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Why is it so difficult to lose weight?

When people reach out to me for help with weight loss, they are often exhausted and frustrated, having tried multiple times on their own before seeking assistance. In the past, before my training in integrative medicine, I would often repeat the same advice they had likely heard over and over again: follow a diet and exercise regularly. It was easy to assume that they just weren’t trying hard enough. However, through my years of training and research, I have come to realize that the issue isn’t as simple as it seems. Despite the abundance of information available online—from weight loss programs and apps to various fad diets—obesity rates continue to skyrocket, not just in the United States but worldwide. This suggests that the answer goes far beyond just “eating less and moving more.”
Weight gain is often the result of a complex interplay of factors unique to each individual. It can be influenced by events that occurred even before birth, such as prenatal conditions, as well as by new stressors introduced by modern lifestyles. The world we live in is filled with distractions—from the toxic processed foods we consume to the relentless marketing that pushes unhealthy habits. For many people, these challenges make weight loss feel impossible. Even discussing the topic can be difficult, as past failures can bring feelings of embarrassment or shame. Some may feel as though they’ve let others down or, worse, let themselves down. This hesitation to talk about weight loss often delays meaningful action. What many fail to realize is that obesity is not just about eating too many calories—it is a chronic and complex medical condition.
Cultural beliefs and early dietary habits play a significant role in weight gain. Foods introduced during childhood can shape preferences and alter the gut microbiome over time, making it hard to give up familiar, yet unhealthy, habits. If those around you are consuming processed or unhealthy foods, this becomes the norm, making it even harder to break away from these patterns. Altered gut bacteria can intensify cravings, while increased stress levels can exacerbate emotional or stress-induced eating. Adding to this are adverse childhood events and trauma, which often leave long-lasting impacts. The gut, often referred to as the “second brain,” stores many of these emotional and physiological responses, further complicating efforts to achieve weight loss.
Ultra-processed foods, in particular, are designed to be addictive, making it difficult to escape their grip. Combine this with demanding work lives, a lack of work-life balance, and the inaccessibility or expense of nutritious foods, and the barriers to achieving optimal health become overwhelming. Systemic disparities in healthcare and education also contribute to this issue, compounding the effects of a society that seems structured to promote unhealthy lifestyles. Obesity is not just a “fat problem.” It is deeply tied to inflammation and a cascade of other health consequences, which can lead to disability, financial strain, and further obstacles to achieving a better quality of life.
At Reliance, we recognize how difficult it is to achieve optimal health in today’s world. I understand this firsthand, having been subject to many of the same challenges in the past. That’s why I strive to truly understand what my patients are going through. My goal is to break down barriers and help patients identify the factors that are contributing to their weight challenges. Together, we work to address these obstacles, empowering you to tap into your strengths and take control of your health. Our approach includes personalized nutrition counseling, practical lifestyle strategies, sleep and stress management, exercise prescriptions, and medical interventions such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide therapies. At Reliance, we don’t just focus on weight loss—we help you build a sustainable path toward long-term health and vitality. Trust us to be your partner on this transformative journey.
Losing weight isn’t just about cutting calories and exercising more—it’s about a personalized approach that works for YOU!
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