Why Can't I Lose Weight? The Often Overlooked Role of Micronutrients and its effect on metabolism

Have you been doing various diets and physical exercises for a few months and can't get satisfactory results? You should know that this can be an issue that goes beyond a healthy diet and exercise. The lack of micronutrients in the body leaves the metabolism slower, which makes it difficult to lose weight.

Micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Its main function is to facilitate the chemical reactions that occur in the body. They are even the ones that allow the transformation of calories into energy so they are essential in your weight loss process.

If there are not enough minerals or vitamins available in the body the metabolism does not work properly and that calorie that would be transformed into energy ends up being accumulated in the form of fat. Therefore, the deficiency of these substances is an obstacle to weight loss.

Is healthy eating always enough?

It is important to know that even a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fiber, salads and protein and good fats may not be enough for the metabolism to work properly. Micronutrient deficiency is often due to inadequate intestine absorption. The intestine works as a “gatekeeper”, which tells what enters and what does not enter the cell. If it is not healthy even if you have a healthy diet, there's no nutrient absorption as it should sometimes causing more hunger and the constant desire to eat. Supplements through IV therapy may be an option. 

In addition to the difficulty in losing weight, weak hair, nails and skin are the biggest indicators of vitamin deficiency. Identifying which nutrients you need and making adjustments is ideal as metabolic issues may improve. Obviously it's a joint effort, because the person needs to spend energy for it too and have a healthy diet in conjunction.

In addition, diets that are restrictive and unmonitored by a professional do not take into account the individual's state of health, eating habits and lifestyle they may not concerned with promoting nutritional education and the most and most of the time unable to keep up with maintaining the lost weight and putting your health in risk often lacking essential nutrients.

It could be that you don’t have a slow metabolism after all, it could be that you are lacking nutrients that’s why you are body isn’t working right. It is important to emphasize the importance of being monitored by a Dietitian when losing weight that can customize your diet plan and recommend supplements based on your needs.