Why Weight Loss is So Hard

This post is a little more technical, but really quite important!

Our bodies are biologically programmed to maintain or even slowly gain weight. This is a survival mechanism from earlier times when food scarcity was common. Consequently, when you eat less calories to lose weight, your body compensates by lowering your metabolic rate and increasing hunger hormones, making sustained weight loss even harder. This is why many people experience initial success but then hit a plateau or regain the weight.

Two popular models explain the complexity of weight loss: the "calories in, calories out" model and the "carbohydrate-insulin" model. The former suggests that weight loss is straightforward—just consume fewer calories than you burn. However, this model doesn't account for the body's metabolic adjustments.

On the other hand, the carbohydrate-insulin model highlights that not all calories are equal. High-glycemic foods, which quickly convert foods to sugar, can trigger hormonal responses that promote fat storage and increase hunger. This model highlights the popularity of low-carb diets, such as ketogenic diets, and intermittent fasting, which aim to lower insulin levels and improve metabolic health.

For those struggling with weight loss, various strategies can help. Medications that reduce hunger and bariatric surgery are safe options for those who have tried multiple diets without lasting success. Additionally, specific dietary approaches, like low-carb or ketogenic diets, can be effective for some individuals. It's important to recognize that different people may respond differently to these strategies due to genetic predispositions, hormonal balances, and lifestyle factors.

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