Everyone knows that the best way to lose weight is to follow a healthy and balanced diet, while also exercising regularly. Even if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, losing weight can still feel like a battle. Weight loss plateaus can be caused by underlying health issues that are often undiagnosed.

It’s possible that you are not able to lose weight due to a number of health issues. They may also be contributing to unwanted weight gain. “It may be invigorating to determine to embark on a weight reduction journey, however it may be extraordinarily irritating when the journey is getting derailed,” says Dr. Anna Cabeca, DO, who’s triple-board-certified in gynecology and obstetrics, integrative medication and anti-aging and regenerative medication. It is true that some people have an easier time losing weight than others.

We asked a team of doctors and dietitians to explain a variety of health issues that could be preventing weight loss. These professionals did not only explain what the issues are, but also how they contribute to a person’s difficulty losing weight. They even provided some warning signs.

If you are experiencing weight gain or have difficulty losing weight, you may be suffering from the following undetected health issues. Always consult your physician if you suspect you’re suffering from a medical condition. You will want to read on to learn more about how to lose weight.

1

Cushing’s Syndrome
“Cushing’s syndrome is a medical condition wherein the adrenal glands create an excessive quantity of cortisol, also known as stress hormone,” explains Dr. Candice Setti, PsyD. She’s a licensed clinical psychologist, a certified private coach and a certified vitamin coach. This can be caused by prolonged exposure to corticosteroid medication or a benign tumour on the pituitary. The cortisol will slow down your metabolism. Fat tends to accumulate in the face, upper back, and abdomen.”

According to Dr. Seti’s opinion, other signs of Cushing’s Syndrome include zits and hypertension. She says that the situation can be treated with either medicine or surgery to remove the tumor.

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2

Continual Stress
Even a slight increase in cortisol levels over time can cause havoc on your body and hinder your weight loss goals. Many people don’t realize how much stress can affect your physical health, but it can have a significant impact. “Most of us lead a pretty stressful life, especially this year with all the things that have been occurring,” says SaVanna Shoesmaker, MS.

When you are under pressure, your body produces higher levels of cortisol. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing in short-term situations of stress. This will make you want to eat more and allow you to store energy so that you can have it when you need it. Shoemaker says that excessive cortisol can be a problem if you are constantly anxious or stressed. “It alerts your physique to retailer extra fats (particularly in your midsection) and will enhance your meals cravings–particularly for high-calorie consolation meals.”

Stress is a common occurrence, so it can be difficult to determine if stress has an impact on your weight. If you think that stress is keeping you from losing weight, you may want to consult your doctor. Shoemaker says that a doctor can check your cortisol levels to determine if you have high cortisol. “However, if you are constantly stressed out or have an identified anxiety disorder, it’s definitely a risk.”

3

Adrenal Fatigue
Stress can cause adrenal fatigue. This condition encompasses nonspecific symptoms such as body aches, tiredness, anxiety, sleep disturbances and digestive problems. Adrenal fatigue, which is caused by excessive stress, can have negative effects such as weight gain, sweet cravings and muscle weakness. Cabeca says that in the initial phase of adrenal fatigue weight tends to accumulate in the wrong places and is nearly impossible to lose. “Women with adrenal fatigue are often frustrated because they feel like they’re doing everything to lose weight, but the pounds just won’t come off. It’s a simple chemical imbalance which can be corrected.

Cabeca recommends making changes to your eating routine if you feel like you are experiencing adrenal fatigue or are frustrated that you cannot lose weight. She says that you should focus on eating a diet of mostly unprocessed foods with the right proportions of carbs, protein and good fats, as well as vegetables and fruits. “Also, ensure that your diet contains enough zinc to help adrenal function.”

4

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when your body lacks the hormones that regulate metabolism. This can cause the metabolism to slow down, making it difficult to lose weight. A doctor will usually diagnose the condition, since blood tests are needed to reach a conclusive conclusion. The appropriate medicines can be used to treat hypothyroidism.

