When The Weight Won't Budge

Struggling to get rid of those excess kilos? Here’s what could be going on

- Kim Arendse

THERE are few things as frustrating as doing all the things you’re supposed to do to shed some kilos but finding your weight just won’t budge.

“Sometimes it’s not as simple as just ‘eat less than you burn’ when it comes to weight loss,” says Tamlyn Maree, a family physician at Hutton Medical Wellness Centre in Plettenberg Bay.

There are a variety of medical con­ditions that can cause your weight to increase as well as make weight loss and management even more of a struggle than it already is.

Here are some of the most common things that could be thwarting your weight­loss plans.

IT COULD BE YOUR GUT HEALTH

Your gut microbiome – all the micro­ organisms in your gastrointestinal tract – plays a big role in many systems in your body. The better the balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria in your gut, the better it metabolises food and manages your satiety.

A gut microbiome that’s out of balance doesn’t digest or store food effectively and can lead to you not feeling full – and therefore eating more. A diet high in processed foods and added sugars is a leading cause of an unbalanced microbiome.

A 2018 analysis in the med­ical journal Genes linked sup­plementing with a probiotic (helpful bacteria) with a significant decrease in partic­ipants’ BMI, weight and body fat. Probiotics keep your intestinal bacteria balanced while pre­ biotics ( found naturally in many fruits, vegetables and wholegrains) feed the good bacteria in your gut.

IT COULD BE YOUR GENETIC MAKEUP