I gained 20 lbs during COVID and couldn’t lose it despite diet and exercise. I was doing everything right. For years, we’ve been told the same three things: Eat less. Move more. Try harder. And when that doesn’t work? It takes a hit on our ego. We are not good enough. We blame ourselves. But after years of treating patients and going through my own experience, I’ve come to a different conclusion: Weight loss isn’t people failing. We just failed to understand weight loss.

Losing weight is not just about eating less or trying harder. It is a complex interaction of biology, psychology, environment, and culture. After learning how misunderstood weight loss is, I’m here to break down reasons why weight loss is so difficult to maintain and give a new perspective of this journey. 

Biology and Genetics: Genetics, hormones, and conditions like insulin resistance all impact how the body stores and uses energy. Our bodies are designed to store fat for survival, making weight loss feel like a threat rather than a benefit. In the past, we hunted for food. It was survival of the fittest. If your body didn’t have the ability to hold on to fat, you didn’t survive. Our bodies........

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