Why do Some People Lose More Weight Than Others?

Some people stick to a diet, exercise regularly and consistently lose large amounts of weight. For other people, it doesn't seem to matter how much they restrict their calorie intake or increase their activity levels, they only lose a pound a week. It is extremely frustrating when you put so much effort in and don't appear to have your hard work rewarded. When you're feeling demoralised it can be tempting to just throw in the towel, but that won't help you deal with your weight problem. You simply have to accept that different people lose weight at different rates, but why?

For one thing, people have different calorie requirements. Even without factoring in activity levels, a larger frame requires more calories. If you're over six foot and muscular, you will be able to consume a greater number of calories than someone who is just over five foot and not particularly athletic. Clearly, if you are able to consume a greater number of calories it is easier to stick to a diet plan, because you don't have to worry as much about the precise number of calories. If you have a small build, to lose weight you won't be able to eat as much.

Another factor in your calorie requirements is obviously the amount of exercise you do. If you exercise every day or every other day and actually push yourself, you're clearly going to burn more calories than someone who goes for a gentle amble around town a couple of times a month. If you're running or cycling on a regular basis, you will be burning calories while you exercise and for hours afterwards. If you also do some weight training, you will be building muscle and this, too, can help with burning calories.

If you're not losing weight as fast as someone else, it may be that you're not as active as they are or that you simply are not sticking the diet as rigidly as you think you are. Some people have a great deal of willpower and can resist the temptation of chocolate, cake, crisps, alcohol and any other kind of calorific treats. For most people, this is more difficult, and, clearly, if you need to make room in your diet for chocolate or sweets, then this is going to have an impact on how fast you lose weight.

The reason why some people lose weight faster than others is not all to do with people's ability to adopt lifestyle changes and their frame. Gender, genetics and body make-up can also affect the rate at which an individual loses weight. Consequently, it is worth focusing on achieving your own goals and adopting a weight-loss plan which you can follow, rather than comparing your progress to that of other people.

Whilst it might sometimes be useful to embark on a weight-loss programme at the same time as someone else, because you can offer each other mutual support, it is worth bearing in mind that some people are able to lose weight more quickly than others. Therefore, if you're losing weight slower than your friends or relatives, you should try not to become too disheartened and, instead, focus on the positive steps you're taking.