Surprising Causes of Weight Gain

Almost everyone realizes that overeating can lead to unwanted weight gain, but there are other reasons that may surprise you for the alarming increase when you step on the scale.

This may be especially frustrating to someone who is trying to stay fit and healthy by eating right and following a daily exercise routine.

What are some of some of the Surprising Causes of Weight Gain?

• Stress

Today, it seems stress plays a major role for many people who are trying to handle and cope with the current recession including unemployment, financial setbacks, and rising medical costs. What you may not realize is that sometimes stress can release a hormone known as cortisol, that helps to regulate energy by moving fat stores from one part of the body to another.

The problem lies in the fact that under chronic stress over a long period of time, high levels of cortisol are released relocating fat stores to the abdomen area deep in the tissue, known as visceral fat, which may lead to excess weight gain in that particular area, or even obesity. Visceral fat is a dangerous fat that is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, studies involving humans and animals that were injected with cortisol were found to have weight gain, increased appetites, as well as, more cravings for sugar. Under stressful conditions, cortisol may increase a person’s appetite by regulating chemicals that are connected to stimulate appetite.

• Inadequate Sleep

It’s easy to see how lack of sleep can make you tired, irritable, or even feeling sick during the day. What you may not know, however, is that too little sleep can be one of the factors contributing to your weight gain. It’s true according to some scientists who studied male students who were deprived a normal amount of sleep that showed a slowdown in the metabolism.

This decline of the metabolism may then cause the body to use less energy for everyday functions, such as eating, walking, or breathing. When the metabolism slows down the rate at which you burn calories will also slow down, which can then cause unnecessary weight gain.

It’s also been found that people who have only four hours of sleep at night, had an increase in their appetite the next day, eating more food than they usually do. This correlation can lead to added weight gain if the lack of inadequate sleep continues on a regular basis.

• Medications

Although millions of people are currently taking necessary medications every day, some of these medications may be responsible for your added weight gain. First of all, if you suspect the medication you are taking may be the culprit in your added weight gain, do not stop taking them.

Some of the medications that may be contributing to added weight gain may include prescribed steroids, antidepressants, hormone replacement therapy drugs, or some medications to control heartburn or high blood pressure.

It’s best to discuss with your doctor any concerns that you may have if you suspect your medications may be contributing to your added weight gain. Your physician may prescribe alternative medications if they are available that may not have the same side effects towards weight gain.

Healthy meal planning, regular exercise routine, adequate sleep and stress relieving techniques can help you achieve and maintain your desired goal weight.