Why is it so hard to keep the weight off?

Your body has “allostatic mechanisms” which essentially work to try to keep weight steady at what can be referred to as a “set-point”. Historically, our bodies see weight-loss as “bad” because it was associated with famine and illness.

As you lose weight, your body’s metabolic rate will slow, which is why weight-loss will eventually plateau. Neurohormonal signals that increase hunger and appetite can also make it more difficult.

These factors can then lead to weight regain, which is why we often see the yo-yo weight loss-gain cycling.

After weight-loss, an individual needs to continue to consume less calories to maintain weight-loss which can be difficult to sustain.