This is a question that we ask ourselves oh so many times. Why cant I lose weight? Unfortunately It is not an easy question to answer. The fact is every one's body is different, what may work for one does not necessarily work for someone else. Some people can lose weight for about the first week or two and then hit a Plateau, others have a hard time losing those first two pounds and then drop weight rapidly, and then their are those of us that try every fad diet, every fitness program and it doesn't matter if we are doing Taebo, buns of steel or 'party off the pounds' with Richard Simmons we still cant answer the question "Why Cant I Lose Weight"

Their are so many factors that can keep a person from losing weight, here are seven I hope you find helpful.

1. To many calories and eating to much.

We will start with the obvious, Over eating, some people have know idea that they are eating to much. They don't know how many calories they should eat a day, or even if the foods they eat are even good for them, their is a huge misconception on what foods are actually good and what are bad. If you are over eating and don't know it that will surely slow down your weight loss efforts, a great place to start is by writing a journal and documenting every thing you eat or drink in a day, every little bite even the 5 m&m's you didn't think counted because their so small. Next since I don't know how tall you are, what your weight is, how active you are or what gender you are their is no way I can predict if you are eating to much or not. I recommend visiting the daily food estimator, where you can get an exact idea of your calorie needs and what type of foods you should eat.

This topic has mixed feelings, I have heard experts say it doesn't matter when you eat a calorie is a calorie, and some experts say not to eat after 6:00 pm. I personally know people who eat a big meal every night before they go to bed and do not have a weight problem, it goes back to your body being different than anyone else's. I my self personally feel heavier and more tired in the morning if I eat before bed versus if I don't. If you are one who does eat late or right before bed and cant lose weight it would probably not be a bad idea to stop eating late and see if that has an effect on your diet efforts.

You need sleep! according to Web MD sleep 101, teenagers require about 9 hours of sleep and most adults require 7-8 hours of sleep per night. if you are not getting good quality sleep you could be damaging your health as well as your diet efforts. Here is a great article from ABC news on the past and present of sleep habits and what it takes to get a good quality nights sleep. Lack of Sleep Means Pain, Weight Gain

Alcohol consumption can most definitely put the brakes on weight loss. The calories alone in alcoholic beverages are one thing to consider not to mention if they are mixed drinks with a soda or juice, the calories from alcohol have no beneficial nutrients, they are called 'empty' calories. Alcohol can also slow down the body's fat burning process, not to mention alcohol has been known to increase your appetite. (Taco bell, White castle)

Their are many ways stress can slow down weight loss and even promote weight gain. When you are stressed your body lets of a hormone called cortisol, to much cortisol can slow down your metabolism hence damaging your diet efforts, not to mention your cravings for bad food. stress can also affect the way your body stores fat and your blood sugar.

Several prescription drugs may have side effects that could damage your weight loss efforts. Every prescription will have an information sheet with it that you can read explaining in detail all of the side effects, and every pharmacist should ask you if you have any questions about the prescription. Don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist or doctor what the side effects are on the prescription the are giving you.

The thyroid, this is what everybody wants to blame their weight gain or in-ability to lose weight on and for some, you may be in luck. Studies now show that even if your thyroid is normal but functioning on the lower level it could be associated with weight gain. For more information read this report from Web Md titled

Weight Gain: Thyroid Gland to Blame?

It is always best to consult your doctor before starting any kind of weight loss program or for any serious questions you may have about problems loosing weight, these are just a few suggestions to possibly help you answer the question Why Cant I Lose Weight

Other helpful resources:

How to lose weight

Strip the fat

Amazing fat loss secret