Why am I not losing weight in a calorie deficit — and when could there be a medical reason?

A calorie deficit should lead to weight loss over time, but metabolic adaptation, tracking errors, hormonal factors, and fluid retention can affect results. In this episode, we explain how doctors assess stalled weight loss and when further evaluation may be appropriate in Europe.

You’ll learn:

• What a true calorie deficit means and how energy balance works

• Common causes of stalled progress: inaccurate tracking, portion miscalculation, reduced non-exercise activity (NEAT)

• The role of water retention, menstrual cycle changes, and sodium intake

• How sleep deprivation, stress, and cortisol influence weight regulation

• When thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be considered

• When blood tests or metabolic assessment may be recommended after doctor review

• Situations where prescription weight-loss treatment may be declined if clinical criteria are not met

We also discuss realistic timelines for fat loss and why short-term scale fluctuations are common.

This episode complements our full clinical guide:

Why Am I Not Losing Weight In A Calorie Deficit?

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/why-am-i-not-losing-weight-in-a-calorie-deficit

Mobi Doctor provides online medical consultations across Europe. Investigations and treatment recommendations are based on individual assessment and established clinical guidelines.

What causes loss of appetite — and when could it indicate an underlying medical condition?

Loss of appetite (reduced desire to eat) can be temporary or a sign of physical or psychological illness. In this episode, we explain eight common causes, how doctors assess appetite changes, and when medical evaluation is necessary in Europe.

You’ll learn:

• Short-term causes such as viral infections, flu, or gastrointestinal upset

• The role of stress, anxiety, and depression in appetite suppression

• Medication side effects that may reduce hunger

• Hormonal and metabolic causes, including thyroid disorders and diabetes

• Chronic conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, or inflammatory disorders

• The link between unexplained weight loss and systemic illness

• Red flag symptoms: persistent appetite loss, ongoing nausea, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or unintended weight loss

• When blood tests or further investigations may be recommended after doctor review

We also discuss practical steps to maintain nutrition during short-term illness.

This episode supports our full clinical guide:

8 Causes That Could Explain Your Loss Of Appetite

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/8-causes-that-could-explain-your-loss-of-appetite

Mobi Doctor provides online medical consultations across Europe. Assessment and treatment decisions are based on individual evaluation and established clinical criteria, and persistent symptoms may require in-person investigation.

How to get rid of a blocked nose — and when could nasal congestion need medical treatment?

A blocked nose (nasal congestion) is commonly caused by viral infection, allergic rhinitis, sinus inflammation, or structural nasal issues. In this episode, we explain safe, evidence-based treatments and when doctor assessment is recommended in Europe.

You’ll learn:

• What causes nasal congestion: swollen nasal lining, excess mucus, or sinus blockage

• Differences between cold-related congestion, hay fever, and sinusitis

• Supportive treatments: saline sprays, steam inhalation, hydration, and rest

• When antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroids may be considered after medical review

• Safe use of decongestant sprays and risks of rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa)

• Red flag symptoms: facial swelling, severe headache, high fever, vision changes, or symptoms lasting more than 10 days

• Situations where antibiotic requests may be declined if infection is viral

We also discuss when chronic congestion may relate to nasal polyps or a deviated septum.

This episode complements our full clinical guide:

How To Get Rid Of A Blocked Nose

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-a-blocked-nose

Mobi Doctor provides online medical consultations across Europe. Treatment recommendations are based on individual assessment and established clinical criteria.

What does your period blood colour mean — and when should changes be assessed?

Period blood colour can vary from bright red to dark brown and may reflect flow speed, hormonal changes, or underlying conditions. In this episode, we explain what different menstrual blood colours typically indicate and when medical evaluation may be needed in Europe.

You’ll learn:

• Bright red blood: active, fresh flow, often at the start of menstruation

• Dark red or brown blood: older blood that has oxidised before leaving the uterus

• Pink discharge: lighter flow possibly mixed with cervical fluid

• Orange or grey discharge: potential sign of infection requiring assessment

• When clots are common and when large or frequent clots may need investigation

• How hormonal contraception, stress, or perimenopause can affect colour and flow

• Red flag symptoms: very heavy bleeding, severe pain, foul odour, bleeding between periods, or sudden cycle changes

We also discuss how tracking your cycle can help identify patterns.

This episode complements our full clinical guide:

What Does Your Period Blood Colour Mean?

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/what-does-your-period-blood-colour-mean

Mobi Doctor provides online medical consultations across Europe. Assessment and treatment decisions are based on individual evaluation and established clinical criteria.

What are the signs of a mental breakdown — and when should you seek medical help?

“Mental breakdown” is a non-clinical term often used to describe acute emotional or psychological distress that interferes with daily functioning. In this episode, we explain seven warning signs, possible underlying conditions, and when professional assessment is essential in Europe.

You’ll learn:

• What people commonly mean by a mental breakdown: overwhelming stress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms

• Seven warning signs such as persistent low mood, panic attacks, insomnia, withdrawal, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and feeling unable to cope

• How chronic stress affects the nervous system and physical health

• The link between burnout, anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma-related conditions

• When a doctor may recommend psychological therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or medication after assessment

• Red flag symptoms: thoughts of self-harm, suicidal ideation, severe agitation, confusion, or loss of contact with reality

• Situations where urgent in-person or emergency mental health support is required

We also discuss early intervention and structured coping strategies.

