Weight Gain

Weight Gain: Why Can’t I Lose This Weight?

There are numerous factors contributing to why individuals often experience weight gain or have a propensity to weigh more throughout their lives. Currently, over one-third of the population in the United States is affected by obesity, with projections indicating that nearly 50% of Americans could be classified as obese by 2030. 

Contrary to common misconceptions, obesity is a complex condition influenced by multiple factors for a majority of individuals. It encompasses more than just dietary habits and physical activity; the mechanisms by which our bodies absorb, store, and metabolize calories are multifactorial.

What are some underlying causes of obesity? One significant factor is genetic

predisposition or family history. Additionally, epigenetics plays a crucial role, encompassing how lifestyle choices and environmental factors affect gene expression. The conditions in which we are conceived, raised, and live significantly impact the functioning of our DNA. Other influences include hormonal changes that occur with age, methods of food growth and processing, sleep quality, physical activity levels, and a range of social determinants, all can elevate the risk of weight gain and obesity.

While the tendency to gain weight is indeed multifactorial, with several elements beyond individual control, the strategies for treating and managing obesity have remained relatively consistent until recently. The primary approach continues to emphasize exercise and dietary adjustments, which can be more challenging than they might seem. For individuals suffering from severe obesity, surgical options are available, provided they meet specific criteria. As awareness of the long-term health consequences associated with obesity—such as hypertension, diabetes, and various cancers—grows, the medical field has developed a new array of interventions and medications that have proven transformative for numerous patients. Furthermore, the eligibility criteria for these treatments have become increasingly flexible, expanding access to effective management options for a broader population.

Treatment options for obesity now include counseling and support for lifestyle changes, including physical activity, eating habits, and nutrition, as well as addressing one’s relationship with food. If patients are not successful with the initial steps or require more assistance, a variety of short-term or long-term safe and effective medications, outpatient procedures, and surgeries can be offered to help with the management or control of obesity. Research shows that a weight loss of 5-10% can decrease the risk factors for other confounding diseases that typically accompany obesity.

In short, obesity is a disease caused by several different factors, most of which are not the patient's fault. Although it is multifactorial, not all is lost; there are several ways to manage and treat this lifelong disease. If you would like to learn more about weight and obesity management, please contact our office at (571) 425-1000 or book online to schedule an appointment.