Nothing is more frustrating than sticking to a diet, exercising faithfully, and still not losing weight. You might be tempted to give up on your diet, but don't quit. Your weight-loss strategy might not be working for a variety of reasons. The possibilities might surprise you.
Biology
People who can't lose weight aren't always cheating on their diets. Sometimes the problem lies within an individual's biology. Dr. David Ludwig, an obesity researcher at Harvard, told Reader's Digest that genetics and insulin can play a role. Ludwig performed a study in which 73 obese people were put on either a low-fat or a low-glycemic diet. He found that people who secreted insulin at a slow rate lost weight equally well on both diets. Those who secreted insulin at a rapid rate lost five times more weight on a low-glycemic diet. Low-glycemic diets replace carbohydrates such as white flour, white potatoes and white rice with whole grain alternatives. If you suspect you have an insulin problem, visit your doctor.
Thyroid Problems
If a formerly successful diet no longer works or if you gained weight unexpectedly, visit your doctor to have your thyroid levels checked. According to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, hypothyroidism can cause weight gain and affects at least 5 percent of the U.S. population. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid produces too little hormone. It can also result in fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and depression.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Women who have trouble losing weight may suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, which affects as many as 1 out of 10 U.S. women of reproductive age. In addition to weight gain, symptoms include irregular periods, excess facial hair and acne. PCOS can be caused by too much insulin, which leads to a hormone imbalance, according to GirlsHealth.gov. PCOS can be treated with medication to regulate hormones. GirlsHealth.gov says that women with PCOS should eat high-fiber carbohydrates, protein and multiple small meals a day.
Try Weight Training
Muscle burns more calories than fat, even while you are at rest. Because of this, Medline Plus suggests strength training as an essential part of any weight-loss program. As your body becomes leaner and you gain more muscle, you might notice a change in the way your clothes fit before you see a change on the scale. If you plan to start weight lifting for the first time, check with your doctor and meet with a personal trainer to learn the proper methods.
Try a Different Approach
If you are not exercising vigorously enough, you may encounter problems losing weight. Although 20 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times a week is a general recommended minimum, the President's Council on Physical Fitness, Sports and Nutrition suggests that people who need to lose more weight should work out five times a week. You also want to make sure that you are reaching your target heart rate when exercising aerobically. Your target heart rate is found by subtracting your age from 220 and then calculating 60 percent to 80 percent of that number. If you are starting an aerobic workout for the first time, consult your doctor.
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