In the U.S., two-thirds of adults meet the criteria for being overweight or obese. While the majority of Americans carry more than the recommended weight for their height, it’s not because they haven’t tried to drop the extra pounds. Almost 50% of Americans are pursuing weight loss and trying to achieve a healthy weight.

While many people are working to reach their target weights, doing so without the proper type of program can allow you to waste time and effort without achieving results.

You’re more likely to achieve your goals when you work with a medical professional who specializes in weight loss. Winnie King, MD, is a board-certified physician with a private practice in Houston. Dr. King can help you find the individualized program you need to reach your goals and maintain a healthy weight.

Following a medically supervised weight loss program can position you for success. If you’re struggling to lose weight on your own, here are some reasons you may not be seeing results.

#1 Your plan isn’t individualized

You’ll achieve the best results when you follow a diet that’s individualized for your needs. Factors like metabolism, genetics, age, lifestyle, gender, environment, and other conditions can determine the type of program that works best for you.

Part of the challenge in achieving weight loss is finding the right diet plan for your body. You can save weeks, months, and even years of frustration and yo-yo results by following a personalized program versus testing different approaches on your own.

#2 You depend too much on exercise

While exercise is an important aspect of an effective weight loss program, it can’t help you achieve the majority of your goals. Exercise can burn calories and improve your well-being, but it usually accounts for only about 3% of weight loss.

Achieving weight loss requires establishing a calorie deficit, circumstances in which you consume fewer calories than you burn. The primary way to establish a calorie deficit is to modify your eating habits.

While exercise can support weight loss and help you maintain your target weight, working out can also boost your appetite and make you feel like you want to eat more, so it’s not effective as a primary weight loss strategy.

#3 You don’t have the support you need

One of the benefits of following a medically supervised weight loss plan is the ongoing support you receive from Dr. King and the team. In addition to designing an individualized diet and exercise program, you also receive the guidance you need to understand why each component is so important and how each piece works together to support weight loss.

Working with a weight loss specialist also makes you accountable for adhering to your plan. Weekly weigh-ins measure your success, but also allow for changes if your plan isn’t achieving results.

#4 You may have a medical condition that interferes with weight loss

If you have a medical condition that causes weight gain and/or interferes with weight loss, it may be hindering your ability to lose weight. You may have to pursue treatment for underlying health issues before you can achieve weight loss.

Some medical conditions that can limit your ability to lose weight include:

• Diabetes
• Chronic stress
• Depression
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Hormonal changes in women
• Low testosterone levels in men
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Syndrome X (insulin resistance)

If you take medication for your condition, it may also be contributing to your problems with weight loss. Dr. King can help identify these barriers to your success and ways to lose weight without jeopardizing your health.

#5 You haven’t considered other options

While the right diet and exercise regimen can help you establish and maintain long-term weight loss, you may benefit from medications and other treatments that can help jumpstart your success. Achieving measurable results can often reinforce your commitment and help you stay motivated when you reach a plateau.

Dr. King can help you determine the difference that these treatments can make in achieving your goals. You may benefit from one or more of the following treatments to support your weight loss journey:

• hCG shots
• Appetite suppressants
• Lipo-B injections
• Nutritional supplements
• Body contouring

Your journey to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is unique. Learn more about the factors that may be making weight loss more difficult than necessary. Call our Houston office today to schedule a consultation.