In countless weight-loss stories, there exists a frustrating truth: you diligently diet and exercise, yet find the number on the scale remains unchanged. Every time you step on the scale, a mix of anticipation and disappointment fills your heart, as if silently screaming at you, “Have all my efforts been in vain?” However, the reality may be far more complex and interesting than you imagine! Why is it that relying solely on the scale’s number is insufficient to reflect real changes in the weight-loss journey? Today, let us unveil this mystery, delve into the deep-rooted reasons why the scale doesn’t budge but you can still achieve your ideal body shape, helping you regain confidence and discover the true path to healthy weight loss! Are you ready? Follow our exploration and discover a new realm of weight loss!
This phenomenon may be caused by various factors.
Firstly, changes in body composition are a significant reason. During weight loss, especially when some individuals engage in strength training, muscles may increase while fat decreases. Because muscles weigh more than fat, the number on the scale may not significantly drop, even though body shape and fat proportion have improved. However, this may not be evident from a single body weight scale. Therefore, relying solely on weight to measure the effectiveness of weight loss may not be comprehensive; measuring circumference or using a body fat scale would be more accurate.
Secondly, water retention also affects weight fluctuations. In certain situations, such as high salt intake in the diet or during the female physiological cycle, the body may retain water, causing temporary weight gain. Additionally, adjustments in diet, changes in carbohydrate intake can also lead to changes in body water content.
Moreover, calculating calorie intake and expenditure is a critical factor. Many individuals trying to lose weight may underestimate calorie intake or overestimate the calories burned through exercise, resulting in actual calorie intake still exceeding expenditure, which can slow down weight loss.
Also, our approach to weight loss may be flawed.
We all know that if calorie intake exceeds expenditure, the excess calories will be converted into fat storage, which is the fundamental cause of obesity. However, recent studies on intestinal flora have introduced new perspectives and substantial evidence, indicating that imbalanced intestinal flora can disrupt calorie balance: eating less can also lead to weight gain. Based on this, the first internationally proven bacterium, E. coli B29, which can cause obesity, has been identified. This is the first international proof of a direct causal relationship between intestinal bacteria and obesity.
Why does the intestinal flora become unbalanced?
Then, we have to start with the modern diet structure of people. Many modern diets tend to lean towards high-fat, high-sugar, and high-fat foods, which happen to be the nutrients E. coli B29 requires. E. coli B29 sends signals through the gut-brain axis to make you crave and constantly desire these high-fat, high-sugar foods. Additionally, E. coli B29 will also induce insulin resistance and shut down fat-burning genes in the body, preventing fat from burning, turning individuals into fat-synthesizing and storing machines.
Lastly, psychological factors and anxiety can also influence weight loss to a certain extent. When people focus too much on the number on the scale, it may lead to increased stress, affecting appetite and metabolism.
Thus, through the above introduction, we can understand that the phenomenon of not losing weight on the scale during weight loss is the result of multiple factors at play. We need to focus on changes in body composition, find the right direction for weight loss, adjust our mindset, and maintain healthy dietary and exercise habits, which will help achieve long-term weight loss goals.
