7 Reasons Why It's So Hard to Lose Weight After Having Kids

Few things are more precious and important than bringing a new baby into the world. However, the process takes a significant toll on your body. 

You’re trying to reclaim your body now, but the scale just won’t budge. Sound familiar? If you’ve been wondering why losing weight after having kids feels like an uphill battle, you’re definitely not alone.

The truth is that your body, brain, and daily life all shift after childbirth, and those changes can seriously affect how — and how easily — you lose weight. Dr. Michael Skardasis and our team at Optimal Performance Medicine in Woodstock, Georgia, know how frustrating weight loss roadblocks can be.

That’s why we’re using this month’s blog to highlight some of the most common reasons weight loss feels extra tough in the postpartum phase and, more importantly, to share ideas for what you can do about it. 

1. Your hormones are still raging

Pregnancy and postpartum come with massive hormonal changes. Even months after delivery, your body’s hormone levels, especially estrogen and cortisol, can remain out of balance. These shifts may lead to:

• Slower metabolism
• Increased fat storage
• Sugar and carb cravings
• Mood swings that make emotional eating more tempting

Despite what you’ve been told, breastfeeding doesn’t always help you shed weight quickly. If you're breastfeeding, those hormones also support milk production, meaning your body may hang onto fat stores a little longer than you'd like. 

2. You’re exhausted

Being sleep deprived is practically a rite of passage for new parents, but it comes at a cost. When you're tired, your body produces more ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and less leptin (the hormone that helps you feel full). The result? You eat more and often crave quick comfort foods.

Also, you're probably too tired to prepare healthy meals or work out. It’s a tough cycle, but even small improvements in sleep can help reset your metabolism and mindset. Lean on your partner and family members to help you get as much sleep as possible, either overnight or with naps during the day. 

3. Your body has changed 

Your body did an incredible thing growing and delivering a baby, but that process also stretches and shifts everything — literally. Your core muscles, pelvic floor, and even posture may be different, which can make traditional workouts feel harder or even uncomfortable.

This doesn’t mean you can’t get stronger again, but it does mean you might need a more gradual, customized fitness approach. We can connect you with a physical therapist or postpartum fitness specialist who can help you rebuild your foundation safely.

4. You’re not moving as much as you think

Chasing kids around feels exhausting — but it’s not always the kind of movement that burns calories or builds muscle. New mothers often spend more time sitting (hello, nursing sessions) than they realize.

The fix? Find easy ways to sneak in more movement, like walking during your child’s naptime, stretching while playing on the floor, or doing short home workouts. It all adds up.

5. You’re stress eating

Motherhood is rewarding in many ways, but it’s also overwhelming and stressful. And when stress hits, your brain craves quick dopamine boosts from sugary or salty snacks. Combine that with the ease of eating on the go or finishing your kid’s leftovers, and it’s easy to consume more than you realize.

Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on mindful eating habits, such as sitting down to eat, portioning snacks, and checking in with your hunger cues.

6. You have unrealistic expectations

Social media can make it seem as though everyone else bounces back within weeks, but that’s not reality. For the vast majority of women, weight loss after having kids is a gradual process, and it should be. Your body needs time to heal, reset, and adjust.

Give yourself grace, set realistic goals, and remember: Progress is still progress, even if it’s slow.

7. You haven’t worked with us yet

We specialize in weight loss and health coaching at Optimal Performance Medicine. We can work with you to create a customized weight loss plan that meets you in your current season, considers your hormonal battles, and allows you to lose weight safely. 

Losing weight after having kids is hard, but it’s not impossible. You can make lasting changes with the right mindset, a bit of support, and consistent habits.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, we can help guide you with personalized advice and referrals. Contact Optimal Performance Medicine today to schedule an appointment.