For most people, weight loss doesn’t happen overnight. And very often, when the weight finally comes off, the body “fights back” by slowing the rate of weight loss or stopping it altogether.

If you’ve been cutting calories and working out more, but still can’t lose weight, there is likely more than one reason for it. In fact, for most people, there are several factors that can interfere with successful weight loss.

Eating too much of a good thing won’t help you lose weight

“Good things,” such as avocados, dark chocolate, nuts and nut butters are highly nutritious, but can make you gain weight if you eat them in excess. Yes, these foods can be good for you, but they’re also high in fat. If you don’t burn that off with activity, your system gets flooded with more macronutrients than it needs at one time, so anything in excess will be stored as fat. Add these types of high-fat foods to your diet with a close eye on serving sizes and nutritional values.

Not eating enough can stunt weight loss

Think eating as few calories as possible is the key to losing weight? Just the opposite: “Under fueling” can lead to nutritional deficiencies and derail your weight loss efforts. When you severely reduce calorie intake, the body holds onto fat and turns to muscle stores for energy, which can slow your metabolism.

Not drinking enough water? You won’t reach your weight loss goal

That number you’re cringing at on the scale doesn’t just reflect the weight of fat. It can also include water weight. If you eat a high-sodium diet, your body retains water more readily, which can keep your weight up. Even if you feel bloated, and drinking more water is the last thing you want to do, hydrate! It helps your body flush out extra water weight so you can “de-puff.”

“You-first,” hassle-free healthcare and weight loss in Framingham

From leading-edge clinical care, to onsite testing and screening, to nutritional counseling, your optimal health is our priority at Charles River Medical Associates. If you’re struggling to lose weight, our registered dieticians are here for you; ready to customize a plan to help you lose weight in Framingham. And they can create that plan around any health challenges you’re facing, such as diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, cancer or food allergies.

To learn more or schedule an appointment at a Metro West location near you, call 508-848-2190 or click here to use our online form.