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What Causes Reduced Weight Loss Despite Following Low Carb And Calorie Diet?
Question: Hello Dr.Gibson. You mentioned to me that aging involves a slower metabolism, but if someone is on a calorie and carb restrictive diet and barely loses one pound a week, what can be done to improve metabolism?
I've been on this supervised diet for almost two months and have lost only 5 pounds. Even If I cheat a little, how can so little weight be lost on a diet of about daily 1300 calories?!
Thank you.
I've been on this supervised diet for almost two months and have lost only 5 pounds. Even If I cheat a little, how can so little weight be lost on a diet of about daily 1300 calories?!
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
can sometimes be frustrating to try to lose weight
Detailed Answer:
HI
You mention carb restriction and also calorie restriction diet.
Most carb restricted diets focus on the carbs and not the calories while calorie restricted diets just focus on restricting calories.
With carb restriction, the body gets energy from the fats used, with calorie restriction, usually from carbs.
One or the other.
If both carbs and proteins are restricted then it affects its source of energy.
It is best to choose one or the other.
Secondly though changing of diet can be difficult to stick to for anyone, it is best not the cheat though it would be tempted.
The small amounts of food or drink consumed during that time make a difference
In general, most persons lose 1/2 pound to 1 pound weekly when trying to lose weight, so if you are losing approximately a pound, you are losing what is expected.
Many persons who lose weight very rapidly, also gain it back very rapidly.
Thyroid hormones, if not already done, should be done to rule out low levels.Low thyroid hormone can affect metabolism.
Cortisol levels can also be assessed. High cortisol causes weight gain.
Medication that assists with weight loss may also help you eg phentermine, contrave, belviq ,orlistat etc
In addition to diet, you may need to consider at least 30 mins daily of physical activity, starting with a smaller time frame.
Look at any medications you are using for allergies, high blood pressure , diabetes etc or any illnesses , if you have any.There are some meds that either cause weight gain or prevent weight loss.
It can sometimes be frustrating to try and lose weight but if you continue and stick your diet plan and activity, sure that you can get it done.
Meds, if needed, can help you out.
If anything unclear, can let me know
can sometimes be frustrating to try to lose weight
Detailed Answer:
HI
You mention carb restriction and also calorie restriction diet.
Most carb restricted diets focus on the carbs and not the calories while calorie restricted diets just focus on restricting calories.
With carb restriction, the body gets energy from the fats used, with calorie restriction, usually from carbs.
One or the other.
If both carbs and proteins are restricted then it affects its source of energy.
It is best to choose one or the other.
Secondly though changing of diet can be difficult to stick to for anyone, it is best not the cheat though it would be tempted.
The small amounts of food or drink consumed during that time make a difference
In general, most persons lose 1/2 pound to 1 pound weekly when trying to lose weight, so if you are losing approximately a pound, you are losing what is expected.
Many persons who lose weight very rapidly, also gain it back very rapidly.
Thyroid hormones, if not already done, should be done to rule out low levels.Low thyroid hormone can affect metabolism.
Cortisol levels can also be assessed. High cortisol causes weight gain.
Medication that assists with weight loss may also help you eg phentermine, contrave, belviq ,orlistat etc
In addition to diet, you may need to consider at least 30 mins daily of physical activity, starting with a smaller time frame.
Look at any medications you are using for allergies, high blood pressure , diabetes etc or any illnesses , if you have any.There are some meds that either cause weight gain or prevent weight loss.
It can sometimes be frustrating to try and lose weight but if you continue and stick your diet plan and activity, sure that you can get it done.
Meds, if needed, can help you out.
If anything unclear, can let me know
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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