6 Reasons You Might Be Struggling to Lose Weight as a Mom

Motherhood gives you immense joy and fulfillment yet comes with tons of challenges. As a mom you might have to deal with weight gain, especially after childbirth. Perhaps you have tried an array of options yet shedding those extra pounds might seem like an uphill battle. If you’re a mom struggling with weight loss, here are six possible causes and what you can do about it:

You’re Struggling with Time Management

As a mom, your days are likely packed with caring for your children, managing household chores, and perhaps juggling a career. This leaves little time for yourself and you can hardly find time for weight management activities. 

Remember weight loss is a process and you need time for every strategy. Otherwise, you will be picking good strategies and failing to execute them. You should plan your time well and prioritize yourself as well.  Better even, create a schedule and stick to it. Ask your partner to help you with some chores or find someone to reduce your burden. While family chores are important, never forget to prioritize yourself because self-care is essential for weight loss success.

You Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep 

When you have young children, you can hardly sleep and this is normal for nearly all moms. While you might get used to it after all, you should know that sleepless nights are detrimental to your quest for weight loss. In fact, inadequate sleep can wreak havoc on your metabolism and appetite regulation. 

Sleep deprivation can lead to increased cravings for high-calorie foods. If you are tempted to listen to your craving, you will take your weight loss efforts some steps backward. Prioritize getting enough rest whenever possible, and don’t hesitate to ask for support from your partner or family members to share nighttime childcare responsibilities.

You Have Poor Eating Habits 

Poor eating habits can impede your weight loss gains and take you back to where it all began. Motherhood can be emotionally taxing, and it’s not uncommon to turn to food for comfort or stress relief. Therefore, you need to track the foods you are eating. Consuming high-calorie, low-nutrient foods can lead to excess calorie intake and hence hinder your weight loss progress. 

Consider healthy foods and exercise portion control to avoid overeating. Don’t let your busy schedule make you rely on unhealthy food options. Moreover, avoid emotional eating or stress-related binging because these habits not only add extra calories but also make it harder to stick to a balanced diet. Addressing these patterns and adopting healthier eating habits are crucial for successful weight loss.

You Haven’t Sought Professional Help

Remember your condition might be unique and you may need a tailored treatment. Medical professionals can help identify any underlying health issues that may be hindering weight loss efforts. There are conditions such as thyroid disorders, or metabolic issues that can contribute to difficulties in losing weight. With expert guidance, you can be sure to adopt sustainable diets or exercise regimens without risking your health complications.

Fortunately, medical technology has tremendously evolved and weight loss surgery  options are now available if you are struggling to lose weight. A good example is Endobariatric weight loss surgery at Meliora Healthcare. This is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed endoscopically (through the use of a flexible tube with a light and camera). These procedures are designed to help individuals achieve weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold or altering the way the body absorbs nutrients

Tip: Make sure you choose a reputable weight loss surgery provider for safe and effective non-invasive weight loss surgery.

Setting Yourself Up For Unrealistic Expectations

Society is a jury and sets expectations that pile pressure on moms to bounce back to their pre-pregnancy weight quickly.  Such unrealistic expectations can cause disappointment if progress is slower than anticipated. Remember that everyone’s weight loss journey is unique, and it’s essential to be patient and kind to yourself. 

Focus on making sustainable lifestyle changes rather than aiming for rapid results, and celebrate each small victory along the way. Perhaps you are making progress and you cannot see. If you get frustrated, you might find yourself pulling out of your weight-management strategies and consequently dragging yourself back to zero. 

You’re Experiencing Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding cause significant hormonal fluctuations in your body, and this can significantly impact your weight loss efforts. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a role in metabolism and fat storage in your body. Whenever there is an imbalance in these hormones, it can prove more challenging to shed excess weight. 

Since hormonal imbalances are often out of your control, make sure you consult with a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or registered dietitian. These professionals have a deep understanding of hormones and can help you navigate these hormonal changes and develop a personalized weight loss plan that takes them into account.

Wrapping up

Weight loss can be particularly challenging for moms but with patience, perseverance, and support, it is possible to achieve your weight loss goals and prioritize your health and well-being as a mom. Remember to be kind to yourself, celebrate your progress, and seek professional guidance when needed. You deserve to feel healthy, strong, and confident on your motherhood journey.