Many people strictly follow a diet, count calories, and exercise regularly, but the scale remains the same. Experts remind us that the reason may lie not only in food or physical activity, but also in three little-known factors that affect metabolism and hormones.
Even with a balanced diet and active training, the body may not be in a hurry to part with the kilograms. Endocrinologists and nutritionists emphasize that weight is affected not only by the number of calories, but also by hormonal levels, stress levels, and sleep quality.
Insufficient sleep
Chronic lack of sleep changes hormonal balance. The level of ghrelin, the hormone that causes hunger, increases, while leptin, which is responsible for satiety, decreases. Because of this, a person consumes more food, even without feeling very hungry, and the body begins to accumulate fat.
Chronic stress
: When your body is constantly under stress, your cortisol levels increase. This hormone not only slows down your metabolism, but it also promotes fat storage in your belly. So even the perfect diet won't work if you're constantly stressed.
Hormonal Fluctuations
After the age of 25–30, changes occur in the thyroid gland, as well as in the sex hormones estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Even minor disturbances can lead to fluid retention, a slowed metabolism, and weight resistance to any attempts to lose weight.
Tip:
For weight loss to be effective, it is important not only to monitor your diet and exercise, but also to:
— sleep at least 7 hours a day;
— reduce stress levels by practicing relaxation or breathing techniques;
— periodically check your hormonal status, especially thyroid function.
A comprehensive approach is not just about calories, but about the harmony of the body as a whole.
