Excess weight can be caused by obesity. Obesity is characterized by the presence of excess body fat, hormonal disruption, and associated with many other health conditions. It can be more challenging to lose weight when you have obesity because your body fights the processes that aid in Keeping your body weight at a healthy level.
Healthy weight loss typically involves losing 1 to 2 pounds per week. Since healthy weight loss is a gradual progress, it can sometimes feel discouraging when the numbers on the scale aren’t changing quickly. Noticeable results early in the process are often a source of motivation to continue lifestyle changes. However, it is important to adopt lifestyle changes that not only lead to weight loss but can also health benefits that be maintained over the long term. Identifying some challenges associated with maintaining weight loss can promote a successful weight loss journey.
Challenge #1: Slowed Metabolism
After losing weight, the body often responds by slowing down its metabolism, which means it burns less energy ( or fewer calories).. This is a natural process but can make it more difficult to maintain weight loss because the body requires fewer calories to maintain its new weight.
Challenge #2: Increased Hunger Hormones
Weight loss can trigger changes in hunger hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which may increase appetite and cravings. This biological response can make it harder to stick to healthy eating patterns and can lead to overeating or weight regain.
Challenge #3: Mental Burnout
Sustaining the mental effort required for long-term weight management can lead to burnout. The ongoing work and effort needed to track food intake, exercise, and manage emotions around eating can be exhausting, leading some people to give up or revert to old habits.
Challenge #4: Environmental Pressures
Maintaining weight loss often requires resisting social pressures, such as eating out, overindulging in celebratory foods, high stress levels, and time constraints that make it harder to exercise or get enough sleep. Over time, it can become challenging to balance a healthy lifestyle with the demands and temptations of everyday life.
Each of these challenges requires ongoing effort, but with the right mindset and strategies, they can be managed effectively.
Four focus areas for obesity treatment that can sustain weight loss long-term include physical activity, behavior including mental health and lifestyle modification, diet, and medical
