Struggling to Lose Weight? Possible Causes and What to Do Next

Losing weight can be difficult, and a lack of progress does not necessarily mean that someone is failing or lacks willpower. Body weight can be influenced by eating patterns, physical activity, sleep, stress, medicines, health conditions, genetics, age, menopause and the surrounding environment.

If your weight is affecting your health or you have made sustainable changes without seeing the expected results, consider speaking to a GP or registered dietitian. A professional assessment can help identify realistic goals, possible barriers and whether medical treatment is appropriate.

This guide explains practical first steps, possible underlying factors and when weight-management medicines or bariatric surgery may be considered.

Quick Answer

If you are struggling to lose weight, start by reviewing your eating pattern, physical activity, sleep, stress, alcohol intake and medicines. Keep a short record of your habits and discuss persistent concerns with a GP or registered dietitian.

Weight-management medicines and bariatric surgery may help some eligible people, but they require clinical assessment and ongoing support. They should not be treated as quick fixes or purchased from unregulated providers.

Key Takeaways

• Difficulty losing weight is not always explained by willpower or metabolism.

• Sustainable changes are generally more useful than highly restrictive short-term diets.

• Sleep, stress, medicines and health conditions can affect weight management.

• An underactive thyroid may cause weight gain alongside symptoms such as tiredness, feeling cold and constipation.

• Weight-management injections are prescription medicines and are not suitable for everyone.

• Bariatric surgery is different from cosmetic body-contouring surgery.

• Binge-eating symptoms require compassionate, appropriate professional support.

• Massage and body-sculpting treatments do not treat obesity or produce medical weight loss.

Start With a Health and Lifestyle Review

Before considering medication or surgery, review the factors that may be affecting your progress. These can include portion sizes, drinks, irregular eating, reduced activity, inadequate sleep, stress, alcohol, menopause, physical limitations and medicines associated with weight gain.

Avoid judging progress from a few days of scale measurements because body weight naturally fluctuates. Consider trends over several weeks and include other indicators such as energy, fitness, waist measurements and improvements in health. Setting achievable targets can make changes easier to sustain. Read Weight Loss Goals: How to Set and Achieve Them.

Claims about “boosting” metabolism are frequently oversimplified. Our guide to How to Boost Your Metabolism Naturally explains what lifestyle changes can and cannot realistically achieve.

When Are Weight-Management Medicines Considered?

Prescription weight-management medicines, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, may be considered for some adults who meet clinical eligibility criteria. They should be prescribed following an assessment of medical history, current medicines, weight-related conditions, pregnancy considerations and possible side effects. These medicines are used alongside nutritional, behavioural and physical-activity support—not as replacements for them.

NHS England’s guidance on weight-management injections explains that access depends on clinical eligibility and that treatment should form part of a broader care plan. People using prescribed medication may need help maintaining adequate nutrition and managing side effects.

People prescribed semaglutide or another weight-management medicine may need practical support with portion sizes, protein, hydration, fibre and managing gastrointestinal side effects.

Readers seeking general meal ideas can review meals for ozempic users, but a generic meal plan cannot account for diabetes, kidney disease, allergies, pregnancy or other individual requirements. Follow advice from your prescriber or a registered dietitian, and choose physical activity appropriate for your health and mobility.

Readers comparing private providers can also read 5 Best Weight Loss Medication Brands Reviewed 2025. Provider comparisons should not replace an individual clinical assessment. 

When Is Bariatric Surgery Considered?

Bariatric surgery is a specialist treatment for some people living with severe obesity.

Procedures include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric band and gastric balloon. Eligibility depends on factors including BMI, weight-related health conditions, previous treatment and fitness for surgery.

Bariatric surgery involves potential benefits and risks and requires lasting dietary changes, nutritional monitoring and regular follow-up. The NHS overview of weight-loss surgery explains the principal procedures and usual eligibility considerations.

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic body-contouring procedure, not bariatric surgery, and should not be presented as a treatment for obesity.

People experiencing loss-of-control eating, recurrent binge eating or significant distress around food should discuss this with a healthcare professional. Eating difficulties deserve appropriate support and should not be described as a personal failure.

Also READ - How to Maintain Your Weight Loss After a Big Loss

Could an Underlying Condition Affect Weight?

