Why Can’t I Lose Weight?

Most of us have struggled with unwanted pounds at some point, but how do we figure out what the best way to get to a healthy weight is when we’re inundated with questionable nutritional advice, fad diets, and iffy “wellness” advice?

At Sakura Aesthetics, Dr. Brian Ching and Samantha Ching, PA-C, are eager to help you lose weight in a healthy way and, importantly, to set you up for success in keeping it off. In addition to gaining better self-esteem, you’ll be lowering your risk for serious health conditions, like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. 

Why can losing weight feel so futile?

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), over 30% of Americans are overweight, and more than 42% are obese. 

You may have tried many times to lose weight, only to gain back what you lost — and maybe even more. It’s a cruel blow to be eating well and exercising, only to see the scale refuse to budge. 

Certain factors may be conspiring to prevent the loss of unwanted pounds.

1. Sleep trials

If you have trouble sleeping, this can affect your weight loss success. Studies have shown that lack of quality sleep is associated with craving and eating high carbohydrates foods and junk food. 

Fatigue contributes to bad food choices, too, when you simply don’t have the energy to plan or prepare a healthy meal. It’s then that fast food and other unhealthy choices can seem like the only options. 

By prioritizing getting seven or eight hours of sleep each night, developing a good nighttime routine, banning screens from the bedroom, and talking with your doctor about sleep aids if necessary, you’ll be supporting your weight loss.

2. Stay away from the yo-yo dieting pattern

The losing-weight-and-gaining-it-back pattern isn’t good for you or your long-term weight loss efforts. 

Rapid weight loss resulting from following a fad diet, where just a few food types are emphasized, for example, is a recipe for losing muscle as well as fat, which isn’t good because it slows down your metabolism. 

When you return to eating normally, you gain back primarily fat, unfortunately. 

It’s best to work with Dr. Ching to create a sensible eating plan that doesn’t feel like punishment, and that you can sustain for years to come.

3. Consider what medications you’re taking

Certain medications can cause your appetite to spike, make your metabolism sluggish, and contribute to fluid retention. 

Don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor about how the medications you take may be affecting your weight, and ask about alternatives. 

4. Don’t forget genetics

Genes have an impact on everything from your appetite and metabolism to the way your weight is distributed. Family attitudes about food and eating that you absorbed as a child can also influence your current attitudes and approach to food.

If you need to reshape your attitude toward food and your understanding of what healthy eating is, you can.

5. How old are you?

Losing weight gets harder as we age because, over time, our metabolism slows and we can lose muscle mass — a natural part of aging.

Aim to eat a nutrient-dense diet and try to get at least 30 minutes of movement in each day to combat age-related weight gain.

Now that you understand some of the factors that contribute to piling on pounds, it’s equally important to know that this doesn’t mean you can’t lose weight if you need to.

A sound plan for healthy weight loss

If multiple unsuccessful weight loss attempts have discouraged you, but you’re committed to making lasting healthy changes, we can help.

We create a safe and successful weight loss plan after assessing your overall health and having a detailed conversation with you about your weight loss goals.

We give you tools like:

• Nutritional counseling
• A customized eating plan that meets your unique needs and preferences
• A plan that works with your lifestyle
• Recommendations on exercise
• Medications that aid weight loss: tirzepatide and the tri-topic injection
• Motivation and encouragement
• Help with weight loss maintenance

When combined with a smart eating plan and exercise, the tirzepatide injection helps you balance your blood sugar, regulate your appetite, and manage your metabolism. 

It can also influence hunger and energy-related hormones, helping you feel satisfied with smaller portions and reducing persistent cravings.

The tri-topic injection increases your energy and makes your metabolism more efficient by combining important amino acids and specific nutrients. It also helps develop lean muscle, so you can build strength while your metabolism improves and you burn that fat optimally.

Contact our Honolulu office at 808-204-2969 to schedule an appointment and learn more about our medically supervised weight loss treatment, or book one with us online.