Â鶹ѧÉú¾«Æ·°æ

Skip to main content

Why Is It So Hard to Lose Weight?

For most overweight people, their body tries to prevent permanent weight loss. This means your body is actually working against you to lose weight.

That's because how much you weigh is controlled by complex interactions between hormones and neurons in your hypothalamus. Your hypothalamus is the part of your brain that controls thirst, hunger, and body temperature. These hormones and neurons influence your appetite and how much food you eat.

Leptin & Weight Loss

Many overweight people have built up resistance to a hormone called leptin. Fat cells in your body make leptin, and leptin tells your body when you have enough stores of fat, decreasing your appetite.

What If I Want to Lose Weight On My Own?

Some people can lose weight easily on their own through simple diet and exercise. But many popular weight loss techniques don’t work. Cleanses, fad diets, and crash diets don’t help most people lose weight in the long-term.

In fact, most people will regain about 30—35 percent of the weight they've lost after one year.

If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to lose weight, or if you’ve lost weight but gained it back, you may benefit from a comprehensive weight management program. Our program takes a holistic approach to weight loss by looking at:

  • what you eat,
  • how much you exercise,
  • how you manage stress, and
  • how your medical history affects your weight loss.

Find a Weight Management Specialist

Resources for Our Patients

Meet the Team

Our comprehensive weight management team is here to help you successfully lose weight and support you in your weight loss journey. We can provide all the care you need, from surgeons and physician assistants to dietitians and even financial advocates.

Meet the Team

What to Expect During Your Appointment

During your first appointment, your weight loss doctor will talk with you about your goals and help you find the best treatment so you can keep weight off in the long-term.
Get the Details

Why Is It So Hard to Lose Weight?

How much you weigh is controlled by complex interactions between hormones and neurons in your hypothalamus. For most overweight people, their body tries to prevent permanent weight loss. This means your body is actually working against you to lose weight.

About Weight Loss

How Many Meals Should I Be Eating Each Day to Lose Weight?

Looking to lose some weight? You've probably heard that eating five small meals a day is the secret. What does the research suggest? A registered dietitian clears up the confusion about how many meals you should eat.

Listen to Podcast (4 min)

Hear From Our Specialists