Disillusionment. Disillusionment is a psychological phenomenon that is also characteristic of the maintenance phase of fat loss. “Whilst anyone starting a program seriously is likely to be highly motivated, this can change as a result of a number of different factors. Plateaus, in particular, can cause disillusionment and lead someone to want to give it all away. Other things like short binges, holiday seasons, re-unions with friends, and critical periods in life can also cause the disillusionment which is the curse of those wishing to lose fat. When disillusionment and plateaus coincide, extra psychological principles are needed to help individuals get through this stage.

Prescribed medications. There are a number of medications, including those prescribed for anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and inflammatory conditions, that affect body fat stores. Most of these affect body fat levels by either stimulating appetite or decreasing energy use through changes in central nervous system function. Androgens may increase body weight through increased fluid retention and increased muscular bulk.

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