Why Some People Don’t Lose Weight
Updated: Jul 18, 2025
All bodies are different. You probably hear this a lot. It’s because it’s true. One’s weight depends on the number of calories eaten, how many calories stored, and how many burned. Each of these factors depends on several factors that may hinder weight loss.
1. Biological factors
Genetics play a significant role in determining one's response to different efforts to lose weight.
Specific genetic factors can make weight loss more challenging for some people.
Height, weight, body composition, size, and BMI can affect one’s basal metabolic rate (BMR). The BMR is the amount of energy burned when your body is performing basic life-sustaining activities before exercise, eating, etc.
Some people with a previous history of weight loss may have more difficulty losing weight.
2. Medical Factors
Medical conditions, certain medications, and surgery may also make it harder to lose weight.
Those diagnosed with hypothyroidism or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are known to have more trouble with weight loss.
Medications, such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants, insulin, and antibiotics are linked to weight gain which could make the weight loss process more difficult.
Surgeries limiting movement may cause weight gain.
3. Interventional Factors
The food we eat plays a large role in a person’s weight.
Adherence to a specific diet may help with weight loss, but other factors may cause weight regain even if diet patterns have remained the same.
Adherence to specific diet patterns may fade over time causing a gain in weight.
Personal beliefs of and perceived discrimination from providers or coaches may negatively impact weight loss efforts.
4. Lifestyle Factors
Sleep, water, alcohol, ultra processed foods, and other factors are linked to weight.
Sleep deprivation can increase the hunger stimulating hormone, ghrelin, which can make weight loss challenging.
Inconsistent sleep and meal schedules may cause changes in hunger levels leading to trouble with weight loss.
Increased water intake improves satiety and reduces energy intake.
Increased alcohol intake makes it harder to lose weight.
Emotional eating may hurt weight loss progress.
Ultra processed foods usually contain more calories with less nutritional value, leading to weight gain.
5. Environmental Factors
External causes may have an association with weight.
Stress, in forms of comfort eating or sleep deprivation, may affect weight loss.
A support system can help with one’s weight loss.
Extreme temperatures may reduce physical activity and slow potential weight loss.
Exposure to air pollution may harm one’s health making it harder to lose weight.
Plastics in our environment may interfere with hunger and satiety hormones which could affect weight loss.
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