You’re in a calorie deficit, eating healthily and exercising – yet the scales just won’t budge? You feel drained of energy, and the cravings are relentless?
Let’s talk about why a calorie deficit sometimes just isn’t enough – and what micronutrients have to do with it.
In a nutshell: Why doesn’t calorie counting always work?
Sadly, being in a deficit doesn’t always guarantee weight loss. The issue often isn’t the food – it’s your metabolism. If your body is missing key micronutrients, your metabolism and fat-burning processes can slow down dramatically. Your system switches into “conservation mode” – making weight loss almost impossible.
This is especially true when external factors like hormonal contraception (e.g. the birth control pill) come into play. These can lead to hidden nutrient deficiencies that further stall your metabolism.
In cases like this, targeted support with B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and folate can help fire up your energy metabolism and support fat breakdown.
What are calories, really?
Calories measure the energy content of food – but they tell you nothing about its nutritional quality. For your body to burn fat, build muscle, and function at its best, it needs a constant supply of micronutrients. These tiny helpers are vital for your metabolism:
- Vitamins B6, B12 & folate: Help activate enzymes involved in energy production
- Magnesium: Supports fat and sugar metabolism, and muscle function
- Zinc: Essential for thyroid function and cell growth
If these building blocks are missing, your metabolism goes into emergency mode – slowing everything down, no matter how little you eat or how much you exercise.
How does the pill affect your nutrient levels?
Here’s what many don’t realise: hormonal contraception can interfere with nutrient absorption or increase your body’s demand for certain vitamins and minerals.
Multiple studies have shown that the Pill may lead to deficiencies in B vitamins (especially B6, B12, folate), magnesium, zinc, vitamin C and riboflavin (B2) – all nutrients your metabolism relies on.
In a large Korean study (Park & Kim, 2016) involving over 39,000 women, long-term pill users with low intake of B vitamins, calcium and zinc were significantly more likely to be overweight.
Similarly, a study in China (Ju et al., 2022) of over 12,000 women found that low intake of vitamin A, niacin and zinc was linked to increased risk of weight gain.
And in Iran, researchers (Sajjadi et al., 2021) found that low levels of zinc, vitamin C and riboflavin were directly associated with a lower resting metabolic rate – meaning: your body burns fewer calories, even at rest.
Why you should track nutrients – not just calories
If you’re only tracking calories, you might be missing the bigger picture: micronutrient deficiencies.
This is especially important for women using hormonal contraception who want to lose weight. Rather than focusing solely on cutting calories, take a closer look at your nutrient intake. Ask yourself:
“Am I still getting all the essential vitamins and minerals my metabolism needs – especially when I’m eating less?”
If the answer is no, it’s time to prioritise nutrient-rich foods that deliver more micronutrients per calorie.
And to stay on the safe side, you can also supplement the key nutrients affected by the pill – in a targeted, simple way.
Product Tip: Resilovit® pill
Specially formulated for women using hormonal contraception – including the pill, hormonal coils, implants or rings.
It provides scientifically selected micronutrients to support metabolism, energy, and hormonal balance:
- B-complex vitamins incl. B6 & B12
- Folate
- Magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Biotin – for skin, hair and nails
This unique blend supports your energy metabolism, hormone regulation, cell renewal, and mental health.
Conclusion: How can you boost your metabolism holistically?
If you’re doing everything right – cutting calories, staying active, eating well – but the results aren’t showing, the issue might not be your willpower or diet.
Your body may simply need more micronutrient support to get your metabolism going again.
Disclaimer:
This content was researched and written with human expertise – and a small sprinkle of AI magic.