People may find it difficult to lose excess weight for many reasons, including lifestyle and mental factors. Other reasons may be hormonal factors such as menopause or changes in body composition as a person ages.
There is no “one size fits all” solution for weight loss. Regular physical activity and following a healthy, balanced diet almost always play a role. However, managing medical and mental health conditions can also affect a person’s weight.
This article examines the reasons it may be difficult for someone to lose weight. It also discusses the research on managing weight at different ages and possible barriers to weight loss. Finally, it provides weight-loss tips and answers some frequently asked questions.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
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People may find it difficult to lose or maintain a moderate weight for various reasons. Some of these include:
- being unable to exercise
- experiencing a lack of motivation
- having desk-based jobs or a sedentary lifestyle
- consuming high levels of alcohol
having difficulty sleepingexperiencing high levels of stressexperiencing menopauseexperiencing emotional eating or depression- having a lack of nutrition knowledge
It is important to manage these natural changes, as older adults with obesity are at a higher risk of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes and experiencing falls and reduced quality of life. Research from 2017 indicates that weight loss and improved fitness in older adults
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- lack of willpower
- issues with health and mobility
- retirement
- limited guidance from health professionals
- less concern about weight than when they were younger
- financial issues
- social life, including more opportunities to eat out
However, the researchers note that due to the study population, the findings do not reflect the views of nonwhite ethnic groups in which attitudes toward weight and aging may differ.
Losing weight after 30
Body composition changes as we age, and our weight
After age 30, people may have more responsibilities and work commitments that can prevent them from being physically active. They may also rely more on processed foods if they are busy or stressed. These factors can make it more challenging to maintain a moderate weight.
Losing weight after 40
While aging comes with increased body fat and sometimes weight, there are additional reasons that people who were assigned female at birth may find it difficult to lose weight after the age of 40.
One reason is that the menopausal transition most often begins between the
A 2021 review notes that
According to the review, 20% of females gain at least 10 pounds during menopause. This may be due to hormonal changes but appears to be also related to increasing age and decreasing energy expenditure.
Losing weight after 60
Losing weight after age 60 may be more challenging if someone is less physically active. For example, a person may have retired from work or have health conditions that limit their activity or ability to exercise.
In addition, older adults
Energy deficit is the key component for weight loss. An energy deficit is when someone burns more calories than they are consuming.
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Additionally, a
Various weight-loss diets may limit fats or carbohydrates or use meal replacements. However, while some sources say that the macronutrient content of a diet is important, the review states that longer-term studies have yet to verify this.
The review concludes that while there is no single strategy for weight loss, the most effective eating plan is one that someone can maintain in the long term to avoid regaining the weight they may lose. It is also important that an eating plan is nutritionally adequate, safe, and affordable.
An individual can speak with a healthcare professional or dietitian for more information on healthy and balanced eating plans.
This may be due to the body having a set point that it levels out to and metabolic reactions that lead to decreased energy expenditure and increased hunger. A weight loss plateau can also be an important recovery period for a person’s body.
It can be a time when the body is readjusting hormone levels or its metabolic rate. It can also mean the body needs time to increase or regain any lost lean muscle mass.
An individual can work with a healthcare professional to find the most effective way of overcoming a weight loss plateau.
According to a
- reducing daily calorie intake
- increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables
- switching to healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated
- increasing lean protein intake
- eating a healthy breakfast
- avoiding late-night eating
- adopting time-restricted eating or intermittent fasting
If a person feels they need support with losing weight, they can seek advice from a healthcare professional or a dietitian.
Additionally, becoming more active in daily life and including regular exercise may help. The
Daniel Bubnis, MS, NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, reviewed the following common questions about weight loss:
Why is losing weight so hard mentally?
There are many reasons why weight loss can affect a person mentally. One reason is that they may be expecting too much too quickly. When those results do not happen, it makes them feel discouraged. Symptoms such as fatigue or sleeplessness can also make weight loss more difficult. In addition, high stress levels can influence a person’s mental and physical health and affect weight loss.
Why is it taking so long to lose weight?
Everyone is different. For some people, weight loss may take longer due to medical conditions, overall health, and mental health. If an individual has concerns about their weight loss, they can speak with a healthcare professional for guidance.
Weight loss may become more difficult as someone ages or during menopause. Many factors influence weight loss, including sleep, stress, and physical or mental health.
The most effective eating plan is one that someone can maintain and is nutritionally adequate. Eating a diet rich in vegetables and lean protein and avoiding late-night eating are strategies a person can try.
It is important for people to combine a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity for weight loss. An individual can seek support from a healthcare professional if they find it difficult to lose weight.