Many people who struggle with weight loss believe they simply lack willpower. At Sudbury Court Pharmacy, we see a very different picture. Countless factors beyond motivation influence your ability to lose weight. From your genetic makeup to medication side effects, the reason you are not seeing results may have nothing to do with discipline at all.

Understanding the real causes can help you stop blaming yourself and instead take practical steps towards progress.

Genetics and Metabolism Differences

Your genetic makeup has a significant influence on how easily you lose or gain weight. Factors such as your resting metabolic rate, how your body stores fat, and how you respond to certain foods can all be influenced by inherited traits. Some people naturally burn more calories at rest, while others store energy more efficiently, making weight loss harder.

Metabolism also slows with age, meaning the same diet and exercise routine that once helped you lose weight may no longer work as effectively. Recognising these biological differences is important because it shifts the focus from unrealistic comparisons to personalised strategies.

Why Crash Diets Fail Long Term

Crash diets promise rapid weight loss, but much of the early drop on the scales is from water and muscle, not fat. These restrictive plans are hard to maintain and often lead to a rebound effect where the weight comes back, sometimes with extra.

Extreme calorie restriction can also lower your metabolic rate, making it even harder to keep the weight off in the future. Sustainable weight loss comes from a balanced approach that combines moderate calorie reduction with healthy eating patterns, regular activity, and patience.

The Link Between Mental Health and Weight Loss

Mental health plays a huge role in weight management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can all affect appetite and food choices, often leading to comfort eating or reliance on quick, processed meals. Poor sleep, which is closely linked to mental wellbeing, can also disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and fullness.

When your mental health is struggling, focusing solely on diet and exercise may not be enough. Addressing stress management, improving sleep quality, and seeking emotional support can help create the right conditions for successful weight loss.

Medication Side Effects That Slow Progress

Certain medications can make weight loss more difficult. Some antidepressants, steroids, insulin treatments, and hormonal medications can increase appetite or promote fat storage. Others may cause fluid retention, making it appear as though no weight is being lost.

If you suspect your medication is affecting your weight, do not stop taking it without speaking to a healthcare professional. At Sudbury Court Pharmacy, we can review your prescriptions and, if appropriate, work with your GP to explore alternative treatments that support your health goals.

How Professional Support Can Turn Things Around

Having the right guidance can make a huge difference. At our weight loss clinic in Harrow, we work with patients to identify obstacles that are slowing progress and create a personalised plan that addresses them. This may involve nutrition advice, exercise recommendations, and, in some cases, prescription weight loss medication.

Professional support also means having regular check-ins to monitor progress, make adjustments, and keep motivation high. It is about creating a plan that works for your body, lifestyle, and health needs, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Your Weight Loss Options

For some people, prescription weight loss medication can provide the extra help they need to break through a plateau. At Sudbury Court Pharmacy, we offer several options, including Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Orlistat.

Wegovy and Mounjaro work by reducing appetite and improving blood sugar control, helping you to feel full sooner and for longer. Saxenda also targets appetite control, but is taken as a daily injection rather than weekly. Orlistat works differently, blocking the absorption of some of the fat from your food, which reduces your overall calorie intake.

These medications are most effective when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. They are not quick fixes, but they can make it much easier to stick to a healthy lifestyle by removing some of the most common barriers, such as constant hunger or cravings.

See Real Weight Loss Progress

If you have been asking yourself why can’t I lose weight, it is important to understand that willpower is only one part of the equation. Genetics, metabolism, mental health, medications, and the type of weight loss approach you take all play a role.

With the right guidance, support, and in some cases medical treatment, it is possible to overcome these obstacles and see real progress. At Sudbury Court Pharmacy’s weight loss clinic in Harrow, we are here to help you find the strategy that works for you, whether that is through lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.

Contact us to learn more about our services or book an appointment today and take the first step towards meaningful, sustainable weight loss.

This blog was written on behalf of Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.