Losing Weight Common Problems

The first weight loss problem to discuss is the fact that generally women won't lose as much fat as men or at the same rate. The reason being is that female fat is stored around the hips, butt and breasts and is there to support the female through pregnancy even during periods where food may be scarce. This fat is less mobile than the fat men store around the mid-section. This is a good thing for women as it reduces their risk of cardiovascular disease when compared with men of the same age. Post menopause women change in how they store energy and can begin to store fat more readily around the mid-section thus increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease as compared to their level of risk prior to menopause. Therefore it's important for women to manage their body fat prior to menopause as it becomes more difficult with time.

Fats contain approximately double the amount of kilojoules (calories) per gram than carbohydrates or protein. They are a very concentrated form of energy. If you eat a lot of fat, you are more likely to put on weight than if you eat a lot of carbohydrate.

The type of fat you eat may also be important. Research shows that animal fats (saturated fats) may be more ‘fattening’ than plant and fish fats. Fish and plant fats appear to be more readily used by the body and less likely to be stored as fat in the belly. They can also provide some health benefits.

Excess carbohydrates or protein can also be converted into body fat. If you eat more kilojoules than you use, you will put on weight whether those kilojoules came from fats, carbohydrates or proteins.

Ideally before starting a weight-loss program, talk to your doctor. He or she can review any medical problems you may have and medications that you take, and help you set weight-loss goals. You and your doctor can discuss what may be contributing to your weight gain — in rare cases, certain medical conditions or medications can cause unwanted weight gain, for example. And you can discuss how to exercise safely, especially if you have trouble or pain carrying out normal daily tasks.