You’ve been trying so hard to get your eating under control, to lose weight, to just feel better in your body. And yet, it feels like no matter what you do, nothing changes.
Maybe you’re even starting to wonder: What if my body just won’t lose weight?
I’ve been there. I remember worrying that even if I did everything right, my body wouldn’t respond. That my years of struggling with food and weight had somehow made it impossible for me to change.
And as a physician, that fear can be especially frustrating. We were taught the basic equation—calories in, calories out. It should be simple. So why does it feel like our bodies didn’t get the memo?
If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or even hopeless about your weight, this is for you. Let’s talk about why it can feel so impossible—and what you can actually do about it.
Why Is It So Hard to Lose Weight?
The first thing I want you to know is this: Nothing has gone wrong.
Your body isn’t broken. You’re not failing. You just haven’t found the right approach for your body yet.
Here are four big reasons why weight loss feels impossible (and what to do about them).
1. Weight Is More Complex Than We Were Taught
That old-school “calories in, calories out” equation is wildly oversimplified. So many factors influence weight—hormones, genetics, metabolism, stress, sleep, even the types of food we eat.
Just because your body isn’t responding the way you think it should doesn’t mean it’s not working at all. Sometimes, progress is happening in ways you don’t see right away.
2. Big Swings in Your Approach Make It Harder
Have you ever gone all in on a plan, only to crash and swing right back the other way? Maybe you follow strict rules for a while, but eventually, life happens (because, well, physician life), and then you feel like you have to start over.
This on-again, off-again cycle makes it really hard for your body to settle into real, sustainable change.
Instead of trying to be perfect, focus on being consistent. Even small, imperfect steps add up over time.
3. You’re Trying to Lose Weight the “Right” Way Instead of Your Way
One of the biggest mistakes I see physicians make is following a weight loss plan that works for someone else—not for them.
Maybe you’ve tried tracking macros, intermittent fasting, or cutting out entire food groups because you saw someone else have success with it. But if you hate the way you’re eating, or if it doesn’t fit your schedule or energy levels, it’s not going to stick.
The key is to find what works for you. That might mean eating in a way that feels good instead of forcing yourself into a plan that feels like punishment.
4. You’re Too Focused on the Scale
We’ve been conditioned to believe that if the scale isn’t moving, we’re failing. But the truth? The scale is a terrible way to measure progress.
Your body composition might be shifting. Your energy levels might be improving. You might be more consistent with your eating habits than ever before.
None of that shows up on the scale right away. But it does matter.
What to Do If It Feels Like You Can’t Lose Weight
So what do you actually do when it feels like nothing is working?
1. Reassess Your Goals—Do You Really Want to Lose Weight?
This might sound counterintuitive, but before you keep pushing for weight loss, ask yourself: Do I actually need to lose weight?
Sometimes, we get stuck in the mindset that we should lose weight because that’s what we’ve always told ourselves. But is it really about the number on the scale? Or is it about feeling better, having more energy, being in control of your eating?
If weight loss is the right goal for you, great. But if what you really want is something else—more strength, more ease around food, more confidence—then that’s what you should focus on.
2. Think of Your Body Like a Black Box
Imagine your body as a black box—there are things going on inside it that you can’t directly measure. Your metabolism, hormones, stress levels—all of these things influence your weight, but you don’t always see the effects right away.
Instead of micromanaging the output (the number on the scale), focus on the inputs you can control:
✅ The way you eat
✅ How you move your body
✅ Your sleep and stress levels
✅ Whether you’re being consistent with your habits
3. Try New Tools
If what you’re doing isn’t working, it might be time to experiment with something new.
- Anti-obesity medications – If you’re struggling despite doing everything “right,” talk to your doctor about whether medication might be helpful.
- Coaching – This is what I do in Thrive Academy for Physicians. Coaching helps you personalize your approach and figure out what actually works for you.
- Mindset work – So much of weight loss isn’t about food. It’s about how we think about food, our bodies, and ourselves.
4. Prioritize Consistency Over Perfection
If you take nothing else from this post, take this: consistency is everything.
You don’t have to do it all perfectly. You just have to keep showing up.
And if you’re struggling to be consistent, get curious. Instead of beating yourself up, ask:
👉 Why am I struggling with this?
👉 What could I tweak to make it easier?
👉 How can I make this work in my actual, busy life?
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
I know how lonely this struggle can feel. But you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
If you’re a physician and you want help finding a way to eat and lose weight that actually works for you—without the guilt, the shame, or the exhausting all-or-nothing thinking—come join me inside Thrive Academy for Physicians.
We’ll work together to make food easier so you can finally feel free.
Check it out here: Start2Thrive.ca
And if this post resonated with you, share it with another physician who needs to hear this today. 💙
Recent Comments