Weight loss stalled? Make sure you’re not missing this crucial vitamin
Vitamin deficiency linked to difficulty losing weight (photo: Freepik)
Iron deficiency can make weight loss more difficult because it lowers hemoglobin levels and slows metabolism. As a result, the body burns fewer calories at rest, slowing down weight reduction, according to Ukrainian gastroenterologist Yevheniia Belinska’s Instagram page.
What happens with iron deficiency
With iron deficiency, people often crave sweets because the brain lacks energy and perceives sugar as a quick source of this energy substrate to keep them going through their day.
When weight loss stalls and there’s no energy to exercise, any diet can feel like a struggle. Often, the underlying cause is deeper than it seems.
Low ferritin levels lead to lower energy, slower metabolism, and constant cravings for sweets.
It’s important to note that ferritin can be normal or even elevated during inflammation or fatty liver disease, so for an accurate diagnosis, additional tests are recommended:
- serum iron;
- transferrin saturation;
- complete blood count;
- C-reactive protein.
Iron also affects anxiety. Eating sweets releases more dopamine and serotonin, making you feel happier and temporarily reducing anxiety.
With iron deficiency, there’s not enough energy for physical activity, so weight loss progresses more slowly.
Symptoms of iron deficiency
Low iron levels (iron deficiency) can develop gradually, and early symptoms are often subtle. The most common signs include:
- persistent fatigue, weakness, and a feeling of exhaustion
- dizziness or frequent headaches
- pale or yellowish skin, pale mucous membranes (lips, inner eyelids)
- rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath even with minimal exertion
- cold hands and feet, feeling unusually chilly
- brittle or dull hair, hair loss
- dry skin
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
