Why Can’t I Lose Weight Even Though I’m Dieting?

If you’ve been cutting calories, watching your portions, and avoiding snacks, but the scales still won’t budge, you’re not alone. Many people come into Junction Pharmacy asking the same frustrating question: “Why can’t I lose weight even though I’m dieting?”

The truth is, weight loss isn’t always as simple as “eat less, move more.” While maintaining a calorie deficit is key to fat loss, several hidden factors can interfere with your progress, even when you’re making a real effort.

Here, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why dieting alone doesn’t always lead to results, and how our London-based weight loss clinic can help you break through the plateau.

You Might Not Be Tracking Calories Accurately

One of the biggest culprits behind stubborn weight is inaccurate calorie tracking. Even if you’re counting your calories or using an app, it’s incredibly easy to underestimate:

• –> The oil used when cooking

• –> Sauces, dressings, or spreads

• –> “Healthy” snacks that are calorie-dense (like nuts or granola)

• –> Large portion sizes when eating out

Studies have shown that even diligent dieters can underestimate their intake by hundreds of calories per day. If you’re not weighing your food or measuring portions, you may be eating more than you think.

At Junction Pharmacy, we help clients review their food tracking habits and identify common areas where extra calories sneak in.

Metabolism May Slow Down During Dieting

Your body is smarter than you think. When you reduce your calorie intake for an extended period, your metabolism can adapt by slowing down. This is a natural survival response – your body tries to conserve energy when it senses a prolonged calorie shortage.

This is known as adaptive thermogenesis, and it can reduce your daily energy expenditure. You may also move less, fidget less, or feel more tired – all of which reduce the number of calories you burn.

If you’ve been dieting for months without success, your body may be resisting further loss, not because you’re doing anything wrong, but because it’s trying to maintain its current weight.

We help patients at our clinic navigate this phase safely, often incorporating structured calorie resets or medical support to get the metabolism moving again.

Hidden Sugars in “Healthy” Foods

Many so-called “healthy” or “diet” foods can still contain high levels of sugar and calories, especially if they’re highly processed. These include:

• –> Low-fat yoghurts with added sugar

• –> Protein bars and shakes

• –> Smoothies and fruit juices

• –> Vegan or gluten-free snacks that are still high in carbohydrates

These products can spike your blood sugar, increase hunger, and sabotage your calorie goals without you realising. Reading labels carefully and prioritising whole, minimally processed foods can make a huge difference.

At Junction Pharmacy, our weight loss team can help you spot misleading labels and guide you towards truly nourishing choices that support sustainable fat loss.

When Diet Alone Isn’t Enough – Medical Weight Loss Support

If you’ve tried calorie restriction, meal planning, and healthy habits but still can’t shift the weight, you may benefit from a more targeted, medically supervised weight loss approach.

At our London weight loss clinic, we offer one-to-one consultations to explore the underlying reasons why you may be struggling, including:

• –> Hormonal imbalances (e.g. thyroid issues or insulin resistance)

• –> High stress and poor sleep

• –> A history of yo-yo dieting

• –> Age-related metabolic changes

• –> Emotional or binge eating patterns

We also offer support with prescription weight loss medications when clinically appropriate. These include:

Saxenda (liraglutide)

A once-daily injection that helps regulate appetite by mimicking a hormone involved in hunger. Saxenda helps patients feel full sooner and for longer, reducing calorie intake without extreme restriction.

Wegovy (semaglutide)

A newer, once-weekly injection from the same family as Saxenda, Wegovy has been shown to support significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

One of the latest additions, Mounjaro, targets two key hunger-related hormones and has produced promising results in clinical trials for both weight loss and blood sugar control.

All treatments are prescribed following a medical assessment, and they are most effective when paired with healthy eating and behaviour changes. Our team provides full support, from injection guidance to lifestyle coaching and progress monitoring.

Don’t Go it Alone

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why can’t I lose weight even though I’m dieting?” – you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. There are many reasons why your efforts may not be producing the results you expect.

Whether it’s subtle tracking errors, metabolic adaptation, or misleading food choices, there’s always a solution. At Junction Pharmacy, we offer professional guidance, personalised support, and access to clinically approved treatments to help you lose weight safely and sustainably.

To book a consultation with our London weight loss clinic today, reach out to our friendly team.

Take the next step towards a healthier, more confident you. You don’t have to go it alone – we’re here to help.

This blog was written on behalf of Junction Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.