What health conditions can stop you from losing weight?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, hormonal changes and mental health conditions can all cause weight gain or make it more difficult to lose excess weight.
5 Health Conditions That Make it Harder to Lose Weight
Losing weight is often a difficult process, with most people experiencing setbacks and plateaus along the way. However, if your weight loss has stalled and you’re finding it difficult to shed the pounds, there may be a medical reason. Here are five health conditions that can make it harder to lose weight.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone-related condition that affects millions of women. PCOS is characterized by multiple small cysts on the ovaries and an imbalance of hormones, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including weight gain, irregular bleeding, disruptions to the menstrual cycle, difficulty getting pregnant, miscarriage, thinning hair, acne and excess body or facial hair. Women with PCOS often find it difficult to lose weight, although successfully managing the condition usually results in weight loss.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormone needed in order to burn fat, resulting in a slow metabolism. Hypothyroidism can run in families, so if a close family member has been diagnosed with the condition, it’s important to get checked out, as untreated thyroid problems can lead to complications. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, depression, constipation, hair loss, menstrual problems, sensitivity to cold and swelling of the thyroid gland.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance, sometime known as Syndrome X, is a condition in which the body has become resistant to insulin. Insulin resistance makes it more difficult to balance blood sugar levels, causing a range of symptoms, including weight gain, tiredness and fatigue. Insulin resistance can lead diabetes, heart disease and other serious health conditions, so it’s important to seek medical advice. However, most people can control the condition by making a few simple diet and lifestyle changes.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes in women can also cause weight gain and make it more difficult to lose excess weight. Hormonal changes may be caused by specific health conditions, but they can also be caused by normal life changes, such as the onset of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Many women also experience changes in weight during the period leading up to menopause. The symptoms of normal hormonal changes can sometimes be treated or managed with the help of lifestyle changes, hormone therapy and other treatments.
Mental Health Conditions
Stress, depression, anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions can cause changes in the body and affect hormone production. Some mental health conditions can lead to the production of hormones that cause the body to store extra weight in certain areas, such as around the waist. Successful treatment of depression, anxiety and chronic stress usually reverses hormone problems related to mental health, but it may take time for your body to adapt and return to a healthy weight.
Losing weight is rarely a simple process, as most people will experience plateaus along the way. However, if you’re finding it difficult to lose weight, a medical condition could be the cause. Polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, hormonal changes and mental health conditions can all cause weight gain or make it more difficult to lose excess weight.
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The next time you pop into your favorite coffee shop, consider skipping the pumpkin spice latte, caramel macchiato, or cold brew iced coffee and go for a soothing, steaming cup of tea instead. Because in addition to tea’s well-known power to soothe sore throats and even help prevent cancer and diabetes, it may help you reach your weight loss goals.
"Drinking tea may support weight loss or weight maintenance because it fills the void of beverages that are high in sugar and calories," says Josh Axe, D.N.M., founder of Ancient Nutrition. "When you switch out flavored lattes, coffee with added cream and sugar, and sugary sodas or juices and replace them with tea, you are cutting a massive amount of calories a day." (We too, love Starbucks' salted caramel mocha, but a grande packs a whopping 420 calories compared to zero in their wellness tea!)
Aside from being calorie-friendly (unsweetened tea is basically plant-flavored water), certain teas have antioxidant-rich compounds that may encourage weight loss, while also touting other health benefits such as improved sleep. However, it's worth noting that further research is needed to confirm the exact relationship between tea and losing weight.
With that being said, enjoying a daily cup of steeped goodness definitely won't to do you any harm, and can certainly keep sweet coffee cravings at bay. So, whether you enjoy them hot or iced, here are the teas that may provide the biggest boosts, plus some recommended picks to shop.
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