7 reasons you can't lose weight

1. You're not getting enough sleepA lack of sleep may be hindering your weight-loss goals. Sleep deprivation slows your metabolism and affects the hunger hormones leptin and ghrelin.
Leptin tells your brain to stop eating, whereas ghrelin, produced in the stomach, stimulates hunger. Research suggests inadequate sleep is associated with low levels of leptin, high levels of ghrelin and weight gain.
Solution: Turn off your phone and laptop. Instead, focus on good sleep hygiene: get to bed early, make sure your room is dark and cool and avoid all drugs including cigarettes, alcohol and sleeping pills.

2. You're eating hidden sugarsHidden sugars are everywhere. The biggest culprits include muesli bars, breakfast cereals, sports drinks, sauces and spreads – even certain peanut butter brands contain sugar. So what's the big deal? Added sugars are now considered to be more damaging than dietary fat to your weight and overall health, contributing to conditions including dental decay, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Solution: Read labels and avoid products with high amounts of added sugar. It may be listed as corn syrup, sucrose, malt, glucose, molasses, fructose, maltose or fruit juice concentrate.

3. You count calories, not nutrientsThere is no question that portions need to be smaller in order to lose weight. However, we have become so obsessed with calorie control that we often overlook the most important aspect of food – the nutrients.
Solution: Think quality. Don't just focus on the calories. Instead, choose nutrient-dense foods and nourish your body with the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in fruit, vegetables and wholefoods.

4. You're absorbing environmental oestrogensAlso known as xenoestrogens, these are synthetic chemicals found in plastics, fertilisers, detergents and cosmetics. While the effects of xenoestrogens on the body are still being studied, it is believed they can mimic the biological hormone oestrogen. Excess oestrogen can result in weight gain in both men and women.
Solution: Ditch plastic drink bottles and containers and opt for glass instead. Buy organic products if possible.

5. You sit down too muchWatching the Kardashians, doing sedentary jobs and stalking old flames on Facebook is a far cry from our hunter-gatherer ancestors. You may think you're too busy to exercise, but the reality is we are meant to move.
Solution: Fidget. You may laugh, but this is known as NEAT non-exercise activity thermogenesis). Research suggests those who fidget burn hundreds of extra calories throughout the day. Fidgeting includes crossing or uncrossing the legs, stretching, standing up often or maintaining a good posture. Aim to move every 30 minutes to bump your body out of hibernation mode.

6. You don't have time to cookThe combination of busy lifestyles and fast food at our fingertips has resulted in less food preparation in the home. Grabbing breakfast on the go or takeaway for dinner is not good for your waistline.
Solution: Set a goal to attempt a new, healthy 20-minute meal each week. Whenever you make a meal, make extra and freeze portions for those days you don't have time to cook.


7.You're dealing with a hormonal conditionHormone conditions such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance can cause weight gain and make it hard to lose weight.
Solution: Talk to your GP and get tested. If you have one of these conditions, diet may help. Exclude refined carbohydrates and increase good-quality protein, vegetables, seaweed and essential fatty acids.