I remember the moment I decided to take my wellness journey seriously. I was scrolling through my timeline, flooded with influencers who seemed to have cracked the code on living their best, healthiest lives. Their glowing skin, toned bodies, and endless energy—it was all I wanted. So, I jumped into my health journey full force.  I prepped my meals, stuck to a strict cardio routine, and thought I had the formula down for the weight loss results I wanted. But after weeks of effort and seeing little change, I started wondering, what was I missing?

After I started working here at Zoe, the team helped me realize there is a lot more to weight loss than just food and exercise. So of course, I dove deep into the internet to learn more. Turns out, it’s true! I found that there are many internal and external factors that can make it harder for your body to lose fat. When I realized all the things that could be holding me back, I started to see wellness in a whole new light. My journey became about more than just diet and exercise. With a new perspective, it became a complete wellness transformation.

So, what are these factors, and how might they affect your weight too? Let’s dive in.

STRESS

1. Stress does more than just mess with your mood. It also impacts your weight. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones, such as cortisol, that can make you crave high calorie, sugary foods. Stress also disrupts the hormones that tell you when you’re full or hungry, making it hard to gauge your appetite. The key here is learning to manage stress in a way that doesn’t trigger unhealthy eating habits. Finding healthier ways to cope like mindfulness, exercising, or talking with someone can make a big difference. (2)

SLEEP

2. Did you know that not getting enough sleep can be just as harmful to your weight as eating junk food? Research shows that poor sleeping habits impact your body’s hunger and stress hormones, making you more likely to crave high calorie foods and feel less motivated to move. In fact, kids who don’t get enough sleep are 89% more likely to become overweight, while adults have a 55% higher risk. Lack of sleep also raises the risk of heart problems and type 2 diabetes. Making sleep a priority is a small change with big benefits for your health.

CELLULAR HYDRATION

3. We all know staying hydrated is important, but there’s more to it than just drinking water. Proper hydration is crucial for weight loss. This is because drinking your daily allotment of water, on average 60 oz, nourishes your cells, which is essential for their optimal functioning. Think of your cells like grapes—when they’re well hydrated, they function at their best. They absorb nutrients, convert them into energy, and help your body burn fat. When your cells aren’t getting enough water, it can lead to toxin buildup, poor nutrient absorption, and stubborn fat. Making sure your body is well hydrated can make a real difference in your efforts to lose weight.

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS

4. We encounter toxins every day, through food, water, and the environment. When these toxins build up in the body, it can make it harder for your liver to perform its natural detox process. This causes an issue in the body’s ability to metabolize fats and filter toxins from the blood. This, in turn, can cause digestive issues, bloating, and inflammation, all of which can contribute to weight gain. There’s even a special name for toxins that disrupt fat metabolism: obesogens. They make it difficult for your body to burn fat, which can lead to that stubborn weight that just won’t go away. (3)

HORMONES

5. Your body’s hormones play a huge role in regulating your body’s health. Specifically, they regulate metabolism, energy levels, and weight. If you’re experiencing unexplained weight gain, persistent fatigue, sleep issues, or mood swings in your daily life, it may be a sign that a hormone imbalance is contributing to your weight gain. While lifestyle changes—such as improving your diet, exercising, managing stress, and getting enough sleep—can help support hormone balance, it’s a good idea to consult with a doctor before attempting to correct it on your own. Hypothyroidism: This occurs when your thyroid isn’t producing enough thyroid hormone, slowing down…” with STRESS“

If you’re feeling stuck in your weight loss journey, despite all of the efforts you’re making, it’s worth looking beyond food and exercise. Sometimes, subtle changes like getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying hydrated, and addressing hormonal imbalances, can make a big impact on your progress. It’s time to shift from thinking about weight loss as just a diet or workout plan. It’s about taking care of your whole body. By making small changes to support your overall wellness, you’ll not only see results but feel better too. Let’s make wellness the focus and watch those changes unfold!