Medical Conditions
That Can Make Weight Loss & Health Goals Difficult
Thyroid Conditions
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that helps control how your body uses energy. It produces hormones that affect your metabolism, which is how your body burns calories and turns food into fuel.
Thyroid Conditions That Affect Weight
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Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
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Your thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones.
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This slows down your metabolism, making it harder to burn calories.
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Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, feeling cold, and slow digestion.
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Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
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Your thyroid makes too many hormones.
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This speeds up your metabolism, sometimes causing unintentional weight loss.
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Symptoms include feeling hot, nervousness, and a fast heartbeat.
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Why Thyroid Issues Make Weight Loss Hard
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A slow metabolism means your body holds on to calories instead of burning them.
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Low energy makes it harder to exercise or stay active.
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Thyroid imbalances can lead to cravings, bloating, and water retention.
Get Tested – A simple blood test can check your thyroid hormone levels.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries, often during their reproductive years. It can cause irregular periods, excess male hormones (androgens), and cysts on the ovaries. PCOS can also make it harder to lose weight due to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance.
Common Symptoms of PCOS
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Irregular or missed periods
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Weight gain, especially around the belly
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Excess hair growth (face, chest, back)
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Acne or oily skin
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Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp
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Fatigue
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Mood swings or depression
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Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility)
How PCOS Makes Weight Loss Harder
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Insulin Resistance
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Many people with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning their bodies produce extra insulin, leading to weight gain and difficulty burning fat.
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High insulin levels can also increase cravings for carbs and sugar.
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Slower Metabolism
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PCOS can lower metabolic rate, meaning fewer calories are burned at rest, making weight loss more challenging.
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Hormonal Imbalances
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High levels of androgens (male hormones) can increase belly fat storage and trigger weight gain.
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Low progesterone levels can lead to bloating and water retention.
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Chronic Inflammation
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PCOS is linked to inflammation, which can contribute to weight gain and make it harder to lose fat.
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