Sticking rigidly to a diet and exercise plan but seeing no movement on the scales? A prominent ITV doctor has stepped in to reassure millions that if you're struggling to lose weight, it might not be a lack of willpower but a hidden medical issue.
Dr. Amir Khan, a regular on ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, used his significant public platform to explain that numerous underlying health conditions can create an invisible barrier to weight loss, making it feel like an impossible battle.
Is Your Biology Working Against You?
Dr. Khan detailed a list of common medical culprits that could be thwarting your efforts:
- Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism): This condition slows down your metabolism, meaning your body burns calories at a much slower rate, making weight gain easy and loss difficult.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common condition affecting how the ovaries work, PCOS is strongly linked to insulin resistance, which promotes fat storage, particularly around the abdomen.
- Menopause: The hormonal shifts during menopause can lead to changes in body composition and fat distribution, with weight often accumulating around the belly.
- Certain Medications: Dr. Khan highlighted that drugs for conditions like diabetes, depression, bipolar disorder, and steroids for arthritis can all cause weight gain or inhibit weight loss as a side-effect.
- Stress and Poor Sleep:
Beyond specific diagnoses, Dr. Khan emphasised the role of lifestyle factors that have a biological impact. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can increase appetite and drive cravings for unhealthy foods. Similarly, a lack of quality sleep disrupts the hormones that regulate hunger (ghrelin) and fullness (leptin).
When Should You See Your GP?
Dr. Khan's crucial advice is not to suffer in silence or blame yourself. He urges anyone who is eating well, exercising regularly, and still not seeing results to book an appointment with their GP.
A doctor can run simple blood tests to check for hormonal imbalances, review your medications, and help identify or rule out any underlying conditions. It's the vital first step towards creating a weight management plan that actually works with your body, not against it.
