Many of us may have made a New Year’s resolution to shed the extra weight gained over the festive period. However, if you’re finding it difficult to lose weight, despite your best efforts, there could be medical reasons behind it.
Dr Ahmed Abd Elbary, known as @Dra_says on TikTok, has previously offered advice for those struggling with weight loss, describing it as a “very common complaint” among his patients. He highlighted five medical conditions that could hinder weight loss, even if you’re eating healthily and exercising regularly.
It’s always best to consult your GP to identify any potential underlying health issues. One such condition is an underactive thyroid, which can make weight loss challenging.
The NHS confirmed weight gain as a symptom of this condition, along with fatigue, depression and struggling to cope with the cold. Dr Ahmed also recommended women get tested for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), another condition that can impede weight loss.
Symptoms of PCOS include excessive hair growth, sweating, acne, and irregular periods. According to the NHS, these symptoms typically manifest in late adolescence or early adulthood, and many women discover they have PCOS when they experience difficulty conceiving, reports the Mirror.
The GP highlighted several medical factors that may be impeding weight loss efforts. He explained the crucial influence of hormones on weight, adding that issues like menopause, perimenopause and low testosterone in men as potential obstacles to shedding pounds.
He pointed out that “excessive levels” of cortisol, linked to Cushing syndrome, can also inhibit weight loss. It’s a condition largely seen in long-term users of steroid medication, particularly oral steroids.
Talking to a doctor might help identify the problems you’re facing
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The doctor ended his list with an often overlooked yet common culprit of weight gain, stating: “Are you taking any medications that are causing weight gain? Most commonly, things like antidepressants, antipsychotics and even some diabetic medications can do this.”
Dr Ahmed strongly advised anyone suspecting their medication is contributing to weight increase to consult with their GP. This should lead to a review of their current prescription to address the concern.
A healthy weight loss goal is to lose 1–2 pounds per week. This is a gradual, steady pace that makes it more likely to keep the weight off. There is plenty of NHS-backed advice available here.