Nutrition expert reveals surprising reason why some women can’t lose weight – no matter how much they try

A top diet guru has offered an intriguing explanation as to why thousands of women cut calories and exercise intensively still struggle to lose weight. 

According to US nutritionist Abram Anderson, the answer lies with womens’ bowel movements — or more specifically, lack thereof.

In a video posted to his 750,000 Instagram followers, Mr Anderson said that women with constipation ‘will not be able to lose weight’, even if they are burning more calories than they consume.

He explained that this is because a sluggish system can trigger inflammation within the digestive system, which is known to contribute towards weight gain. 

This is because inflammatory proteins released by the immune system raise the level of hormones that affect how the body stores fat as well as regulate appetite. 

Mr Anderson then goes on to provide a series of tips for alleviating constipation that he said will rid themselves of this inflammation and ‘break that weight loss plateau’. 

Firstly, he advised eating plenty of fruit like apples, grapes and berries.

‘These things have prebiotic benefits and if you mix it with water it can help clean you out,’ he said.

Prebiotics are foods that have qualities that can feed beneficial bacteria that naturally live in the digestive system. 

His second and ‘favourite’ tip, was to drink 100 per cent prune juice that has been warmed in a microwave.

Prune juice is very high in fibre — natural material in some plants that help bulk out stools, making them softer and easier to pass. 

Heating prune juice is believed to make more readily absorbed by the body, making it a more effective constipation aid. 

‘This is one of the sure-fire ways to get things out,’ Mr Anderson’s said.

His final tip was to stock up on kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish that’s traditionally eaten in Korea. 

‘The number one way a woman can have full poops to get rid of that inflammation and melt body fat easier is to eat at least two tablespoons of a prebiotic and probiotic food,’ he said. ‘My personal favourite is called kimchi.’ 

Many of Mr Anderson’s tips for alleviating constipation are also shared by the NHS.

The health service advises eating lots of fruit such as apples, apricots, grapes (and raisins), raspberries and strawberries and prunes to help avoid constipation.

As well as fibre, fruit contains a natural sugar called sorbitol which helps further draw water into the colon, softening stools.

The NHS is more cautious about promoting the use of pre and probiotics for constipation however, stating there is only some evidence they can help alleviate symptoms for irritable bowel syndrome patients.

Studies suggest women can be up to three times at risk of constipation compared to men.

This is due to a combination of anatomical differences, including that women have a slightly longer colon, increasing the time it takes for stool to make it through the digestive system.

The fluctuation of hormones during menstruation and pregnancy can also delay digestion.

While there is some evidence that constipation is linked to inflammation, this isn’t yet clear cut. 

Some experts say that the occasional bout of constipation — defined as having a bowel movement less than three times a week — is unlikely to contribute to significant weight gain.

However, chronic constipation can cause or be a sign of inflammation which has been linked to obesity. 

Inflammation of bodily tissues is a natural immune system reaction to threats, such as injury or pathogens.

When any kind of threat — bacteria, toxins, trauma, even extremes of temperature — injures our tissues, they become inflamed.

Normally, this is a short-lived process but in some circumstances, it can last for long periods and damage healthy tissue.

Some experts have linked changes in gut bacteria, which causes constipation, to increased risk of inflammation.

Others highlight that constipation-related problems like haemorrhoids — painful swelling of the blood vessels in the back passage — triggers inflammation in the area. 

While constipation is normally a mild ailment that is revolved by changes to diet and exercise levels people should talk to their GP or pharmacist if it continues.

Those who also suffer bloating, notice blood after going to the toilet, have lost weight without trying or have constant fatigue should book an appointment with their doctor as it could be signs of something more serious.