Underlying Medical Conditions that can Sabotage Your Weight Loss Efforts
Sometimes when it comes to weight, we can get the feeling that no matter how good our eating habits become or how strict an exercise regimen we follow, nothing seems to work. This can be especially frustrating if you’ve decided to embark on weight loss with a friend who doesn’t seem to have any problem shedding pounds on a similar plan. For some people, there may be an underlying medical condition that prevents them from losing weight. The symptoms associated with the following conditions may be so subtle that they can be easily missed by your healthcare provider. All of these culprits wreak havoc on your metabolism, which can prevent you from losing weight.
The Four Most Common Conditions that Can Affect Weight Loss Are:
- A sluggish thyroid
- Insulin resistance (The Fat‑Storage Switch)
- Food intolerances
- Stress
Sluggish thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
Hypothyroidism is the medical term for an underactive thyroid. Your thyroid gland makes hormones that regulate the way your body uses energy (your metabolism). An underactive thyroid slows down your metabolism.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include cold hands and feet, depression, dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, and weight gain. If you are concerned that you may have hypothyroidism, you can ask your doctor to test your thyroid‑stimulating hormone (TSH). Your provider can tell you what your levels are and what “normal” means for you. The higher your TSH level, the slower your thyroid. There are also at‑home methods of testing for an underactive thyroid that some research suggests may provide more accurate results than traditional blood tests.
Insulin Resistance (The Fat‑Storage Switch)
To lose weight, you must first get your blood sugar and insulin levels under control. Insulin—often called the “master hormone” of metabolism—ensures that glucose (blood sugar) enters your cells to be used for energy. The more glucose your cells take in, the faster your blood sugar returns to normal.
When we overeat, more glucose enters the bloodstream, prompting the pancreas to release more insulin. Over time, the body becomes desensitized to excessive insulin, and cells eventually refuse to “open up” to receive glucose. This leads to insulin resistance.
How does insulin resistance contribute to weight gain? It is impossible to have high levels of insulin in your system and burn fat at the same time. Eating a meal high in glucose—such as foods made with white flour or simple syrups—causes a large insulin release. During this time, your body cannot use fat for fuel.
Insulin turns off the fat‑burning switch and turns on the fat‑storage switch.
Symptoms of insulin resistance include obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and kidney damage. If you suspect insulin resistance, consult your healthcare provider to address it through diet and exercise.
Food Intolerance
The difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance is the type of reaction. A food allergy creates an immediate immune response to a specific food (e.g., nuts, shellfish). A food intolerance occurs when the digestive system cannot adequately process certain foods (e.g., dairy, wheat).
Symptoms of food intolerance can include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and weight gain. Even seemingly unrelated symptoms—such as asthma, eczema, headaches, and muscle or joint pain—may be linked to food intolerances.
Stress
Stress activates cortisol secretion. Cortisol is the body’s primary “stress hormone.” While it is essential for survival, it must be balanced by the body’s relaxation response. In today’s high‑stress culture, cortisol levels often remain elevated for long periods.
Cortisol increases glucose in the bloodstream to support the fight‑or‑flight response. As you now know, glucose requires insulin—and insulin shuts off the fat‑burning switch.
Too much stress equals frequently high cortisol levels, which slow your metabolism and contribute to weight gain. Stress can also lead to emotional eating and reliance on processed, quick foods. Combined with less time for exercise, this creates a vicious cycle.
The Mayo Clinic provides helpful strategies for managing daily and long‑term stress: Read the Mayo Clinic article.
This is just a starting point if you are struggling to lose stubborn pounds. Along with guidance from your healthcare professional, diet and exercise can be used in conjunction with natural supplements. Be your own advocate—ask questions, take notes, do research, and get started!
Until next time, stay healthy!
Yours in health,
Dr. Gregg Gittins