Amanda A. Kostro Miller RD, LDN who is on the Fitter Dwelling advisory board says that the first priority should be to keep thyroid hormones within normal limits. Otherwise, it could be very difficult to achieve a regular weight, whether or not through weight loss or gain. “As soon as hormones are extra managed, individuals with hypothyroidism usually want to shed pounds, so a calorie and carbohydrate-controlled food plan is useful.”

She does note that finding the right food plan can be difficult and may require additional consultations with your doctor. There are many drug-nutrient interactions with thyroid medications and diet that can make medicines less effective. Miller explains that the timing of your meals and medicines is crucial. Your doctor will tell you when to take your medicine and how to do it around your meal.

5

Hashimoto’s Disease
The end result is very similar. “Hashimoto’s is often confused with hypothyroidism because the two conditions are closely related.” Hashimoto’s is a chronic infection of the thyroid gland that leads to a hypothyroidism-like condition. Hashimoto’s, however, is an autoimmune disease. In this case, white blood cells in the body attack the thyroid and cause irritation. Hashimoto’s is treatable, just like hypothyroidism.

Related: 14 Ways to Reduce Irritation and Lose Weight Faster in accordance with RDs

6

Polycystic Ovarian syndrome
The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal imbalance in women. Women with PCOS are insulin resistant. This means that their bodies are less effective at converting sugars and starches to energy. Megan Wong is a registered diettitian who works with AlgaeCal. Because the body isn’t getting energy from these foods, it believes it needs to eat more and remains hungry. It will lead to overeating and weight gain.

Wong says: “Extra production of androgens (male hormones) is another attribute of PCOS. Better androgen levels are associated with weight gain, particularly in the abdomen.”

PCOS is characterized by irregular periods, excessive body hair, severe zits and weight gain around the abdomen. Women who think they may have PCOS should consult their gynecologist.

7

Menopause
The onset of menopause in women can lead to weight gain and/or make it harder for them to lose pounds. Dr. Seti says that hormonal shifts can cause the body to gain weight. This is true during menopause and even perimenopause. During this period, women’s metabolisms slow down and fat storage increases, especially around the abdomen. This weight gain is manageable if you maintain a healthy balance between eating, exercising, and self-care.

8

Low Testosterone
It’s not just women who struggle with hormonal changes that lead to weight gain. “Men are also affected,” Dr. Seti says. As men age, testosterone levels can naturally start to decrease. As testosterone drops, the accumulation of stomach fats increases. Low testosterone can also be reflected in fatigue, low libido and a lack of focus. According to Dr. Seti’s advice, hormone supplements may help restore testosterone levels back into a normal range.

9

Syndrome X
“SyndromeX is a group of health situations that may be linked to insulin resistance.” Lisa Younger RDN is a registered dietetic nutritionist and adjunct professor at New York University. She created Lastly Full, Lastly Slim. The body doesn’t respond well to insulin. Insulin resistance seems to affect other hormones in the body, including those that regulate metabolism. “Syndrome X is characterized by high blood sugar levels, elevated ldl cholesterol and weight gain.”

10

Congestive Coronary Heart Failure
The heart muscle tissue weakens and causes it to pump less efficiently. The heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, so fluid and blood begin to build up. “This causes swelling and rapid weight gain,” says Dr. Seti. Other symptoms include joint swelling, excessive urination and coughing or wheezing. The medical treatment options are dependent on the stage of heart failure.

11

Rheumatoid arthritis
Dr. Andrea Paul MD, CEO of Wellbeing Media Consultants, explains that “in the case of Rheumatoid Arthritis, people take steroids to reduce the inflammation effects of the disease, causing water retention and increased body weight.” Joint stiffness also makes it difficult to exercise, and therefore, lose weight.

12

Insomnia
Insomnia can be a disorder that involves frequent and debilitating sleep points, such as the inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep. This is not only a problem because you are irritable and tired, but also because you throw off the circadian rhythms of your body,” says Dr. Seti. This, in turn, causes a variety of hormones to be thrown off, including those that control your hunger and satiety. You eat more, don’t feel full, and your metabolism is affected. Also, if sleep is a problem, it will be tougher for you to stay energetic.