Inability to lose weight may not be due to diet and exercise

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 63-year-old woman who is trying to lose 20 pounds. I’m 5 feet 7 inches and weigh 155 pounds. I feel I am at least 25 pounds overweight. I exercise daily and eat healthy fruits and vegetables, but no flour or sugar. I consume 1,200 calories each day and cannot lose a pound.

DEAR READER: It sounds as though you are doing all the right things. I recommend you visit your physician for some routine lab work and a review of your medical history to determine whether a thyroid condition, prescription medication or other medical disorder might be to blame. It might not be your fault at all, just an undiscovered anomaly.