This episode supports our full clinical guide:

Mental Breakdown: 7 Signs To Watch Out For

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/mental-breakdown-7-signs-to-watch-out-for

Mobi Doctor provides online medical consultations across Europe. Mental health support and treatment decisions are based on individual assessment and established clinical guidelines. Urgent symptoms require immediate in-person care.

Should you get the new RSV vaccine — and who is eligible in Europe?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause serious lower respiratory infections, particularly in older adults and vulnerable groups. In this episode, we explain how the new RSV vaccines work, current eligibility guidance in Europe, and when vaccination may be recommended.

You’ll learn:

• What RSV is and how it affects the lungs and airways

• Who is at higher risk: adults over 60, people with chronic heart or lung disease, and immunocompromised individuals

• How the RSV vaccine stimulates immune protection against severe infection

• Differences between infant RSV prevention strategies and adult vaccination

• Possible side effects and safety monitoring

• When vaccination timing may be influenced by medical history or concurrent illness

• Situations where vaccination may be deferred following clinical assessment

We also clarify how RSV differs from influenza and COVID-19 and why seasonal respiratory protection matters.

This episode complements our full clinical guide:

Should You Get The New RSV Vaccine?

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/should-you-get-the-new-rsv-vaccine

Mobi Doctor provides online medical consultations across Europe. Vaccination advice is based on individual risk assessment and current clinical recommendations.

When is RSV more than just a cold — and how serious is RSV in children?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common viral infection, but in infants and young children it can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. In this episode, we explain how RSV presents in children, which symptoms require urgent assessment, and current clinical guidance in Europe.

You’ll learn:

• What RSV is and how it spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact

• Early symptoms: runny nose, cough, mild fever, reduced appetite

• Signs of bronchiolitis: wheezing, rapid breathing, chest retractions, feeding difficulty

• Which children are at higher risk, including premature infants and those with heart or lung conditions

• When hospital assessment may be necessary due to dehydration or breathing distress

• Supportive treatment approaches and why antibiotics are not routinely indicated

• When preventive options or vaccination strategies may be discussed based on age and risk profile

We also clarify how RSV differs from influenza and COVID-19 in children.

This episode complements our full clinical guide:

RSV When It’s More Than Just A Cold – RSV In Children

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/rsv-when-its-more-than-just-a-cold-rsv-in-children

Mobi Doctor provides online medical consultations across Europe. Assessment and management recommendations are based on individual evaluation and established paediatric guidelines. Severe symptoms require urgent in-person care.

What are the main contraceptive methods — and which birth control option is right for you?

Contraceptive methods include hormonal, non-hormonal, long-acting, and barrier options. In this episode, we explain how different birth control methods work, their effectiveness, and how doctors assess suitability across Europe.

You’ll learn:

• Hormonal contraception: combined oral contraceptive pill, progestogen-only pill, patch, vaginal ring, injection

• Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC): hormonal IUD, copper IUD, contraceptive implant

• Barrier methods: male and female condoms, diaphragm

• Permanent methods: sterilisation procedures

• How effectiveness is measured (typical use vs. perfect use)

• Medical factors that influence choice, including migraine history, smoking status, blood clot risk, and BMI

• Possible side effects and when follow-up is recommended

• Situations where a contraception request may be declined if medical eligibility criteria are not met

We also discuss STI protection and when dual protection is advised.

This episode complements our full clinical guide:

Contraceptive Methods – Birth Control Options For Women

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/contraceptive-methods-birth-control-options-for-women

Mobi Doctor provides online medical consultations across Europe. Contraceptive prescriptions are issued only after individual assessment and in line with established medical guidelines.

What is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) — and when can it become serious?

RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that affects the lungs and airways. While many cases resemble a common cold, RSV can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia in infants, older adults, and vulnerable individuals. In this episode, we explain symptoms, risk factors, and when medical assessment is needed in Europe.

You’ll learn:

• How RSV spreads through respiratory droplets and surface contact

• Typical symptoms: runny nose, cough, fever, wheezing, and fatigue

• Why infants, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease are at higher risk

• The difference between RSV, influenza, and COVID-19

• When oxygen levels, breathing rate, or hydration status require urgent evaluation

• How RSV is diagnosed and when testing may be considered

• Current prevention strategies, including hygiene measures and vaccination options for eligible groups

We also clarify why antibiotics are not routinely used unless there is evidence of secondary bacterial infection.

This episode complements our full clinical guide:

RSV Respiratory Syncytial Virus

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/rsv-respiratory-syncytial-virus

Mobi Doctor provides online medical consultations across Europe. Assessment and treatment recommendations are based on individual evaluation and established clinical criteria. Severe symptoms require immediate in-person care.

How can you have sex with herpes safely — and how do you reduce transmission risk?

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2). In this episode, we explain how herpes is transmitted, how outbreaks behave, and how doctors advise patients across Europe on safer sex and disclosure.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2 and how each can affect the genital area

• How herpes spreads: skin-to-skin contact, including when no visible sores are present (asymptomatic shedding)

• Why avoiding sexual contact during active outbreaks reduces transmission risk

• The role of condoms and dental dams in lowering (but not eliminating) risk

• When suppressive antiviral therapy may be considered after medical assessment

• How pregnancy, new partners, or immunocompromised status influence clinical advice

• Situations where antiviral prescription requests may be declined if not clinically indicated

We also discuss communication with partners, testing considerations, and the emotional impact of diagnosis.

This episode complements our full clinical guide:

How To Have Sex With Herpes

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/how-to-have-sex-with-herpes

Mobi Doctor provides online medical consultations across Europe. Diagnosis, testing, and treatment decisions are based on individual assessment and established clinical guidelines.