Top 6 Reasons You’re Struggling to Lose Weight (and How to Fix Them)

Does it feel frustrating to lose weight while trying your very best? 

If so, you are not alone, as 45 million Americans attempt to go on a diet every year, and very few are able to keep the weight off afterwards.

Maybe you’ve counted calories, skipped meals, or pushed through tough workouts, yet the scale barely moves. It’s frustrating, draining, and can make you feel like your body is working against you.

The truth is, it’s not about willpower, it’s about fixing what’s happening inside your body.

In this post, we’ll break down the top 6 reasons you’re struggling to lose weight and how you can finally turn things around.

Ready to take control and see real results? Let’s dive in.

Reason 1: Your Metabolism Is Stuck in Survival Mode

Have you ever cut calories, worked out like crazy, and still watched the scale stay the same?

That’s often your metabolism shifting into survival mode. When you eat too little or diet too long, your body thinks you’re in danger. It starts saving energy by:

• Slowing your metabolism

• Burning fewer calories, even at rest

• Holding on to fat for “emergencies”

You might feel:

• Tired and sluggish

• Cold, even when others aren’t

• Hungry all the time

Take Sarah, a mom of two. She was stuck at the same weight for months, eating just 1,200 calories a day. Instead of losing weight, she felt exhausted and frustrated.

How to Fix It: Reset Your Metabolism, Don’t Punish It

• Stop starving your body. You need enough fuel to stay healthy.

• Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, veggies, and healthy fats.

• Get out of the restrict-and-crash cycle by following a plan that helps reset your metabolism.

When your body feels safe, it naturally starts to burn fat again. That’s when real, lasting weight loss happens.

Reason 2: Hidden Hormonal Imbalances Are Sabotaging You

You’re eating healthy, moving your body, and still not losing weight. What gives?

The answer could be hormonal imbalances. Hormones act like messengers, telling your body when to burn fat or store it. But when they’re off, it’s like your body gets mixed signals.

Common issues:

• Insulin resistance → makes it easy to store fat, especially belly fat

• High cortisol (stress hormone) → triggers cravings and fat storage

• Low thyroid hormones → slows your metabolism

Look at Mike as an Example. He hit the gym five days a week but couldn’t drop 20 pounds. Tests showed low thyroid levels, making it almost impossible to lose weight.

How to Fix It: Balance Your Hormones

• Prioritize stress relief, even short walks or deep breathing can help.

• Get consistent, quality sleep.

• Focus on balanced meals that keep blood sugar steady.

Consider a structured plan like the Measured Weight Loss Program by Wilmington Weight Loss designed to rebalance your system and unlock fat loss.

When your hormones work with you, losing weight becomes simpler, and you feel a whole lot better along the way.

Reason 3: Chronic Inflammation Is Blocking Fat Loss

Ever feel bloated, stiff, or “puffy” no matter how healthy you eat? That’s often a sign of chronic inflammation.

While inflammation helps your body heal, when it sticks around too long, it can quietly block fat loss. Here’s what happens:

• It increases insulin resistance, which makes it harder to lose belly fat.

• It raises cortisol levels, driving cravings and fat storage.

• It slows down your metabolism, draining your energy.

You might notice:

• Bloating after meals

• Joint aches or stiffness

• Feeling swollen or sluggish

Take Lisa, for example. 

She was walking daily and eating clean, but couldn’t drop the extra pounds. Once she tackled her inflammation, the weight started coming off, and she felt more energized.

How to Fix It: Lower Inflammation Naturally

• Eat more anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, spinach, and berries.

• Cut back on sugar, fried foods, and processed snacks.

• Support gut health with fiber and plenty of water.

Reason 5: You’re Missing Accountability and Support

Trying to lose weight on your own is hard, and it can feel really lonely.

Without support, it’s easy to:

• Lose motivation

• Slip back into old habits

• Give up when progress is slow

Here’s an example: someone like Jenna, a busy mom, tried diet after diet. But every time she hit a rough patch, she quit.

Once she had a coach checking in and guiding her, she stuck with it, and the weight finally started coming off.

How to Fix It: Get Support and Stay on Track

• Find a coach, friend, or group to help you stay focused.

• Share your goals with someone you trust.

• Check in often to track progress and celebrate small wins.

With the right support, you’ll stay motivated and bounce back faster when things get tough.

Reason 6: You Don’t Have a Plan to Keep the Weight Off

Losing weight is only part of the journey; keeping it off matters just as much.

Many people hit their goal weight and then:

• Go back to old eating habits

• Stop paying attention to health

• Regain the weight they worked so hard to lose

For example, someone like Mark, who lost 30 pounds in six months, didn’t have a long-term plan. Slowly, the weight came back. 

But when he learned simple habits he could stick to, like balanced meals and daily walks, he kept the weight off for good.

How to Fix It: Build Long-Term Habits

• Keep eating balanced meals, even after hitting your goal.

• Stay active with things you enjoy, like walking or biking.

• Watch your progress and adjust when needed.

The real win isn’t just losing weight, it’s building a life that helps you stay healthy and happy.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You’ve just learned six big reasons why weight loss can feel so frustrating, and now you know how to start turning things around.

Here’s the truth: You’re not broken, and you don’t need another crash diet. You need a plan that works with your body, not against it.

If you’re ready to lose weight in a healthy, lasting way, take the next step today. Look for a program or support system that helps you reset your metabolism, balance your hormones, and build habits that stick.

Your healthiest, happiest self is closer than you think. You just have to get started.