Why Is Losing Weight So Hard After Having Kids?

If you've had a baby and the scale won’t budge, you're not alone. Losing weight after pregnancy is a common struggle. As many as 75% of women weigh more than their prepregnancy weight by the time their baby turns one.

Here’s the thing: it’s not just about willpower. So why is it so hard?

Our team at Novell Primary Care and Weight Loss understands that many factors can make post-pregnancy weight loss feel nearly impossible. But we’re also here to help you take sustainable, effective steps toward your goals.

Here’s what you need to know about weight management after kids.

5 reasons it’s hard to lose weight after having kids

When you can’t shake off the excess pounds no matter what you try, you might be dealing with a combination of the following:

1. Your hormones are fluctuating

After childbirth, your body goes through a major hormonal shift. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop while cortisol (the stress hormone) can spike, especially if you're not getting much sleep. These shifts can slow your metabolism and increase fat storage, especially around your midsection.

2. Your body has changed

Pregnancy stretches your abdominal muscles and shifts your center of gravity. You may also be dealing with diastasis recti (a separation of abdominal muscles). About 45% of women still have a separation in their abdominal muscles six months after giving birth.

Until your diastasis recti has healed, it can make traditional workouts less effective or even harmful if not addressed properly. (Skip the crunches until your gap has closed!)

3. You’re sleep deprived

Lack of sleep doesn’t just leave you tired — it also increases hunger hormones like ghrelin and reduces the satiety hormone leptin. Even just one night of sleep deprivation can increase ghrelin!

Add in the emotional and mental load of parenting, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fatigue, cravings, and emotional eating.

4. Your time and energy are in high demand

Between feedings, diaper changes, school runs, and work, finding time for meal prep or exercise might feel impossible. And when you're low on energy, your body craves quick fixes, usually in the form of sugar or carbs.

5. You’re breastfeeding

While some women lose weight while breastfeeding, others retain extra fat because their bodies are holding onto energy stores to support milk production. Every body is different—and that’s okay.

Tip: If you’re breastfeeding and trying to lose weight, don’t cut your calories too low. Most breastfeeding mothers need at least 1,800-2,400 calories a day to maintain milk supply. Focus on nutrient-dense foods, plenty of hydration, and gentle movement like walking or yoga to support both your recovery and your baby’s needs.

How Novell Primary Care and Weight Loss can help you reach your goals

At Novell Primary Care and Weight Loss, we offer more than just encouragement — we provide expert tools and support that help you reach your health goals while adjusting to life as a new mom.

We start with a full evaluation, including lab work and hormone checks, to uncover any underlying issues that could be slowing your progress. From there, we design a plan that works for your body and your life. That might include: