Why Can’t I Lose Weight? – Get Answers and Expert Advice
Many people struggle with weight loss despite eating well, exercising regularly, and doing everything they think is right. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I lose weight?”, you’re not alone. Weight management is complex and influenced by several physical, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. At J E Williamson Pharmacy in Bishops Stortford, we help patients understand the root causes of stubborn weight gain and offer expert support to achieve lasting, healthy results.
The Real Reasons Weight Loss Can Be Difficult
Weight loss isn’t always as simple as calories in versus calories out. While diet and exercise are important, other underlying issues can make shedding pounds much harder. Your metabolism, hormones, stress levels, sleep quality, and even medications can all play a role in how your body stores and burns fat.
Before feeling discouraged, it’s worth identifying what might be standing in your way. Recognising these challenges is the first step toward achieving sustainable results.
Common Reasons You May Struggle to Lose Weight
1. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones play a crucial role in regulating appetite, metabolism, and fat storage. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can make weight loss much more difficult. Women going through menopause or people with fluctuating cortisol levels due to chronic stress may also find it harder to lose weight.
If you suspect a hormonal issue, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional who can assess your symptoms and suggest appropriate treatment or lifestyle adjustments.
2. Underestimating Calorie Intake
Even when eating healthy foods, portion sizes can add up. It’s easy to underestimate how many calories you consume each day, especially when snacking, eating out, or using oil and dressings in cooking. Tracking your food intake for a week can reveal hidden calories that may be hindering your progress.
Simple adjustments like controlling portion sizes, reducing sugary drinks, and avoiding ultra-processed snacks can make a big difference over time.
3. Lack of Physical Activity Variety
Doing the same type of exercise repeatedly can lead to plateaus. While cardio burns calories, strength training is equally important because it increases muscle mass, which boosts metabolism. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns at rest.
Combining different types of exercise — such as resistance training, walking, cycling, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) — can help overcome stagnant progress and make workouts more effective.
4. Not Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is often overlooked but essential for weight management. Inadequate sleep can disrupt hunger hormones such as ghrelin and leptin, leading to increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods. Lack of rest also raises stress hormones, which can encourage fat storage, particularly around the abdomen.
Aiming for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night helps restore balance, improve energy, and support healthy weight regulation.
5. Chronic Stress
When the body experiences ongoing stress, it produces excess cortisol — a hormone that can promote fat storage and increase cravings for sugary or fatty foods. Emotional eating often becomes a coping mechanism, making it difficult to maintain a calorie deficit.
Incorporating stress management techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga can help regulate cortisol levels and support weight loss efforts.
6. Certain Medications
Some prescription medications, including antidepressants, steroids, and certain contraceptives, can cause weight gain or make it harder to lose weight. If you’ve noticed changes in your weight after starting a new medication, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider — never stop taking medication without professional advice.
7. Unrealistic Expectations
Healthy, sustainable weight loss takes time. Many people expect rapid results from strict diets or extreme exercise routines, only to feel discouraged when progress slows. Aiming for gradual weight loss of 1–2 pounds per week is more achievable and easier to maintain long-term.
Remember, consistency and balance are more important than quick fixes. Focus on building lifelong habits rather than short-term restrictions.
Medical Support for Weight Management
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, additional help may be needed to achieve your weight loss goals. At J E Williamson Pharmacy, we offer professional weight management consultations in Bishops Stortford, including guidance on clinically proven prescription treatments such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
These medications work by regulating appetite and improving how your body processes food, helping you lose weight safely under medical supervision. Combined with dietary advice and lifestyle changes, they can make a significant difference for individuals who have struggled to lose weight on their own.
Benefits of Professional Weight Management Support
—> Personalised advice: Tailored plans designed to fit your unique health and lifestyle needs.
—> Safe prescribing: All treatments are provided following a professional consultation with a qualified healthcare expert.
—> Ongoing support: Regular follow-ups to track progress and make adjustments where needed.
—> Holistic approach: We focus on both physical and emotional wellbeing for long-term success.
Our experienced pharmacists and prescribers can help identify what’s holding you back and create a realistic plan to reach your weight goals safely and effectively.
Start Your Healthy Weight Loss Journey
If you’ve been wondering “why can’t I lose weight?” and feel stuck despite your best efforts, don’t face it alone. The team at J E Williamson Pharmacy in Bishops Stortford is here to support you with expert advice, safe treatments, and tailored guidance to help you achieve lasting results.
Book now to arrange a confidential consultation and start your journey towards healthier, more sustainable weight loss today.
This blog was written on behalf of J E Williamson Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
