If you’re eating clean, exercising regularly, and still not seeing results on the scale—or worse, feeling puffier than before—you’re not alone. According to fitness coach Helen Laverick, your body may be sending subtle signs that it’s storing fat instead of burning it, even when you’re doing everything “right.”
In a recent Instagram post, Laverick shared that weight loss plateaus aren’t always about lack of effort—they could be a sign your body is out of balance. Here are three hidden signs she says could indicate your body is stuck in fat-storage mode—and how to turn things around.
1. Midday Energy Crashes or Feeling Sleepy After Eating
That sluggish, drained feeling you get after a meal isn’t just “normal tiredness.” It could be your body’s way of signaling poor blood sugar regulation—and a tendency to store fat rather than burn it.
“I was eating light, yet still felt like crashing after meals,” says Laverick.
“That’s when I realized my blood sugar was on a rollercoaster.”
If your meals are high in simple carbs and low in protein or healthy fats, you may experience post-meal fatigue due to blood sugar spikes followed by crashes. This stress on the system can promote fat storage, especially when repeated daily.
✅ The Fix: Focus on balanced meals with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats to stabilize energy and encourage fat metabolism.
2. Your Waistline Is Growing—Even While Eating Less
Noticed your jeans tightening, even though your portion sizes have shrunk? That could be a red flag.
“I was cutting calories but somehow gaining inches around my waist,” Laverick recalls.
This paradox is often tied to chronic stress, hormonal imbalances, or under-eating—all of which can signal the body to store fat, especially in the abdominal region. Stress-induced cortisol spikes and poor nutrient intake can encourage your body to hold onto fat as a survival mechanism.
✅ The Fix: Instead of just reducing calories, support your metabolism by managing stress (think: deep breathing, gentle walks, quality sleep) and prioritizing nutrient-dense foods over low-calorie, low-nutrient options.
3. Loss of Muscle Tone Despite Consistent Training
Are your muscles feeling softer or less defined even though you’re hitting the gym consistently? According to Laverick, this is another subtle clue.
“Even though I was lifting heavy and staying active, my muscles weren’t popping the way they used to.”
This can happen when your body fat percentage remains high, masking your muscle tone. Often, it’s not about training harder but recovering smarter. Inadequate protein intake, chronic stress, or poor sleep can all interfere with fat burning and muscle recovery.
✅ The Fix: Ensure you’re getting enough high-quality protein, prioritize recovery, and consider adjusting your workouts to include progressive overload and adequate rest days.
Bottom Line: Listen to the Subtle Signals
The number on the scale is just one piece of the puzzle. Helen Laverick reminds us that real fat loss is about more than counting calories or spending hours at the gym. It’s about tuning into your body’s biofeedback—like energy levels, clothing fit, and muscle visibility.
“Don’t rely on the scale alone. Your body tells you so much more if you know where to look.”
If your fat-loss efforts feel stalled, it may be time to reassess your routine, focus on hormone-friendly habits, or consult a health professional who can personalize your approach.
Remember: Sustainable weight loss isn’t just about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about doing things differently.