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8 Reasons You Aren't Losing Weight That Have Nothing to Do with Your Metabolism

You could be making a simple mistake that is having a major impact on your ability to lose weight. 

Are you struggling to lose weight, even though it seems like you are doing everything right? There are a few common mistakes that you might be making, says an expert. Kate Douglass is a Wellness Recovery Coach, podcast host, and social media influencer whose mission is helping people "turn setbacks into comebacks" and help them "get back on track." In a new Instagram post, she outlines some of the biggest weight loss mistakes people make. "To the woman who is at her max trying to figure out this weight loss thing – and I know, you've been through a lot lately, but that's a story for another day, right?" she writes in the caption. Body Network's Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, also offers some input on the subject matter. Read on to discover surprising reasons some people are struggling to lose weight.

If You Are Struggling to Lose Weight, It's Probably Not Due to a Slow Metabolism

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"Most women struggling to lose weight don't actually have a slow metabolism," she says in the video. "It's not their hormones, it's not their age, it's not inflammation."

Rediscovering Your Routine

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"You are so ready to get back in shape, find your routine, and feel like your old self again, despite all the crap that's happened. And let me tell you, I FEEL you. And here's the kicker – you're not doing anything wrong." It's likely one or ALL of these things, she says.

1. You Aren't Burning as Much Energy as Your Think

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Maybe you are exercising daily and feel like you are moving enough. However, it's possible you aren't. "You're overestimating how much energy you're burning," she says about the first reason.

RELATED: Shed 25 Pounds with These 10 Gentle Workouts

2. You Are Overcomplicating Exercise

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Keep exercise simple, stupid. "You're trying to do too much with your workouts – remember, less is more," Kate says.

3. You Aren't Educated About Nutrition

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Are you really educated about nutrition? If not, your eating habits could be the culprit. "You truly have zero idea how much you need to be eating, including the right amounts of protein, fat, carbs, and fiber (which is why I got certified in fitness nutrition)," she says.

RELATED: 14 Snacks Under 100 Calories That Fill You Up and Slim You Down

4. You Are Inconsistent

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Consistency is key, says Kate. "You don't have a consistent schedule – talking bedtime, quiet time, you name it," she says.

5. You Aren't Happy

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Her final reason? "And honestly, you haven't had enough fun lately. You're not happy, not laughing enough, because all this weight loss stress is zapping your energy and confidence," she says.

6. You Are Underestimating How Much You Eat

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Body Network's Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, notes that along with overestimating how much you are burning "a lot of people underestimate how much they are eating whether they forget foods (even a few bites they had) or they underestimate portions," she says.

RELATED: 8 Things I Did to Lose 25 Pounds in 6 Months

7. You Aren't Eating Enough

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Collingwood also notes that some people aren't eating enough, neglecting their bodies from the fat-burning and muscle-building process. "You starve yourself or skip meals, thinking that is the best way to get fewer calories for the day," she says.

8. You Aren't Sleeping Enough

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Finally, Collingwood emphasizes the importance of sleep. "You aren't prioritizing sleep and getting 7 to 9 hours of QUALITY sleep every single night," she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are struggling to lose weight, think of it as a puzzle. Examine all the pieces and figure out which ones aren't lining up.

Leah Groth
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. Read more