Cortisol may be the culprit. Stress and poor sleep ignite Cortisol which signals the body to hold/store fat. When my job was stressful + sleep issues & pain, I went on Paleo & no sugar, grains .... for 2 month. pain decreased but didn't lose 1 lb. Quit my job which led to better sleep and started on here at 1500 calories a day 21/2 weeks ago lost 7 lbs. already.