The Real Reason It's So Hard to Lose Weight

Losing weight is challenging due to the body's resistance, driven by hormonal changes. Hormones like leptin and ghrelin play a significant role in regulating appetite and energy conservation. The body becomes more energy-efficient during dieting, making it harder to lose weight. Even after returning to normal eating, hormonal changes can persist, leading to weight regain. Studies show that metabolic rates drop after weight loss, requiring more effort to maintain or lose weight again. Individual responses to dieting vary, influenced by genetics and other factors.

What role does leptin play in the body's response to weight loss?

• It has no effect on weight loss.

• It decreases the body's energy efficiency.

• It signals the brain to conserve energy and increase appetite.

• It increases appetite and energy expenditure.

How does the hormone ghrelin affect the body during calorie restriction?

• It signals the brain to increase appetite.

• It has no effect on hunger.

• It increases feelings of fullness.

• It decreases appetite.

What happens to the body's energy efficiency when on a calorie-restricted diet?

• The body uses more energy from fat stores.

• The body becomes more energy efficient.

• The body relies more on stored fat for energy.

• The body becomes less energy efficient.

What did the 2016 study on weight-loss competition participants reveal about metabolic rates?

• Metabolic rates remain lower even after regaining weight.

• Metabolic rates return to normal after regaining weight.

• Metabolic rates are unaffected by weight changes.

• Metabolic rates increase after weight loss.

Why do people who have lost weight need to eat less than those who have never been heavier?

• Their bodies are more efficient at burning calories.

• Their bodies have a higher resting metabolic rate.

• Their bodies use fewer calories per kilogram.

• Their bodies use more calories per kilogram.