Psychological Reasons For Not Losing Weight

According to 2008 data from the Centers for Disease Control, 34 percent of adults in the U.S. are overweight and another 34 percent are obese. Although most people are aware of the health risks associated with extra weight, such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, many people find it difficult to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Overcoming psychological "road blocks" may play an important role in weight loss.

Physiological Mechanism

According to an article in the journal "Science," one reason for difficulty in weight loss is that the body is not physiologically adapted to prevent weight gain when food is plentiful. The environment of convenience in modern society means a wide variety of food in large portions is readily available, while physical activity is discouraged. Psychologically, it is difficult for people to combat the "clear your plate" mentality and choose small portions or lower-calorie options when a more appealing alternative is just as easy to obtain. Likewise, it is difficult to choose to run without an immediate external motivator that human ancestors might have had, such as pursuing prey.

Stress Depression

Many people deal with significant levels of stress due to their jobs, financial situations, relationships or other factors. Stress produces a hormone called cortisol that promotes fat storage. This hormone is responsible for the phenomenon of "stress eating," or consuming more food than normal during times of high stress.

Stress can also lead to or exacerbate depression, which is associated with overeating and sedentary behavior. Some anti-depressant drugs also contribute to weight gain. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depressive disorders affect nearly 10 percent of the population.

Lack of Motivation

According to MayoClinic.com, many people start out with good weight-loss intentions but quickly fall back into old habits due to lack of motivation. For most people, losing weight requires a change in lifestyle and a different attitude toward food and physical activity. If you are not experiencing immediate health problems due to your weight, you may feel unmotivated to make these changes. Support systems, whether from friends, family or a weight-loss support group, can help you feel more motivated to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly.

Unrealistic Goals

People often set unrealistic goals, such as losing 10 lbs. in a week, only to become disappointed when they cannot achieve these goals. You may feel that since you did not meet the goal, you might as well give up. Their perceived failure may also lead to a depressed mood accompanied by binge eating. Losing weight takes time and requires patience and persistence. MayoClinic.com recommends a long-term goal of losing no more than 1-2 lbs. per week.