banana, tape measure, nuts, dumbbell representing weight loss efforts

The Hidden Reason Weight Loss Feels So Hard — and What You Can Do About It

August 13, 20254 min read

For most women, the struggle with weight isn’t just about food or fitness. It’s deeper. Emotional. Frustrating. And far more complex than calories in versus calories out.

You likely already know what you “should” be doing — eat better, move more, stress less, sleep better. But the real challenge?
It’s the doing.
It’s the starting.
And it’s the sticking to it — especially when life gets busy, overwhelming, or just plain exhausting.

So if you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at something you should be able to figure out, let me reassure you:
It’s not you.
It’s the support system you’ve been missing.


Why Weight Loss Isn’t Just About Willpower

Women are often told they lack willpower. That they’re not trying hard enough. That the solution is just a matter of discipline.

But here’s the truth: most of my clients are incredibly disciplined — just in the wrong direction.

They’re busy being everything for everyone else.
Managing work, homes, families, caregiving, careers.
Juggling responsibilities so tightly that their own needs barely make the list.

And so weight loss becomes another “thing” they should do — but don’t have the time, energy, or headspace for.


The Real Weight We’re Carrying

Excess weight isn't always just about food. Sometimes, it’s:

  • The weight of expectations

  • The emotional baggage of years of trying and failing

  • The confusion from conflicting health advice

  • The guilt of taking time for yourself

This is why so many women give up — not because they’re lazy, but because no one has shown them how to do it differently.


A Different Approach — One That Actually Works

After 20 years coaching women through health conditions, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm, I’ve seen one truth stand out:

Lasting change comes from understanding, not punishment.

Forget cookie-cutter plans or one-size-fits-all solutions. What actually helps is having someone:

  • Listen to your story

  • Understand your challenges

  • Work with your real life

  • Support you with practical, personalised guidance

You don’t need to do more. You need to do what works — for you.


One Small Step That Can Change Everything

If anything you’ve read has hit home, I want to offer you something that could be a turning point.

A moment to say, “Yes, I’m ready. But I’m not doing this alone.”


free health check by helen helliwell

Feeling Like It’s Time for a Change?

Here’s the FREE Wellness Support Every Thrive Member Deserves

Let’s face it — most of us know what we should be doing to feel better in our bodies. Eat a bit healthier. Move more. Sleep deeper. Stress less. But knowing isn’t always the hard part.

It’s the doing.
The starting.
The sticking to it when life gets full.

That’s where I step in — and Thrive Hub women, you are in for something very special.


A Completely FREE Programme for Thrive Members

I am offering an exclusive, completely FREE programme to all Thrive Hub members — and it’s not a generic "try this plan" download or a one-size-fits-no-one group challenge.

This is bespoke, personal, one-to-one support, and it’s been designed with real women like you in mind.


Here’s what you get, for free:

✅ A full Health Check
✅ A one-to-one Consultation
✅ A thorough Nutrition Assessment
✅ A Personalised Exercise Programme — crafted specifically for you and delivered in 4 x one-hour sessions, either online or face-to-face over 1–4 weeks

Whether you’re just starting out, trying to get your energy back, or finally feeling ready to reclaim your fitness, this is the kind of support most people pay hundreds for — and you’re getting it FREE, simply for being part of Thrive.


Why This Isn’t Just About Weight Loss

My work isn’t rooted in fad diets or shame-based “fixes.”

I am all about empowerment — supporting women to feel strong, confident, and truly well. I help you create something sustainable and enjoyable, not punishing or overwhelming.

Whether you want to lose weight, rebuild strength after a life shift, improve your nutrition, or just feel good in your skin again, I will create a plan that works with your lifestyle — not against it.

And the best part?
I do it with you, step-by-step.


Why Women Are Raving About This Kind of Support

It’s personal: No cookie-cutter plans. Your body, your goals, your pace.
It’s flexible: Online or face-to-face. Weekly or all-in-one-week. Your choice.
It’s compassionate: I listen, support, and work with you — no judgement.
It’s transformative: Not just for your body, but your confidence, mindset, and wellbeing.

This is more than just a health check — it’s an invitation to reconnect with you.


If You've Been Waiting for the Right Moment — This Is It

So many women delay prioritising themselves because of time, cost, or not knowing where to begin.

This removes all three barriers.

No cost. (Yes, it’s 100% free.)
No confusion. I guide you personally.
No pressure. You’re in safe, understanding hands.

Whether you're post-baby, post-pandemic, post-burnout, or just ready for a reset — this is your sign.


Ready to Say Yes to You?

I am offering this free programme exclusively to Thrive Hub Members — and spaces will fill fast.

To book your free consultation, just join the Thrive Hub and you'll get immediate access to this gift and other amazing gifts from Thrive Hub Partners.

You have nothing to lose — and everything to gain.

Strong. Nourished. Energised. You deserve to feel this good.

Helen Helliwell empowers women through personalised coaching in health, fitness, and wellbeing, with 20+ years’ experience and a compassionate approach.

Helen Helliwell

Helen Helliwell empowers women through personalised coaching in health, fitness, and wellbeing, with 20+ years’ experience and a compassionate approach.

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