Women and Weight Loss…Why It Is Hard For Women to Shed Pounds

One of the main reasons why it is so hard for women to shed those extra pounds is because of the tremendous stress that most women undergo daily. Most women are responsible for conducting the main operations required to run a household such as:

1. Making sure the bills are paid on time.
2. Making sure that the family is well fed, clothed properly, and presented in a good public image as a whole.
3. Making sure the children do their homework. Arriving at all of their afterschool activities on time. And building working relationships with the parents of their children’s friends, their teachers, and coaches.
4. Making sure the household is clean, the fridge is stocked, and the food is prepared and/or served in a timely manner.

And, not to mention those “Supermoms” who also have to work to uphold their end of the finances!   

As we all know, stress is the main factor of weight gain. Generally, people crave food to calm stress and reduce their anxiety.  According to http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-facts-about-food-cravings, “For many of us, cravings kick into high gear when we are stressed or anxious. Carbohydrates boost our levels of the hormone serotonin, which has a calming effect. And recent research suggests that the combination of fat and sugar may also have a calming effect.”

According to http://www.worldtherapycenter.com, massage therapy and exercise is also a good method for relieving stress, and reducing food cravings.

However, there are other reasons why women find it so hard to shed those extra pounds.

Lethargic Thyroid

The medical term for a sluggish thyroid is called “hypothyroidism”.  The thyroid gland secrets hormones that regulate the way our bodies utilizes energy. An underactive thyroid slows down metabolism; and is most common in women between the ages of 35-50.

Symptoms of a lethargic thyroid include:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Joint pain
• Muscle weakness
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Heavy periods
• Depression

If you think you have a lethargic thyroid seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Unbalanced Hormones

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs when a woman’s ovaries produce an excessive amount of male hormones.

According to CNN.com, ” In addition to causing ovulation problems and infertility, PCOS may go hand-in-hand with insulin resistance, a glitch in the way your body processes blood sugar, which is often associated with excess fat storage, especially around the waist.”

Insulin resistance can result in type 2 diabetes, if left untreated.

Symptoms of imbalanced hormones include:

• Irregular periods
• Excessive facial hair
• Acne
• Excessive body hair
• Male pattern balding
• Trouble getting pregnant
• Unexpected weight gain

Check with your gynecologist if you think your hormones are imbalanced so they can test your progesterone, estrogen and testosterone levels, your blood-sugar levels, and test for ovarian cysts.

Unknown Foods Intolerances

Most people are unaware that certain foods elicit negative systematic reactions from their bodies when consumed. The most common “trouble foods” are dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, corn, and nuts. These foods can lead to bloating and water weight-gain. However, trouble foods and their symptoms are subjectively based on each individual’s digestive functions.

Check with your gastroenterologist if you are having the following symptoms after you eat:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipating
• Mild asthma
• Eczema
• Muscle & Joint pain
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Pills That Pack Pounds

• Birth Control Pills– can cause increased water retention
• Steroids- can cause weight gain
• Antidepressants-  can cause weight gain

Notify your doctor if you are experiencing these conditions as a result of pill consumption.

In summary, it is best to resort to more natural methods such as massage therapy, healthy eating, and exercising when fighting weight gain due to depression, stress, and joint or muscle pains. They are just as effective as prescription drugs, and free of side effects.