Some health conditions and medicines can contribute to weight gain or make weight management more difficult. Possibilities include an underactive thyroid, PCOS, Cushing’s syndrome, menopause-related changes, depression, reduced mobility and certain steroids, antidepressants or other medicines. This does not mean that everyone struggling with weight needs extensive hormone testing.

The NHS overview of overweight and obesity describes several medical and medication-related factors. An underactive thyroid may cause weight gain alongside tiredness, feeling unusually cold, constipation, low mood, dry skin or menstrual changes.

Consult a GP if you have persistent or unexplained weight changes, menstrual irregularities, marked fatigue, symptoms of diabetes or other new symptoms. Testing should be based on your medical history and clinical presentation.

Some readers may also consult this overview of factors that can stop you from losing weight. However, an online article cannot determine whether a medical condition is responsible, and persistent symptoms should be discussed with a GP.

For more background on thyroid, reproductive and metabolic health, read How to Treat Hormonal Imbalance and explore our Hormone Health Hub.

How A to Zen Therapies Can Help

A to Zen Therapies does not diagnose obesity, prescribe weight-management medicines or provide medical weight-loss treatment. Our complementary services may support relaxation, physical comfort and general wellbeing alongside an appropriate health plan.

Radiofrequency body sculpting is a cosmetic body-contouring treatment, not a method of treating obesity or achieving significant weight loss. Similarly, massage and lymphatic-drainage treatments do not remove body fat or replace nutrition, physical activity or medical care. People experiencing stress or everyday muscular tension may consider a relaxing massage, while understanding that massage does not directly cause weight loss.

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Continue Exploring Weight and Metabolic Health

Continue Exploring Weight and Metabolic Health Sustainable weight management can involve nutrition, physical activity, sleep, emotional wellbeing and medical support. Explore our Nutrition Hub, Exercise and Rehabilitation Hub, Hormone Health Hub, Mental Wellbeing Hub, Women’s Health Hub and Men’s Health Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I not losing weight even though I am eating less?

Possible explanations include natural weight fluctuations, inaccurate estimates, changes in activity, inadequate sleep, medicines, stress or a health condition. A GP or registered dietitian can help review the overall pattern without assuming that one factor is responsible.

Does a slow metabolism prevent weight loss?

Metabolic rate varies between individuals, but metabolism is only one factor. Food intake, physical activity, sleep, medicines, health conditions, age and environmental circumstances may also influence weight.

When should I speak to a GP about my weight?

Consult a GP if your weight is affecting your health, changes are unexplained, you have symptoms of an underlying condition or sustainable lifestyle changes have not produced the expected results.

Can I ask my GP for weight-management injections?

You can ask about available support, but eligibility depends on your BMI, health, weight-related conditions and local prescribing arrangements. These medicines are not suitable for everyone.

Is Ozempic specifically approved for weight loss?

Ozempic is a semaglutide brand used to treat type 2 diabetes. Wegovy contains semaglutide and is authorised for weight management in eligible patients. Only use the medicine specifically prescribed for you.

Is a tummy tuck a weight-loss operation?

No. A tummy tuck is a cosmetic body-contouring procedure. It is not bariatric surgery and does not treat obesity.

Can an underactive thyroid make weight loss more difficult?

An underactive thyroid can contribute to weight gain and may cause tiredness, feeling cold, constipation, low mood or skin and menstrual changes. Diagnosis requires clinical assessment and blood tests.

Can massage or radiofrequency body sculpting cause weight loss?

No. Massage and radiofrequency body sculpting do not treat obesity or produce significant medical weight loss. Radiofrequency is a cosmetic body-contouring treatment, while massage may support relaxation and physical comfort.

What should I do if eating or weight loss is causing distress?

Speak to a GP or another qualified professional. Loss-of-control eating, recurrent binge eating, severe restriction or significant anxiety around food deserves compassionate assessment and appropriate support.

References

• NICE — Overweight and Obesity: Medicines and Surgery

• NHS England — Weight-Management Injections

• NHS — Overweight and Obesity

• NHS — Weight-Loss Surgery

• NHS — Underactive Thyroid

• NICE — Tirzepatide Recommendations