Weight Loss Methods for When Nothing Else Works
Obesity can cause many of the leading causes of premature death in the United States, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. Losing weight isn’t a cure-all, but it does decrease the risk of these things—and makes living with them easier if you already have them. For many people, though, weight loss is an eternal struggle; diet and exercise don’t always work for everyone. Exercising and eating right no doubt help you be healthier, but a ton of other factors also play into one’s weight. If you feel like you’ve tried everything, try these weight loss methods for when nothing else works.
Get Enough Sleep
One of the most common sources of weight problems is a lack of sleep. Your body doesn’t function at 100% when it’s tired, so your metabolism can become impaired when you don’t get enough restful sleep. Maintain a cold, calm, and dark environment in your bedroom, and turn off all electronic devices at least half an hour before you go to bed. Avoid caffeine after 3 p.m., and restrict your alcohol consumption—alcohol may make you tired at first, but it might lead you to sleep restlessly and wake up several times during the night.
Get a Massage
Massages have been proven to reduce stress and relieve pain. For many people, stress and chronic pain are major contributing factors to why they’re not able to lose weight. Stress-eating involves eating unhealthy foods in large portions, and if you suffer from chronic pain, going to the gym may feel impossible. There are many different types of massages you can look into, depending on the kinds of stress and pain you’re dealing with.
Have Weight Loss Surgery
There’s a certain stigma around weight loss surgery, but for some people, this is the only thing that works for losing weight as well as keeping it off. Studies have shown that around 90% of all weight loss surgery patients are able to lose around 50% of their excess body weight and then actually keep that weight off. For many people, even just getting the surgery gives them a much more positive outlook on life and motivates them even more.
If you can’t seem to lose weight and keep it off, any of the above options may be good for you. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. If you have stressors or chronic pain, book yourself a massage appointment. And if you’re truly out of other options, speak to your doctor about weight loss surgery. And remember that your goal isn’t about changing the way you look but about being healthy!
