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Why is it so hard to lose weight and keep it off?

Writer: Opeyemi OjoOpeyemi Ojo

Updated: May 6, 2024

There are several theories as to why our bodies fight weight loss and why weight loss is more difficult for some people, more than others. When you integrate all theories discussed below and integrate them into your weight loss efforts you will maximize your weight loss and improve your chances of keeping it off.





  1. Set Point Theory

This complex theory has been widely studied and was recently published in Obesity magazine, April 2021. The set point theory states that many persons with obesity can lose weight but have difficulty maintaining this body weight over time. This theory states that there are many contributing factors to the inability to keep this weight off. Some of these factors are; inherited traits, the environment, hormones, psychological, and genetic elements.


2. Gut Microbiome

In a study performed at Washington University School of Medicine, there was an identifiable difference in the gut microbiome of over 300 bacterial genes between obese and thin study participants. Understanding the complex environment in the gut microbiome can be the missing link to weight loss and keeping the weight off. Many of these gut bacterial genes are imperative for lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. When these bacterial genes are imbalances the gut can create an environment of insulin resistance of fat deposition despite dietary and lifestyle adjustments. There are many factors that can affect the gut microbiome. These factors include; age, lifestyle, circadian rhythm, drugs, diet and genetics.


3. NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis)

Non- exercise activity thermogenesis is energy used for everything that does not involve eating, sleeping or exercise. Your Basal Metabolic Rate is the largest contributor to energy expenditure. Keeping a healthy BMR is imperative to your weight loss journey. Do you feel like you are too busy to work out everyday? Does your budget limit you from having a gym membership? Would you be surprised if we told you that you don't have to exercise in a gym for 2 hours per day to lose weight. You can lose weight by just increasing how much you move your body during the day.


At UHM, we incorporate all the above theories into our treatment plans. We also use prescription medications, peptide therapies, and medical-grade supplements to aid in resetting and restoring the body's mechanism responsible for weight loss ad weight maintenance.

 
 
 

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