Correct nutrition and consistent exercise are not unfailing guarantees for weight loss; the underlying issue might stem from hormonal imbalances or the body’s adaptation to a calorie deficit. This information was shared with RIAMO by endocrinologist and Ph.D. in Medical Sciences, Nataliya Tananakina.
Initially, the expert advises ruling out any medical contributing factors. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, and hypercortisolism can lead to a slowdown in metabolic rate. Even subclinical forms of these ailments can diminish metabolic speed by 10 to 15 percent.
Furthermore, certain medications can contribute to weight gain: antidepressants, beta-blockers, glucocorticoids, and hormonal contraceptives, all of which cause fluid retention and facilitate fat accumulation.
Adipose tissue itself functions as an endocrine organ, Tananakina clarified. An excess of this tissue releases pro-inflammatory substances that impair sensitivity to insulin and leptin.
A second frequent cause is the body adjusting to a protracted calorie deficit. In response to dietary restriction, it slows down basal metabolism and alters the hormonal profile. Levels of ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, increase, while leptin, responsible for satiety, decreases, thereby halting the weight loss process.
If weight remains stagnant for more than four to six weeks despite careful monitoring of diet and physical activity, the doctor suggests undergoing testing. It is necessary to check levels of TSH, free T4, insulin, glucose, cortisol, and vitamin D; women should additionally test LH, FSH, prolactin, and testosterone. Bioimpedance analysis is also valuable, as muscle tissue replacing fat may keep the scale weight unchanged.
The problem often lies in overlooked accounting errors, the endocrinologist concluded. Foods considered healthy—like nuts, avocado, and vegetable oils—are calorie-dense. Unnoticed snacks, sugary beverages, and tracking application mistakes can distort the actual intake picture by up to 30 percent.
Fat-free yogurts and protein bars do not aid in slimming and may even pose health risks, stated endocrinologist Anna Odery in an interview with “Gazeta.Ru.”
According to the specialist, fat in low-fat products is replaced by sugar, starch, and thickeners. Consequently, the body receives fewer beneficial nutrients and vitamins, and the feeling of fullness quickly diminishes, which encourages overeating.
In “healthy eating” bars and cookies, sugar alcohols are often substituted for sugar, leading to bloating, and they contain little actual protein, the doctor explained. Their caloric value is elevated by using cheaper fats and additives. Low-calorie sauces containing sweeteners intensify cravings for sweet things and also fail to provide satiety.
Odery emphasized that during weight loss, quality matters just as much as the calorie count. Complex carbohydrates, fats, and fiber ensure prolonged fullness and nourish the body, unlike quick snacks.
About the Author
