5 Conditions that May Make Weight Loss More Difficult

Losing excess pounds isn’t easy. When you have a medical condition that makes weight loss harder, the process can seem impossible. 

While for some people, increasing physical activity and eating a healthier diet are both doable and very effective for healthy weight loss, certain conditions can make even your best efforts seem fruitless. 

Thankfully, getting treatment for these conditions, as well as professional weight loss support, can help.

Our compassionate, expert team of primary care providers at Arundel Medical Group, Inc. in Glen Burnie, Maryland, provides personalized and effective weight loss treatments. Read on to learn about five conditions that can make weight loss tougher and how we can help. 

Depression

Depression affects people and their weight differently. While some people have a reduced appetite and end up eating too little, others gain weight as depression lingers. 

Excess weight may also cause or fuel depression, creating a difficult cycle. These issues may stem from a lack of motivation, poor energy levels, poor sleep, and overeating, all of which commonly affect depressed individuals. In addition, some antidepressant medications bring the risk of weight gain as a side effect. 

Hypothyroidism

When you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland produces too few hormones that help regulate your metabolism. Hypothyroidism can also cause depressive moods, muscle aches, weakness, and tiredness, which can make exercise or preparing healthy foods challenging. All of these factors can lead to undesired weight gain and a difficult time losing those pounds.

Obstructive sleep apnea

When you don’t get enough nightly sleep because you have sleep apnea, which interferes with breathing, you may not have an easy time controlling your weight, too. 

Sleep apnea causes hormonal imbalances that can lead to increased appetite and cravings for rich foods. And when you’re exhausted during the day, you’re more likely to desire food as a means of regaining energy and skip exercise.

Type 2 diabetes

Having type 2 diabetes means that your body doesn’t regulate glucose, or sugar, properly for fuel. That causes high levels of sugar to circulate through your bloodstream. 

When these issues go untreated, you can develop a range of symptoms, including increased hunger and fatigue, both of which can make added pounds and poor weight control likely. Some type 2 diabetes medications can make it more difficult to lose weight, too.

Asthma

Staying fit through routine exercise is tough when you struggle to breathe — a hallmark symptom of asthma. And if you carry excess weight around your chest or lungs can make an asthma diagnosis and severe symptoms more likely. In addition, inflammatory foods, such as refined sugars, fatty meats, and fried foods, can fuel both asthma symptoms and weight gain.

Getting the care you need

Once you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions, a treatment plan that includes support around any existing weight control issues can improve your overall health in numerous important ways. 

The first step in our weight loss programs at Arundel Medical Group, Inc. involves a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and often blood tests to determine if you have a medical condition contributing to your weight loss challenges. From there, we personalize a weight loss program to help you meet your goals. 

To learn more or get the support you need, call Arundel Medical Group, Inc., or request an appointment on our website.