Experts agree that the best way to prevent or combat obesity is to balance a healthy diet with plenty of physical activity. However, some people find that cutting calories and exercising more does not produce the weight loss results they hoped for. In fact, you may find you’re gaining weight despite doing everything “right.” Learn more about weight gain that has nothing to do with too many calories.
3 Other Obesity Factors
Lack of Sleep
What does sleep have to do with obesity? Some people may find that missing out on eight hours leads to stress eating or late night snacking. But even if you’re not taking in extra calories, your body may still be holding on to more fat. Fatigue causes physiological stress, which causes your body to store fat more efficiently.
Too Much Stress
You probably don’t need a doctor to tell you if you’re feeling stressed out. But did you know that being mentally stressed can lead to weight gain? Stress can trigger a metabolic response to slow down and reserve resources, including fat and calories. Your body also releases stress hormones, like cortisol and leptin, which have been linked to an increase in belly fat.
Medication
Some medications can cause people to gain as much as 10 pounds per month. Prescriptions most commonly linked to weight gain include:
- Steroids
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Antiseizure medications
- Diabetes medications
- High blood pressure medications
- Heartburn medications
Should you stop taking your medicine to lose weight? No. But you may want to drink more water and make sure you’re getting plenty of exercise.
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