10 times weight gain is NOT your fault
If you feel you are doing EVERYTHING within your power to lose weight but you just aren’t getting the results you desire, then it may actually not be your fault.
You may be following healthy lifestyle, eating healthy meals, watching your portion sizes and exercising regularly but the scales just aren’t budging.
In some instances, weight gain may be down to a health condition.
Here are 10 times weight gain is not your fault and when you need to speak to your GP…
10 times weight gain isn’t your fault
1. Not sleeping enough
Research reveals that a lack of sleep or insomnia can lead to weight gain. These changes in our sleep cycles can affect our eating patterns as well as our mood and cause people to overeat.
A recent study found that sleep-deprived people ate more carbohydrates to meet their energy needs, and this ultimately led to weight gain.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Typically, women with PCOS struggle to maintain a heathy weight while at the same time, women who gain weight can experience PCOS.
According to a study by Monash University, PCOS is the most common hormone problem among women in the fertile age group, affecting six to 21 per cent of women.
7 tips to reduce belly fat if you have PCOS
3. Thyroid issues
Your thyroid is a gland that can be found in your neck and it is responsible for producing hormones and controlling your metabolism.
When your thyroid isn’t working properly it can affect your metabolism and in some causes cause weight gain. You may also feel cold, tired, constipated or have irregular periods.
If you suspect you have a thyroid issue, we advise you speak with your medical practitioner ASAP.
4. Disability
If you really want to get rid of belly fat, you need to work the whole body and lose fat everywhere and this may be hard if you suffer from a disability or have an injury that stops you from doing that.
There are other exercises you can do but you may find you are limited.
5. Medication
Certain medications may cause people to gain weight rapidly. Medication for seizures, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure or depression may cause some people to pile on the kilos in a short space of time.
Do not stop taking your medication without discussing with your doctor first.
6. Stress
Stress may lead to a change in eating habits and can cause an increase in cravings for unhealthy food.
Hormonal changes triggered by stress may cause weight gain or affect changes in metabolism, insulin and fat storage.
If you have any concerns about your medical health or unexplained weight gain then we advise you speak with your GP as soon as possible.
7. Depression
Depression can cause someone to binge or turn to emotional eating in order to find comfort in a confusing time.
Often when we are depressed our hormone levels can change resulting in ‘cravings’ for sugar or certain foods.
If you are suffering from depression, we advise you to speak with your GP immediately for help and guidance.
8. Poor gut health
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can often cause constipation due to an inflammation in the bowels which causes it to move more slowly than normal.
IBS can cause weight gain or loss depending on the individual.
The exact causes of IBS are unknown. However, a diet of eating several small meals over the course of the day, as well as a diet high in whole grain carbs can be very beneficial.
9. Menopause
With age, your body changes how it gains and loses weight.
We experience a declining metabolic rate or the number of calories the body needs to function normally as we age. On top of that, we have menopause as well which makes it difficult to lose kilos.
“If women gain weight after menopause, it’s more likely to be in their bellies,” says Michael Jensen, MD, professor of medicine in the Mayo Clinic’s endocrinology division.
How to support your body through menopause
10. Diabetes
Weight gain is a common side effect for people who suffer with type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Many people take insulin to help manage their diabetes as insulin helps to control your blood sugar level.
Those who have diabetes also tend to eat more than they need to prevent low blood sugar, also known as a ‘hypo’ or hypoglycaemia.
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