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The 5 Most Overlooked Reasons Women Struggle to Lose Weight (It’s Not Just Calories & Cardio!)

Writer: Dr.  Dionne Curran-Chamoun, DODr. Dionne Curran-Chamoun, DO

“I Eat Healthy & Exercise, So Why Can’t I Lose Weight?”


If you’ve been dieting, hitting the gym, and still not seeing results, it’s NOT just about calories in vs. calories out. For women, weight loss is more complex—hormones, metabolism, and stress all play a role.


Here are 5 commonly overlooked reasons why you might be struggling to lose weight (and what you can do about it):


1. Your Hormones Are Out of Balance


🚨 Signs of hormonal imbalance:

  • Sudden weight gain (especially around the midsection)

  • Fatigue, brain fog, and low energy

  • Irregular periods or perimenopause symptoms


Hormones like cortisol, insulin, thyroid, and estrogen all affect metabolism. If they’re out of balance, weight loss becomes an uphill battle. At Chamoun DPC, we offer comprehensive hormone testing to pinpoint imbalances and create a customized plan that works for your body.


2. Chronic Stress Is Sabotaging Your Progress


When you're stressed, your body releases more cortisol, which triggers fat storage (especially around your belly). High stress also leads to poor sleep and sugar cravings—both of which make weight loss harder.


What to do:

  • Prioritize stress management (mindfulness, walking, deep breathing)

  • Avoid over-exercising (too much HIIT can raise cortisol levels)

  • Get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night


3. Your Gut Health Might Be Off


Did you know your gut bacteria play a huge role in metabolism, digestion, and cravings? Poor gut health can lead to inflammation, bloating, and difficulty losing weight.


What to do:

  • Eat fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fermented foods, prebiotics)

  • Limit processed foods and added sugars

  • Get tested for food sensitivities that may be causing inflammation


4. You're Not Eating Enough (or the Right Types of Foods)


Restricting calories too much slows down your metabolism. The key isn’t just eating less—it’s eating the right balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep your metabolism running efficiently.


5. Your Workout Plan Is Hurting More Than Helping


🚨 Too much cardio can actually slow weight loss.


If your workouts are all cardio and no strength training, you may be burning muscle instead of fat.


What to do:

  • Focus on strength training to build lean muscle

  • Prioritize low-impact movement like walking & yoga

  • Avoid overtraining, which can raise cortisol levels


Want a Personalized Weight Loss Plan? Let’s Talk!

At Chamoun DPC, we go beyond generic weight loss advice and help you create a science-backed plan tailored to your hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle.


 
 
 

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