According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity in the country among adults is around 40 percent. They estimate that over 93 million adults are considered obese. It’s estimated that around 80 percent of the people try to lose weight on their own, but most fail.

We all know someone who has tried to lose weight, so it’s not for a lack of trying that some people can’t shed the pounds. There are some underlying conditions that are often overlooked that can keep people from reaching their healthy goal weight.

“It’s often not all your fault if you can’t lose weight,” explains Dr. Michael Russo, a board certified bariatric surgeon at Smart Dimensions Weight Loss, located in the Los Angeles area. “Weight loss is a complicated procedure. There’s a lot that goes into it, and they are not alone. Millions of people try to lose weight only to find that the scale doesn’t budge or it creeps up in the opposite direction.”

According to the weight loss experts at Smart Dimensions, there are five often-overlooked reasons they find that it’s difficult for people to lose weight, including:

1. Hormones. The hormonal piece to the puzzle can play a big role in weight gain and in difficulty losing it. Fluctuations in hormones can help people pack on the pounds even though they haven’t changed anything in their lifestyle. Increasing physical activity is one way to try and combat the hormonal hold on the weight.

2. Metabolic syndrome. This health condition is associated with a larger waist, as well as a variety of health problems. In fact, a large waist size is one of the signs and symptoms that a person may have metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome can affect the hormone secretions, which can lead to weight gain. Some lifestyle changes and/or medications may be able to help address this condition.

3. Brain games. The gut plays an important role because it helps to communicate with the brain so that there are “full” signals that are sent out. Some people may need a brain reboot, because their body is not sending the signal that says they are full. Their satiety hormone is essentially off, which leads them to continuously overeat.

4. Slow metabolism. Your metabolism is the mechanism that converts the calories you consume into energy. It can be influenced by your body size, sex, and your age. There are conditions that can lead to a slow metabolism, which will help to pack on the weight and make it difficult to lose it.

5. Medications. There are numerous medications that can lead to weight gain. These include ones taken for diabetes, epilepsy, antidepressants, blood pressure reducing, and antipsychotic drugs. Stopping the prescription so that it is easier to lose weight may not be possible.

“One doesn’t choose to be obese. Obesity is complex, and people usually need help shedding the weight for good if they are serious about it,” added Dr. Mir Ali. “Those who feel they have tried losing weight on their own and can’t do so should have a consultation. Knowing what the problem may be is the first step toward addressing it and gaining control over your health and weight.”

It’s important to remember the desire to lose weight should be for wellness and self love purposes. Wanting to look and feel like your best self is the goal. Don’t chase after someone else’s standards. Be sure you are seeking change for the right and healthy reason.

@YvonLux is a marketing CEO and founder of VANT4GE, LLC who is also a social and beauty influencer, Yvon Lux and @YvonLuxFood. She is also a published blogger and editor for her Apple News channel.

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