14 reasons why weight loss is difficult

Before applying any weight loss regimen, check to see if you have the following habits!

1. Unreasonable sleeping time

If you can sleep 9 hours a night, congratulations, you are the envy of many others, but sleeping too much or too little (less than 5 hours a night) can make you gain weight.

Both oversleeping and undersleeping throw your appetite-controlling hormones out of balance. And when you’re feeling unwell, you’re not likely to skip your workout.

2. Not drinking enough water

Two to six glasses of water a day can help you shed extra pounds. Water has no calories, so it quenches your thirst without adding pounds.

Furthermore, when your body is well hydrated, you will crave less soft drinks, juices or coffee. The high amount of calories in soft drinks is one of the reasons for weight gain.

3. Time between meals is too long

When the gap between meals is too long, the body's metabolism slows down and the body cannot burn all the calories consumed in the next meal. The extra calories will gradually turn into excess weight. Moreover, you may overeat because you are too hungry. Try to eat smaller portions and eat more often.

4. Eat out often

Sure, you may hate cooking, but it can be hard to control your weight if you eat most of your meals out. Even so-called light meals served at restaurants contain more calories than you think. And we’re not just talking about dinner. People who eat out for lunch can easily gain 5 pounds more than those who prepare their own food at home.

5. Sitting all day

A desk job or a love of watching movies can make it harder to shed those extra pounds. When we spend most of our time sitting, our bodies lose the ability to recognize when we’ve eaten too much, leading to overeating and weight gain. Even short breaks to move throughout the day can help you stay healthy. Get up and walk around for 10 minutes before a meeting or your favorite show.

6. Reward yourself with food after exercise

Exercise is a great way to lose weight—it burns calories and builds muscle. But if you eat a big dinner or drink a smoothie after every workout, you could be undoing your workout. Also, be careful with sugary sports drinks and protein bars. They may help you feel less tired or thirsty after a workout, but they're also packed with calories.

7. Drinking a lot of beer and alcohol

Whether you prefer beer, wine, or mixed drinks, alcohol contains calories that add to your daily calorie intake. If you drink three or more drinks a day, regardless of the type of alcohol, you are more likely to gain weight or become overweight. Stick to small or moderate drinks, like a glass of wine with dinner. This will actually help you avoid weight gain.

8. Eating when stressed

When you feel stressed, you may be more likely to indulge in high-calorie, unhealthy snacks. You may eat when you are not actually hungry.

9. Rushing to make food decisions

Take some time to plan your meals so you don’t get tempted to buy takeaways. Even if you work out, you’re likely to gain a pound or two from fast food, sweets, or fizzy drinks. Your body doesn’t treat these calories the same way it would from healthy foods – it digests them too quickly. Fast food is also low in fiber, so you don’t feel full afterward, which leads to more eating or drinking.

10. Thyroid "strike"

If this small gland in the front of your throat goes on strike, you could gain two to four pounds. Your thyroid produces hormones that help control your energy and how you break down food. Without enough of these hormones, you may have trouble losing weight. You may also feel bloated because your body is retaining too much salt and water. If you think you have a thyroid problem, see your doctor. Medication can help.

11. Pregnancy

Healthy weight gain during pregnancy is good. If you were a normal weight before pregnancy, a gain of 11 to 15 kg is normal. Choose whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins to nourish both you and your baby.

12. Medicine

Some medications used to treat other health problems can cause a small amount of weight gain. Corticosteroids, for example, can change your metabolism and make you feel hungrier – leading to overeating and belly fat. Even antihistamines used to treat allergies can cause weight gain. They reduce a chemical produced by the body to control appetite, causing you to eat more.

13. Going through menopause

Like most women, you may gain a little weight during menopause. Hormonal changes, loss of muscle mass, and too little sleep can contribute to weight gain. If you wake up tired, you may be more likely to reach for something more filling during the day. Genetics may also make you run out of steam more easily.

14. See a doctor

Some health problems can make it difficult to lose weight, even if you eat well and exercise regularly. Genetics also play a role in how much you weigh and where you store fat. Talk to your doctor if you find that you are not losing weight. Testing can reveal whether you have a health problem that makes it difficult to lose weight and whether you need medication or other help to overcome it.

According to Dantri