A Stealthy Saboteur: Understanding the conditions that can ruin a weight loss plan
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By:
Tiffany Griffin, APRN, NP-C
Updated:
January 17, 2025
Losing weight can be a challenging journey, especially for individuals dealing with health issues or taking medications known to cause weight gain. The process of shedding those extra pounds can often be an uphill battle, requiring patience and determination to reach desired goals.
There is a relationship between some chronic diseases and weight gain that might be affecting your ability to lose weight. Although this relationship does not mean weight loss is a hopeless cause, it does mean understanding the medical conditions that have a weight promoting effect and developing strategies to deal with them are and important first step in achieving weight loss goals.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid, a small but mighty gland, regulates metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid is underactive, which can lead to a low down of metabolism and make losing weight an uphill battle. Knowing your numbers such as your TSH levels and seeking medical guidance for the treatment of this condition is crucial in navigating this hurdle.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps the body respond to stress, or danger. Excessive cortisol, often a result of conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, can disrupt the delicate balance of weight regulation. Excessive release of this hormone contributes to fat accumulation in the abdominal area.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common health condition that affects women of reproductive age. Common symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual periods, excessive hair growth on the face and body, darkening of the skin, particularly along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts, acne, and thinning hair on the scalp. PCOS can significantly disrupt efforts toward weight management. The presence of insulin resistance in individuals with PCOS often results in unwanted weight gain.
Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin help the body absorb glucose (the sugar from food that the body uses for energy) into the cells in the body. When the body does not respond well to insulin, the body cannot regulate efficiently and this dysregulation an lead to weight gain. This effect is referred to as insulin resistance and is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Balancing blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medications is key to overcoming this obstacle.
Depression and Emotional Eating:
Mental health plays a significant role in weight management. Conditions like depression may lead to emotional eating and a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to weight gain. Addressing the emotional aspect is as crucial as focusing on the physical to achieve sustainable weight loss.
