You’ve cut the calories, joined the gym, and are doing everything right — but the scales still won’t budge. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. One of the most common frustrations we hear at Tonic Weight Loss Surgery is: “Why am I not losing weight?”

The truth is, weight loss is more complex than the old “eat less, move more” advice. There are many factors that can influence your results, especially if you’re struggling with obesity or have been yo-yo dieting for years. Whether you’ve hit a plateau or feel like your efforts are going unnoticed, here’s what our experts want you to know.

1. Common and Overlooked Reasons Why You Might Not Be Losing Weight

Even when people believe they’re doing everything right, several hidden factors could be slowing (or stopping) their weight loss:

Undereating or over-restricting

Surprisingly, eating too little can actually stall weight loss. Severely cutting calories can slow your metabolism, cause muscle loss, and trigger your body’s stress response, making fat loss harder.

Not prioritising protein

Many people focus on cutting carbs or fats, but forget that protein is key for satiety, metabolism, and preserving lean muscle mass — especially after weight loss surgery.

Liquid calories

Sugary drinks, lattes, alcohol, and even fruit juices can be packed with hidden calories that sabotage your efforts without you realising.

Not tracking portion sizes accurately

Portion distortion is real. Without proper measurement or mindful eating, it’s easy to underestimate your intake — especially with healthy foods.

Lack of sleep or high stress

Both can disrupt hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin, increase cravings, and make it harder for your body to burn fat efficiently.

Doing too much cardio, not enough strength training

While cardio burns calories, resistance training builds muscle — which helps burn fat long after your workout ends. A balanced exercise plan is key.

2. Could It Be an Underlying Health Condition?

If you’re eating well, exercising, and still not losing weight, an underlying health issue could be at play. Some of the most common medical reasons include:

Insulin resistance

A condition where your body becomes less effective at processing sugar, often linked to type 2 diabetes and PCOS. It can lead to weight gain, especially around the stomach, and make weight loss very difficult.

Thyroid disorders

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows your metabolism and can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty losing weight even with effort.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

This hormonal condition affects metabolism, appetite, and insulin sensitivity, making weight loss a much bigger challenge for women.

Medications

Certain medications, such as antidepressants, corticosteroids, and some diabetes drugs, can cause weight gain or block weight loss.

If you suspect a medical condition may be affecting your progress, it’s important to speak to a GP or specialist for further testing and support.

3. Our Number One Piece of Advice for Those Feeling Stuck

At Tonic, we work with many patients who have felt like failures — when in reality, their bodies just needed a different approach.

Here’s the advice we always give:

“It’s not your fault. If nothing is working, it’s time to stop punishing yourself and start looking at long-term solutions that actually work.”

If your body has been through years of dieting, extreme exercise, or hormonal imbalance, sometimes a more targeted intervention — such as weight loss surgery — is the safest, most effective option.

Procedures like the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band don’t just reduce appetite — they help reset your metabolism and make long-term weight loss achievable, especially when paired with proper nutrition, aftercare, and mental health support.

We also remind patients that progress isn’t always measured in pounds lost. Energy, sleep, strength, mental health, and quality of life are just as important — and often improve before the scales show major change.

When to Consider Weight Loss Surgery

If you’ve been struggling with your weight for years and nothing seems to work, you may benefit from a more structured, medically supported solution. You might be a good candidate for surgery if:

Your BMI is over 35 with weight-related health conditions, or over 40

• You’ve tried multiple diets or weight loss programmes without lasting success
• You want to improve or prevent conditions like diabetes, sleep apnoea, or hypertension
• You’re ready to commit to lifelong changes with professional support

At Tonic, we offer gastric sleeve surgery UK, sleeve gastrectomy UK, and other proven bariatric procedures, alongside an industry-leading aftercare programme that includes nutritionists, psychotherapists, and fitness coaches.

Don’t Struggle Alone — There Is a Way Forward

If you’re asking yourself “Why am I not losing weight?” — it’s time to stop blaming yourself and start exploring real answers. Whether it’s a medical issue, hormonal imbalance, or a body that simply needs more support, there is a solution.

Book your free consultation today and take the first step towards understanding your body, reclaiming your health, and finding a strategy that truly works — for life.