Why am I not losing weight even though I eat less and exercise more?
The mechanisms causing overweight and obesity are often related to metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, and genetic factors, and are not simply a matter of eating more to gain weight and eating less to lose weight.
"Many people, despite dieting and exercising diligently, still cannot lose weight, requiring a combination of adjustments to the mechanisms causing weight gain," said Dr. Le Minh Quang, an endocrinology and metabolic disease specialist at Thera Weight Loss Center, at the program on April 15th.
According to Dr. Quang, exercise and lifestyle changes are the first principles in weight loss. This method is often effective for people whose main cause of weight gain is overeating and lack of exercise. In that case, an active diet and exercise regimen can help reduce weight, but there is also a high risk of regaining weight if not properly controlled.
In cases of weight gain due to endocrine or metabolic disorders, medication to correct these disorders is necessary as prescribed. Doctors may also prescribe probiotics to restore the gut microbiome and reduce the risk of excessive metabolism and absorption of sugar and fat.
These measures help people lose weight while maintaining a normal diet and work schedule without excessive restrictions, reducing the risk of weakness and fatigue from fasting. If someone is severely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) above 40, or above 35 but accompanied by severe cardiovascular disease or diabetes, and needs to lose a significant amount of weight, the doctor may consider recommending gastric bypass surgery to reduce fat.
"Weight loss is not just about appearance or aesthetics, but also about avoiding complications and consequences that affect health, lifespan, and improving quality of life," the doctor said.
Currently, the definition of obesity has changed, becoming a chronic disease. It is a cause of many dangerous diseases such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders. Losing weight and reducing visceral fat helps prevent the progression of these diseases in the future and reduces the burden on the healthcare system.
The patient is undergoing weight loss treatment. Photo:Huong Mai
According to Dr. Quang, the most difficult thing is not only achieving weight loss goals but also maintaining them in a way that suits each person's lifestyle, daily routine, and economic conditions. It's necessary to build a suitable diet, choosing the best foods and daily portions based on individual circumstances. Exercise should also be chosen appropriately.
Do not trust advertised weight loss methods that promise rapid results, as they can be unsafe and cause skin cracks. Avoid taking medications or teas of unknown origin, as they may contain banned weight-loss ingredients, leading to long-term health problems.
