Having Trouble Losing Weight? See Your Doctor
If you have been fighting and struggling to lose weight, even after months and years of trying, it may be time for you to see your doctor. There are many different conditions that may inhibit your ability to lose weight, and you may not even be aware if you have one. A few of these conditions, along with signs and symptoms, are as follows.
Thyroid Issues
If your thyroid is not functioning properly, you may start to notice the signs. A condition categorized by the thyroid not producing enough thyroid hormone is called hypothyroidism. This condition is frequently associated with weight gain and difficult weight loss. Individuals with this condition will likely experience fatigue regularly, dry skin, a slow heart rate, and the inability to lose weight due to a slow metabolism. When the thyroid is producing too much hormone, a condition called hyperthyroidism, individuals may have an increased appetite. This condition will also likely cause weight gain.
Depression
Depression is an extremely challenging condition that can lead to emotional eating. This means that individuals will eat when they are happy, sad, excited, or down, thinking that food will affect their moods. In fact, eating may affect their mood for a short time, though it will ultimately leave them more depressed because of weight gain. There are medications that can help with depression and decrease the frequency of emotional eating, though results may vary.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a condition that affects women and is caused by a hormone imbalance. It usually affects women who are just reaching adulthood, though many women have this condition and are unaware. The increased amount of hormones in PCOS can make it very difficult for women to lose weight, along with affecting their moods and giving them an increase in hair growth. While PCOS does not have a cure, there are many medications that may help with the symptoms, making weight loss more manageable.
In conclusion, before you throw in the towel, and quit trying to lose weight, talk to your doctor. The visit may reveal some reasons that you feel like you are fighting with one hand behind your back. Once you have treated any conditions you may have, losing weight may be easier than you ever expected. While it may be scary to find out you have a condition of some sort, it may also help you find answers to some of your questions. Get an appointment with your primary care provider today.
For more information on weight loss, reach out to a local physician.
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