Weight loss is complex. There are lots of factors that contribute to your weight. So when you’ve planned to make a change, achieving your goals might not be straightforward.

But what parts of your lifestyle influence weight management?

Having a medical condition. There are some medical conditions and medications that can make it more likely for you to gain weight, like having an underactive thyroid. If this is happening to you, talk to your GP, they will be able to advise you on the best way forward.

Feeling stressed and lacking motivation. Stress can make you crave comfort food, which can increase your calorie consumption.¹

Only focusing on exercise. Although you need to exercise to help burn calories, you have to make sure you are in a calorie deficit. This is easier to maintain if you are eating healthily as well as exercising. If you haven’t changed your eating habits, you may struggle to burn more calories than you consume, leading to weight gain.

Not eating enough. If you are restricting your calories too much, you may find it harder to stick to your diet because you feel hungry. You should aim to eat balanced yet filling foods.

Not getting enough sleep. When you are tired, you might want sweet things to help you replace the energy lost through lack of sleep.²

Having mental health challenges. Some mental health conditions can make it more likely for you to gain weight or find weight loss a challenge. Conditions like depression and anxiety may increase feelings of tiredness and lethargy which impact your motivation to exercise and eat healthily. They can also cause you to eat more comfort food than you would ordinarily do. The combination of comfort eating and inactivity can lead to weight gain.³

Having a pain condition. Chronic pain can lead to weight gain due to inactivity as a result of your condition. You may also turn to comfort eating as a coping mechanism. If your condition causes sleepless nights, hormonal changes may mean you’re craving high calorie foods to compensate for the lack of energy you have.⁴

Speaking to a friend or loved one

Getting support from a friend or loved one can help boost your mood. They can be there for you by accompanying you on a walk or work out or sharing healthy recipe ideas. They can also help support your emotional needs by listening to you when times are hard and offering your support and motivation throughout your weight loss journey.⁵

Accessing GP and health services

Your GP can help you both with your weight loss and wellbeing. Support may involve talking you through different diets and exercises you can try. They may also be able to tell you about local weight loss classes in your area, as well as any medicated weight loss options which may be available to you.

Being prescribed a medicated weight loss treatment

you are interested in medicated weight loss, a pharmacist or doctor can give you advice on whether they are appropriate for you. There are different types of weight management medications available, and they come in injectable and oral formulations. Your healthcare professional can discuss these options with you and explain the eligibility criteria for them.

Consulting a dietician or physiotherapist

Dieticians are medical professionals who can help you with your diet. They will work with you to identify issues with what you are currently consuming and any positive changes you can make to improve your diet. They will also take into account your health and wellbeing when tailoring diet plans for you.

Similarly, physiotherapists can help you find ways to move safely when exercising to minimise pain or injury. This can be particularly helpful if you have problems with your mobility or have a preexisting health condition that makes movement difficult such as gout or arthritis.

You can be referred to these services by your GP or a medical professional following a hospital visit. Some local NHS trusts may offer self-referral services, but your GP will advise you on this if required.

Mental health support

If you need mental health and wellbeing support, your GP may refer you to the NHS counselling service. This is a free therapy service that gives you access to either phone, video or in-person therapy sessions.

You will be given 6 appointments initially and may be offered an additional 6 if you and your therapist decide you need them. Waiting times for NHS counselling services vary. You may have to wait a long time before you can access them.

If you feel like you need more immediate support, you can try private counselling. You will have to pay for any private service that you use. Working with a qualified therapist can ensure that you are receiving professional advice from a professional who understands current regulations on mental health care. You can find a therapist in your local area through the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

You can get help with your weight at any time. But it’s important that you speak about your challenges early on to stop them from becoming bigger problems.

If you are struggling with your mental health and need immediate support, contact 999 or visit A&E.

There is non-judgemental, constructive support available regardless of your circumstances. Healthcare professionals like GPs, pharmacists and physiotherapists can all provide tailored advice so that you can reach your goals and maintain them.