5 Tips for Losing Weight

Whether you are struggling to lose a few stubborn pounds or really slim down, the road to that goal seems long and tiresome. Even researchers have proven that [intlink id=”3670″ type=”post”]losing weight[/intlink] can be a difficult matter.

Looking at the study available in the well-known Obesity Research and Clinical Practice Journal, people today seem to be 10% heavier than they were 30 or 40 years ago, regardless of the calorie intake or exercise routine. It has been hypothesized that the environmental factors, including today’s food, chemicals found in products intended for personal care and an increase in stress levels can play a part in why people are heavier than they were decades ago, although other factors have remained the same. Weight management proves to be a far more complex task than the simple intake of energy versus the energy outlets.

Here are some scientific reasons why weight loss appears to be such a struggle, including some advice on making that struggle easier.

Exposure to endocrine disruptors

Avoiding being exposed to chemicals can be really hard, even when trying to eat fresh food to minimize exposure. Pesticides, preservatives and flame-retardants disrupt the delicate balance of the hormones in the body, causing weight gain.

Tip: Try to minimize exposure as much as possible. For example, instead of keeping food in plastic containers, try using glass ones, or try changing the old plastic shower curtain and buying a new one that does not contain BPA.

You’re overweight

This may be a hard pill to swallow, but a 9-year long study following 250.000 people has shown that people who have the body mass index from 30 to 35 (anything above 30 represents obesity) have a very small chance of achieving even 5% of fat loss. This means that those who need to shed the most pounds have the roughest time accomplishing the task.

Tip: Setting a number of smaller goals means that you will experience many smaller successes. This is very important psychologically, as these small victories are what keep people on track.

You’re dieting

Like most people, it is normal for you to get attracted to dietary trends circulating mainstream media. Nonetheless, bouncing from one trendy diet to another can cause a lot of problems in the long run. These diets disrupt the balance of hunger-controlling hormones, making you feel that you are always hungry and minimizes your efforts for weight loss.

Tip: Try to avoid getting carried away with the latest trends. Try sticking to a more balanced diet which does not restrict a whole food group.

You’re over exercising

A study available in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at cannaclear has shown that people who work out seem to be burning less fat when focusing only on exercise in order to lose weight, which was unexpected. This happened because those individuals have a tendency to overeat after exercising.

Tip: Try to implement a more balanced diet and cardio training. Weight management routines combining both a healthy diet and exercise have provided better results in the long term.