It can be frustrating and a blow to your self-confidence when you've made healthy diet changes and committed to exercising yet still can't lose weight. Many times a plateau is to blame; this happens when your body has adapted to the lifestyle changes you've made, making weight loss a challenge. To overcome, you must change up your routine. In some cases, however, a medical condition may be keeping you from reaching your weight loss goals. Talk with your doctor if you can't lose weight or are gaining weight unintentionally.
Hypothyroidism
Having an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, can not only make weight loss difficult but also cause you to gain weight. Your thyroid gland produces a hormone that is involved in regulating your metabolism. Your metabolism slows down when your thyroid doesn't produce enough of this vital hormone, leading you to gain weight as a result. Weight gain is typically no more than 5 to 10 lbs. and is mostly due to water retention, not excess fat, according to the American Thyroid Association.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that causes several health concerns due to hormonal imbalances. These include irregular menstruation, infertility and problems with skin or hair. The hormonal issues involved with PCOS center on having too high levels of androgens, such as testosterone, and/or an under-production of female hormones. Weight challenges are common if you have PCOS; about half of women with this condition are obese, according to MayoClinic.com. If you're an adult female, weight gain and trouble getting pregnant may be the two most common signs of PCOS.
Cushing's Syndrome
Another endocrine condition, Cushing's syndrome, can also make losing weight a challenge. When your levels of the hormone cortisol are too high, you can experience many effects. Several of these alter your appearance, such as pink or purple stretch marks and a hump between the shoulders. Excess cortisol also causes weight gain and can lead to the formation of fatty areas on your body, particularly in the face, upper back and around the middle.
Depression
Major depression is a serious health condition that can permeate all areas of your life including your family relationships, career and social life. It can also have considerable effects on your physical health. Abnormal or unhealthy eating behaviors are common during depression. Difficulty losing weight -- or experiencing weight gain -- are possible if you turn to food for comfort when depressed. In fact, abnormal serotonin levels in the brain may contribute to your cravings for high-carbohydrate foods. Weight gain is also a side effect of most antidepressants, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for managing both your weight and psychological symptoms.
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