Overcoming the GENETIC Slow Metabolism Problem

There is nothing more frustrating than when you feel like you are doing all the right things, but still ask yourself, “Why can’t I lose weight?”.

You see people around you succeeding at weight loss, yet your own body seems resistant. You may start to question if your metabolism is slow, if you are doing something wrong, or even if it's possible for you to drop pounds at all. Trust me; I have been there.

We know that things like previous dieting history and blood sugar issues impact weight loss.

So, today I want to go beyond the common answers like calorie deficit and exercise, to explore a less discussed but critical factor that might hold the answer to the question: "Why can’t I lose weight?"

Could Genetics Be Affecting My Weight Loss?

We all have that friend who can eat whatever they want and never seem to gain a pound. This is because our genes, the blueprints that dictate how our bodies function, are as unique as our fingerprints.

What this means is that, just like hair and eye color, our bodies have genetic predispositions when it comes to metabolism and weight management.

Some gene variations might have helped our ancestors survive by storing fat easily.

Although beneficial in a time of food scarcity, in our modern environment filled with readily available, processed food, these same gene variations can lead to stubborn weight gain and difficulty losing weight.

Understanding Your Body's Survival Mode

For example, individuals with gene variations that favor fat storage would have thrived in times of famine. They were able to hold on to energy reserves for longer periods, giving them a survival advantage.

However, these same genes in a modern-day environment, where calories are abundant, may result in those individuals struggling with weight management.

This doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel just because you may have drawn the short end of the genetic stick.

Addressing Gene Variations That Impact Weight Loss

If you suspect your genes might be playing a role in your weight loss journey, you’ll need to approach weight loss more strategically.

You can do this by making adjustments that specifically target these genetic predispositions. Here are a few steps to take to combat genetic predispositions and answer that nagging question, “Why can’t I lose weight?”.

1. Embrace Patience: Understand that your weight loss journey may be a marathon, not a sprint, so celebrate the small victories. This is where consistency in your approach, rather than quick fixes, will make a lasting difference.

2. Fasting: Try incorporating intermittent fasting into your routine to help mimic the eating patterns of our ancestors and help manage insulin levels. A great way to ease into this is to simply push your breakfast later and later.

3. Extend the time between dinner and breakfast the next day. A 2019 review found that intermittent fasting is an effective strategy for weight loss. It can also improve several metabolic health markers such as insulin resistance, inflammation, and high blood pressure. Start with a 12-hour fast and gradually extend it. You can try various methods of fasting, finding one that fits your schedule.

4. Watch Carb Intake: Be more conscious of your carbohydrate intake. Some individuals, due to their genetic makeup, might not process carbs as efficiently as others, making them more susceptible to storing excess carbs as fat. For them, lowering overall carbs is key.

5. Lowering your carb intake doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead of focusing on completely restricting carbs, shift your attention to choosing complex carbohydrates. These can be found in vegetables and fiber-rich fruits. Avoid sugary drinks, processed foods, and excessive amounts of refined grains as much as possible.

6. Avoid Sugar Altogether: You may even need to adopt a sugar-free lifestyle, opting for healthier alternatives. Sugar has highly addictive properties and feeds into cravings. Even artificial sweeteners can perpetuate the desire for sweet tastes. Be particularly cautious with sugar substitutes, especially during the initial phases of your lifestyle change.

7. Nutrient Dense Keto: Adopting a ketogenic diet can help those battling constant hunger. This is done by controlling appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness, which is very beneficial for long-term weight management. Your keto diet should focus on incorporating high-quality proteins and healthy fats. Examples of these are avocados and olive oil.

8. You will also need an abundance of low-carbohydrate vegetables to ensure you’re consuming nutrient-dense foods that support optimal bodily function. You can start with my Healthy Keto plan to ensure your success.

9. Exercise: You’re not off the hook when it comes to exercise. Engage in regular physical activity, prioritizing high-intensity exercises along with proper recovery strategies. Resistance training, in particular, is your friend. Building muscle can give your metabolism a boost. You will enhance your body’s ability to burn calories. And remember, quality sleep is paramount as it directly impacts your hormonal balance and can influence your hunger hormones, specifically leptin and ghrelin.

Why Can't I Lose Weight? Don’t Underestimate the Power of Epigenetics

While we can't change our DNA sequence, emerging science in the field of epigenetics suggests that we have a significant amount of control over how our genes are expressed. Lifestyle factors play a powerful role.

Your lifestyle choices can positively or negatively impact these epigenetic mechanisms. Some examples of these lifestyle choices are diet, stress levels, environmental exposures, and sleep patterns.

Here are a few key lifestyle areas that can positively influence your gene expression to help optimize your health.

Sleep: Recharge Your Cells

Sleep is crucial not only for our mental and physical well-being but also for regulating our metabolism and hormone production.

When we consistently deprive ourselves of quality sleep, our hormonal balance can become disrupted. This can potentially contribute to weight gain and hinder weight loss.

Stress Less, Live More

Chronic stress wreaks havoc on the body. This includes negatively impacting our metabolic processes.

Managing your stress through relaxation techniques is a powerful tool for supporting healthy weight management. Some techniques that you can use are aerobics and deep breathing exercises.

Reduce Toxin Exposure: Support Your Detox Organs

We’re exposed to various toxins in our everyday environment, many of which can interfere with the body’s natural detoxification pathways. This impacts metabolic processes, potentially making weight loss more challenging.

Conclusion

There’s never one easy answer to the age-old question, “Why can’t I lose weight?” Remember that weight loss is a complex, multifaceted process.

A strategy that works wonders for one person may not for another because of individual genetic differences.

Genetics may play a role, so remember that achieving optimal weight isn't simply about willpower or restrictive diets but often about understanding our individual genetics, adopting a holistic approach, and harnessing the power of epigenetics to make sustainable, healthy changes.

FAQs About Why Can't I Lose Weight? 

Why is my body not letting me lose weight? 

It may feel like your body is working against you when you’re working hard to lose weight and not seeing the scale budge.

Weight loss can be complex and is often related to factors that might not be immediately apparent.

Some examples are genetics, metabolic rate, underlying health conditions, and hormonal imbalances. Consulting with your healthcare professional for personalized guidance is a great place to start.

Why can’t I lose weight even though I’m trying?

It can be beyond discouraging when it feels like you're doing everything right. You may be eating clean, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels, yet those extra pounds seem to stubbornly cling on.

It's essential to focus on healthy lifestyle habits, but it's also crucial to understand that the answer to the question "Why can't I lose weight?” is a complex one and varies from person to person.

What is blocking my weight loss?

Weight loss plateaus are normal, so don’t give up. The reasons for weight loss plateaus vary. It’s sometimes difficult to pinpoint the culprit.

Some things that can cause weight loss plateaus are underlying health conditions and hormonal imbalances. One example of an underlying health condition is hypothyroidism.

An example of a hormonal imbalance is insulin resistance. Other culprits can be nutritional deficiencies and even chronic sleep deprivation.

Why am I not losing weight when I exercise and diet? 

First off, kudos to you for prioritizing your health with exercise and healthy eating habits. If you're consistently exercising and eating a proper diet but still find yourself wondering "Why am I not losing weight?" it could be helpful to evaluate a few key areas.

First, consider what “diet” means to you. Many diets are extremely restrictive, promoting a severe calorie deficit, which may backfire.

Second, although exercise is very important, it’s essential to prioritize proper sleep. This will support muscle recovery and hormonal balance for long-term, healthy weight loss success.

Supporting Data

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69363-7