Barriers to weight loss are anything that stops you from reaching your goal. Unfortunately, the journey to a successful weight loss is not as smooth as most people believe. Life circumstances, body image issues, genetics, time, finances, and stress may come in the way. As you encounter each one, focus on finding ways to overcome them. 

Giving up along the way will not be a good idea. People who successfully lose weight healthily share common qualities. They include resilience, consistency, patience, willingness to seek help, and discipline. This guide will show you strategies for overcoming weight loss barriers.

Look into the Types of Weight Loss Barriers

Start by looking at the barriers on your way to losing weight. The barriers may be emotional, physical, and environmental. You will be in a better position trying to solve these obstacles when you know how to categorize them. Discussed below are the three barriers and ways of overcoming weight loss plateaus.

Overcoming the Physical Barriers to Weight Loss

Examples of physical weight loss barriers include underlying medical issues, discomfort, and fatigue. Others include lack of sleep and dehydration. Physical obstacles are those related to your physiology. Here are the various ways to get over them and lose weight in the process:

1.  Talk to Your Physician

Your doctor should be your go-to expert when you struggle with losing weight. Their help may be ideal if an underlying medical issue prevents you from losing weight. It is pretty standard for medications such as birth control pills, steroids, and depression medicine to result in significant weight gain.

Hormonal changes and certain thyroid disorders may also make it difficult for you to lose weight. Have a doctor examine you to determine whether your physical state is getting in the way of achieving your fitness goals. Then, with their help, come up with ways you can cope with these obstacles to make progress.

2.  Stay Hydrated

Your daily routine should allow you to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking adequate water enables your body to simmer down and increases your metabolism to overcome the weight loss plateau. Stock your fridge with bottles filled with clean water and add water-based fruits and vegetables such as cucumber or berries to your diet. You should also limit your intake of refined sugars and alcohol since they usually drain a lot of water from the body.

3.  Get Adequate Sleep

Failing to get enough sleep can mess up your body’s metabolic processes. When you sleep, your body gets to reset and adjust to the lifestyle changes you took. If part of these lifestyle changes helped you overcome a weight loss plateau, it would be easier to lose weight if you get enough sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping, practices such as finding diet weight loss products, exercising, and spending less time on your devices may help.

4.  Do Your Research

Try different cooking tips and workouts, and stick to those that can help you lose weight quickly. The practices should be fun and manageable to achieve your fitness goals. For instance, you may find informative articles or videos on preparing low-calorie meals. You may also sign up for non-weight-bearing exercises like water aerobics if you have joint or pain issues.

Overcoming the Environmental Barriers to Weight Loss

Your environment may be the leading obstacle to your weight loss journey. You should find aspects of your surroundings that make adopting a healthy exercise plan and diet challenges. Environmental barriers may include work-related, family, societal pressures, low social support, and limited access to exercise facilities or healthy food. Here are the ways to overcome environmental obstacles to weight loss:

1.  Talk to the People Close to You

Turn to your close family members and friends for support when you find it challenging to achieve your fitness goals. Talk to them about how they can help you in your journey. For instance, your children or spouse may be getting in the way of you losing weight. Inform them about your goals and ask them to be supportive of them.

2.  Get Creative with Your Exercises

The gym is not the only place you can put your workouts into motion. You can watch home-workout videos online to help you get your body in shape in the comfort of your house. Resources outside your home, such as the road, can also help you work out and lose weight. In addition, you may engage in activities such as hiking over the weekend, climbing the staircase in your apartment or office building, or walking on your neighborhood paths.

Overcoming the Emotional Barriers to Weight Loss

Your feelings and thoughts may come in your way of losing weight. They form part of the emotional barriers you must overcome to attain your fitness goals. Examples of emotional obstacles include lack of motivation, high-stress levels, negative perception about physical exercises, and skepticism about fitness. Here are some of the ways you can overcome them:

1.  Learn How to Motivate Yourself

Find ways to keep yourself motivated when your thoughts and feelings become obstacles to your weight loss journey. You may adopt techniques such as journaling and talking to yourself to boost your motivation. You may also keep and update a good diary, use a paper log to track your physical activity, and practice regular weigh-ins for a self-esteem boost. These practices make you aware of your daily behaviors to make the needed changes.  

2.  Get the Help of a Qualified Behavioral Health Expert

Behavioral health experts such as psychologists, therapists, and social workers will help you channel the emotions that are getting in the way of your weight loss journey. First, it would help if you spoke to a therapist after discovering whether you have any underlying medical conditions. Then, incorporate their advice into your fitness routine for the best results.

3.  Adopt Healthy Stress Management Techniques

Managing stress from ongoing medical, family-related issues, or work schedule is crucial in your weight loss journey. Stress may make you turn to emotional eating and result in massive weight gain. However, you can manage it with techniques such as guided visualization, journaling, meditation, and deep breathing. Incorporate them into your day-to-day activities for positive outcomes.

Summing up

Maintaining a healthy weight comes with its challenges and obstacles. Your ability to lose weight largely depends on the measures you take to overcome these barriers. Stick to the tips discussed above for positive outcomes. If you need support to break the obstacles you face, CLICK HERE: 21-day Habit Busting Program.  

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.