Weight loss is no easy feat, as many know.
It requires determination, consistency and careful vigilance.
Eating a healthy diet, regularly exercising and reducing your stress levels will all aid in a steady loss of fat.
However, sometimes there are a number of factors that can make the shifting of the pounds almost impossible.
Many vitamin, mineral, and hormone deficiencies are linked to metabolic disorders that affect your body's natural ability to manage weight, and may lead to adverse weight effects
According to studies and research papers, being low in both vitamin D and vitamin B12 could affect the scales.
Vitamin D is critical for building bone, with research proving that it can also help to reduce cancer cell growth, control infections and reduce inflammation.
Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and DNA. Lacking in the vitamin can cause a host of complications such as fatigue, constipation, muscle weakness, memory loss and behavioural changes.
Both vitamins have been shown to help improve a person’s mood, and for those embarking on a weight loss regime, it could be highly beneficial to ensure you are topping up on these vitamins, say experts.
Can vitamin D help me lose weight?
Several studies have shown a link between obesity and a lack of vitamin D.
Research has found that people who are obese or overweight have a lower vitamin D status.
The possible link could come down to adipokines, which are factors produced by adipose tissue that affect appetite regulation, energy expenditure, lipid metabolism and glucose.
All of these are vital for weight loss and when the production of adipokines is no longer regulated correctly, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes may ensue.
One study published in the National Library of Medicine looked at vitamin D3 supplementation during weight loss.
The study involved 218 overweight/obese women aged between 50 and 75.
All were put on a calorie-restricted diet and exercise routine.
Half of the women received a vitamin D supplement, while the other half received a placebo.
At the end of the study, researchers found that women who fulfilled their vitamin D requirements experienced more weight loss, losing an average of 7 pounds (3.2 kg) more than the women who did not have adequate blood levels.
Can Vitamin B12 help me lose weight?
vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to long-term weight control problems, according to health experts.
When the body’s natural balance is disrupted, it typically responds by slowing down the metabolism, conserving fat stores, and burning fewer calories throughout the day.
This all results in the weight scales not moving down despite all your efforts.
In another study published in the National Library of Medicine, an association of vitamin B12 with obesity, insulin resistance and body fat composition was further investigated.
The research involved 976 patients and found low vitamin B12 levels were associated with obesity and being overweight.
“Vitamin B12 was negatively correlated only with body mass index,” the study added.
