Many individuals follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly but still struggle to lose weight. In such cases, undiagnosed medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, or metabolic disruptions may be contributing to stalled progress. Identifying these less obvious factors can help explain why traditional methods may not be effective and guide more targeted, medically informed strategies for weight management.
Medical Conditions That May Affect Weight Loss
Certain medical conditions can make it difficult to lose weight despite healthy habits. These conditions may go unrecognised, as their symptoms are often subtle and can mimic general fatigue or mood changes.
Hypothyroidism: A slowed metabolism due to insufficient thyroid hormone production may reduce energy expenditure and hinder fat loss, even with reduced caloric intake.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal condition associated with insulin resistance that promotes fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area.
Insulin Resistance: Reduces the body’s ability to process glucose efficiently, increasing fat storage and impeding the body’s use of fat as an energy source.
Sleep Apnea: Disrupts sleep quality and alters hormones that regulate appetite, often leading to increased food intake and reduced motivation to exercise.
Hormonal Factors That May Block Weight Loss
Hormonal imbalances can directly influence metabolism, appetite control, and fat distribution. These imbalances may persist even with appropriate diet and exercise, making weight loss more difficult.
Chronic Stress and Cortisol: Prolonged stress increases cortisol levels, which may encourage visceral fat storage and elevate cravings for high-calorie foods.
Oestrogen Imbalance: Can disrupt carbohydrate metabolism and promote fat accumulation, particularly around the hips and thighs.
Low Testosterone: Reduced testosterone levels may lead to muscle loss, which lowers resting energy expenditure and slows fat loss.
Leptin Resistance: Impairs satiety signalling to the brain, potentially leading to overeating even when energy stores are adequate.
Medication Effects on Weight Management
Some medications may interfere with metabolism, appetite regulation, or fat storage, complicating weight loss despite healthy efforts.
Antidepressants: Medications like SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants may affect appetite and slow metabolism, sometimes resulting in weight gain over time.
Beta-blockers: Commonly used for hypertension, these may reduce metabolic rate and physical activity tolerance.
Corticosteroids: Can increase appetite and promote fat deposition, particularly in the abdominal region.
Antipsychotics: Often associated with metabolic side effects, including weight gain and insulin resistance.
Metabolic Factors That Slow Weight Loss
Metabolic changes, whether age-related or nutrition-based, can reduce the body’s ability to burn calories efficiently, contributing to weight loss plateaus.
Age-Related Decline: After age 30, metabolic rate gradually decreases, often requiring adjustments in diet and exercise to sustain progress.
Muscle Loss from Inadequate Protein: Insufficient protein intake can reduce lean muscle mass, leading to a slower metabolism.
Adaptive Thermogenesis: Prolonged caloric restriction may trigger the body to conserve energy, reducing calorie burn.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Deficits in iron, B vitamins, magnesium, or vitamin D can impair energy metabolism and contribute to fatigue.
Lifestyle Factors That Interfere With Weight Loss
Lifestyle habits may unintentionally hinder weight loss, even when overall behaviour seems healthy. Identifying and addressing these factors can improve outcomes.
Poor Sleep Quality: Inadequate sleep affects hunger and satiety hormones, increasing appetite and cravings.
Dehydration: Even mild dehydration may slow metabolism and increase hunger cues.
Irregular Eating Patterns: Skipping meals or late-night eating may affect glucose control and disrupt circadian rhythms.
Untracked Caloric Intake: Small, high-calorie items such as beverages, oils, or dressings can contribute significantly to daily energy intake.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If weight loss remains difficult despite consistent lifestyle efforts, a personalised health check may be necessary.
Seek evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent weight plateau despite proper diet and physical activity.
- Symptoms suggestive of endocrine disorders, including fatigue, irregular menstruation, mood changes, or hair thinning.
- Signs of insulin resistance, such as increased abdominal fat, carbohydrate cravings, or post-meal fatigue.
- Recent weight changes following new medications.
- Need for preventive screening for conditions like prediabetes, hypertension, or metabolic syndrome.
Conclusion
Weight loss is a complex process influenced by medical, metabolic, and hormonal factors. When lifestyle changes do not yield expected results, it may reflect underlying conditions such as insulin resistance or endocrine dysfunction.
Schedule a consultation with our internal medicine specialist in Singapore for individualised evaluation and evidence-based management of your weight-related concerns.
