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Difficult to lose weight? Then you may need help

5/13/2026
12 min read
Difficult to lose weight? Then you may need help

Medicines such as Wegovy, Mounjaro and Xenical can help with obesity. Read about how medicine works for weight loss, what results you can expect and the risks

Adam

Losing weight is rarely as simple as just "eating less and moving more". Many people notice that the body resists, even if you do most things correctly. In fact, hormones, genes, medications and age can play a role. And sometimes professional support is needed to really succeed.

Key points

  • The body has a well-being weight that it defends
  • Hormones, genetics and age can make it harder to lose weight
  • Some medications can slow down weight loss
  • Professional help and medical support can simplify your weight loss journey

Therefore, the weight journey is more than "eat less and move more"

Many people think that weight loss is only about willpower. Or about just eating less and moving more. But the body doesn't work that easily. It has a so-called comfort weight, which it defends through hormones that regulate hunger and satiety. So when you try to lose weight, the body can work against you by increasing hunger, a process called metabolic adaptation.

Metabolic adaptation - the body's brake

Man is a survival creature that evolved through famine and disaster. Our fat stores have been life insurance that increased the chance of survival. When you reduce your caloric intake, the body simply thinks you are starving and reacts with metabolic adaptation. This means that the metabolism is lowered and the body holds on to its energy reserves by:

  • Make you more tired, so you have less energy for exercise
  • Lower the body's heat production
  • Increase hunger hormones, so you crave food more

The effect is that weight loss is slowed down, even if you continue to eat less and move more.

Hormones and weight - what you need to know

Hormones play a crucial role in weight. They act as the body's messengers and control everything from hunger and satiety to how much energy we burn. When the hormones are in balance, it is often easier to control the weight. But imbalances instead cause the body to save energy and store more fat.

  • Cortisol: Increases during stress and leads to fat storage, especially around the stomach.
  • Insulin: Regulates blood sugar but high levels make it harder to burn fat.
  • Sex hormones: Estrogen and testosterone affect appetite, fat distribution and muscle mass.
  • Thyroid hormones: Low levels slow the metabolism and make it harder to lose weight.

Sleep and stress affect weight

If you stress a lot, the hormone cortisol is secreted. It raises blood sugar, which causes the body to store more fat, often around the stomach. If you also sleep too little, the hunger hormone ghrelin increases while the satiety hormone leptin drops. The result is more cravings, greater appetite and a body that would rather conserve energy than consume it. Therefore, recovery, good sleep routines and stress management are important parts of the weight journey.

The role of genes in the weight journey

Genes influence more than many people think. Some have an inherited tendency to store fat, while others have genes that cause hunger and satiety to be controlled differently. Even the reward system in the brain can be genetically conditioned, which affects how strong a craving you feel for certain foods. Through sleep, diet and exercise, you can influence how the genes are expressed, something called epigenetics. This means that even if you have "difficult genes", the right habits can make a big difference.

How medications can slow weight loss

Some medicines can make it harder to lose weight. For example, antidepressants can increase appetite and cortisone can contribute to weight gain.

Age changes conditions

Many people find it difficult to lose weight after reaching the age of 40. The body changes gradually with reduced muscle mass, hormonal shifts and a slower metabolism. But it is still possible to lose weight after the age of 40. It just takes the right strategies.

  • Reduced muscle mass As we age, we lose muscle, which lowers energy consumption. By exercising regularly and eating more protein, you can help your body maintain muscle.
  • Hormonal changes After 40, estrogen and testosterone decrease, which can lower metabolism and make fat burning more difficult. At the same time, increased levels of cortisol can contribute to weight gain. However, with good diet, exercise and stress management, it is possible to support the hormonal balance.
  • The impact of menopause Many people gain weight during menopause, even if they live as before. The hormonal changes simply make the body more resistant. By adapting the diet and increasing movement, this can be counteracted. But it can also be good to get professional help to review lifestyle and other possible factors.

Medical help with weight loss

When you've tried everything and nothing works, you may need a little help along the way. Medicines for weight loss work as an adjunct to lifestyle changes. Do you think it might be a good option for you? Fill out our health form and you will receive a medical assessment within 1-3 days.

When should you seek professional help?

It is wise to seek help if you have struggled for a long time without results, suspect medical reasons or if the weight is affecting your well-being. At Recetas Medicas, you get help to understand underlying causes and a personal plan that lasts in the long term.

Frequently asked questions and answers - difficult to lose weight

Can hormones really affect my weight that much?

Yes, hormones control both hunger, satiety and combustion.

How do I know if my medications affect my weight?

Contact us at Recetas Medicas if you suspect that there are medical reasons that make it difficult for you to lose weight. We give you quick and personal advice.

Does my age really matter that much?

After 40, both hormones and muscle mass change. But with the right adaptation, you can lose weight.

What is the difference between digital and traditional care?

Digital care provides the same quality, but faster access and easier follow-up.

How quickly can I get help online?

At Recetas Medicas, you will receive a medical assessment within 1–3 days. Start by filling out our health form.

Help for those who have difficulty losing weight

Having trouble losing weight doesn't mean you've failed, it means your body needs more support. With the right help, you can break patterns, find a working treatment and regain both energy and quality of life. We at Recetas Medicas will be happy to help you find a solution that works for you.

Fill out our health form today and take the next step towards an easier everyday life.