Get Six Pack Abs

Are you one of millions who is looking for ways to lose weight and keep it off for good? If so, you are not alone, every day there are thousands of diet products sold. The problem is very few people are losing weight and then maintaining that weight loss. Could there be other factors at play that make it difficult, if not impossible, for you to lose weight?

Sleep

Are you surprised that sleep is on the list of possible reasons why fat loss diets are not working for you? Most people do not realize how vital a good night’s rest is to overall health and in fact weight loss. Studies are now being done to determine exactly why weight loss is affected by lack of sleep. Some studies show that lack of sleep affects your metabolism, this is the mechanism that determines how many calories you burn and at what rate. In addition to this, sleep affects the amount of cortisol released; this is the hormone that regulates appetite.

Few would argue with the fact that when you are not properly rested, you get cranky and even depressed. Depression can lead to overeating and that in turn leads to weight gain not weight loss! Researchers agree that the average human should get at least eight hours of sleep per night and this on a regular schedule. Try to go to bed around the same time each night to put your body on schedule. This will alleviate stress and balance your metabolism.

Stress

When you are extremely stressed, the body manufactures cortisol. Cortisol is the hormone that regulates appetite, over production causes overeating and weight gain around the midsection. If you are noticing, an increase in fat stores around your abdomen cortisol could be the culprit.

Find some relaxation techniques that work for you. Meditation is a good place to start, as is exercise and a long soak in the tub. Do whatever it takes for you to feel more at ease and reduce stress.

Medical Issues

You have probably heard someone say that his or her weight gain is a result of a thyroid problem. You may have even chuckled a bit because the term has become somewhat of a joke over the years. However, you should never discount the possibility; there are a number of symptoms and risks you should consider.

1) Radiation exposure
2) Family history of thyroid disorder
3) Family history of autoimmune disorder
4) Fatigue
5) Fast weight gain or an inability to lose weight
6) Memory loss

This is but a sample of 33 distinct symptoms and risk factors is you have any of the above you should have your thyroid evaluated. In fact, the first thing you should do when trying to lose weight is see your doctor.

Plateau

This is a place many people are familiar with; you have done everything right and lost some weight. Then all of a sudden no matter how hard you try you cannot lose another ounce. You have hit a plateau. This can occur for many reasons, you have dropped your caloric intake to low or you are exercising too much in response to both of these the body will slow your metabolism so that you do not burn as many calories.

If you have hit a plateau, you can take various steps to overcome it. Below are a few weight loss tips:

1) Keep your caloric intake just below maintenance this will prevent the metabolic slow down
2) Change your exercise routine, do not allow the body to get used to one set routine
3) Increase lean muscle mass, lean muscle burns more calories than fat.

Conclusion

Cover all your bases before you decide that you will never be able to lose weight. Cut yourself some slack and explore some of these possible conditions. You could be on your way to significant weight loss in no time.

Paul Matthew Moore
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/fat-loss-4-idiots-more-to-weight-loss-than-you-thought-711576.html

This entry was posted on Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 6:37 am and is filed under fat loss tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.