Weight Loss Challenges
Studies have shown that many men and women in the United States could stand to lose a few pounds in order to get themselves into optimum shape. Many women seem to have a much harder time losing weight than men, and there is now scientific evidence backing what many women have known all along. Women have additional obstacles to losing weight. Here are four surprising reasons that women have a harder time losing excess weight than men:
- Hypothyroidism is more common among women than men. Hypothyroidism is the medical term for an under-active thyroid. It is no surprise that those with hypothyroidism have a harder time shedding pounds, because having a healthy, active thyroid is directly correlated to having a healthy metabolism. Women having trouble losing weight should have their thyroid tested to rule out hypothyroidism as the cause of a sluggish metabolism.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) cases are growing among women. This occurs only in women and may cause insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can lead to excess fat storage on a woman’s body and, eventually, type-2 diabetes. This condition is caused by excess production of male hormones in a woman’s ovaries. A woman’s physician can test for PCOS if this condition is suspected.
- Many women have food intolerances of which they are unaware. Food intolerances can cause excess bloating which may add several pounds to a woman’s weight. If a food intolerance is suspected, try cutting out the offending food for a couple of weeks. If symptoms improve, you may want to stay away from that food in the future.
- Medications may cause weight gain, including birth control pills. If a woman begins gaining weight within several months of starting a new medication, the new medicine is probably to blame. A woman should discuss any alternative medications that do not cause weight gain with her doctor.
If you have looked into all the above issues and are still having a hard time losing weight, there are options for weight loss in Mt. Kisco. Of the many diet plans available, Optifast in Mt. Kisco is growing very popular among women and men. The Optifast diet plan may be just the tool to jumpstart your weight loss.
