your weight loss.
Of course, having a weight loss plan that fits your body and lifestyle is crucial. Work with a personal weight loss coach to determine the best steps to take to achieve your goals. Know what to eat and how to move in a way that fits you.
Finally, focus on long-term rather than immediate results. Weight loss for women can be tough, but it is not impossible.
The nutrition coaches of Beyond the Box Nutrition take you beyond dieting, helping you to create a balanced lifestyle and a healthy relationship with food with a plan designed to fit your life.