If you have noticed that your weight is creeping up, there are many factors that can be contributing to it. You may have lost the energy or time to exercise. You might be reaching for more comfort foods because your stress level is high. While there’s always a reason for weight gain, it can be hard to control when you’re under pressure.
Possible Reasons for Gaining Weight
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress can lead to an increase in cortisol production. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is produced when the brain is under pressure. It can show up in your body as an increase in insulin production, leaving you feeling hungrier and craving sugary foods.
Back when there was a chance that humans might be chased by a predator, cortisol could give you an edge. You might be able to run faster or shoot an arrow further and get away from your predator. However, if what’s chasing you is debt or a stressful job, there’s no chance to run away. Unfortunately, cortisol will still be produced.
Managing stress can lower your cravings for comfort foods. Regular meditation can clear your mind and help you see better options for stressful situations. Regular exercise can also help to elevate your brain into a better space to fight stress.
Mental Issues
A whirling pool of anxious thoughts can also lead to weight gain. Worse, once the pounds start to pile on, we can develop anxious thoughts about that extra weight. We may start to self-isolate, which can lead to dangerous depression and even more poor food choices.
Working with a counselor can help you manage anxious thoughts. For some people, a coach may be a better choice. Be aware that both counselors and coaches are working to help you become a better version of yourself. If you need a friend to vent to, by all means you should call one. To be held accountable, get a counselor or a coach.
Poor Sleep
Anxious thoughts can contribute to insomnia. If you can’t sleep, there’s a good chance that you may struggle with weight gain over time. As you struggle to fall asleep but have to get up at the same time each day, you’ll likely reach for sugar and caffeine to give you an energy bump.
Unfortunately, caffeine-rich drinks and sugary foods will also lead to an energy drop, putting you on a roller coaster of highs and lows that will be hard to manage. No matter how agitated you become by these energy boosters, you will struggle to burn off the calories of a sugary soda or highly caffeinated coffee.
To improve your sleep, make sure your sleeping space is free of screens. Put your phone on the charger either in your bathroom or far from your bed. Move the television out of the room or unplug it and put it in the closet. If you want to watch a movie you certainly can, but it will take a bit of work to set everything up. You’re more likely to rest deeply and well in a dark room.
Health Conditions
If you’re gaining weight and really can’t find the reason, it’s time to get a physical. Your thyroid may be under-functioning or only working sporadically. You may have developed diabetes and be dealing with high blood sugar, which will leave you feeling exhausted as well as overweight.
Once you’ve had your blood tested and are fully aware of your situation, you can make lifestyle changes to boost your overall health. Guard your exercise time and your sleeping space so you always get a workout and a good night’s rest. Be ready to carefully review your diet and get rid of foods that don’t contribute to good health. A tough diagnosis can often be the first step to a much healthier life.
Hormone Imbalance
In addition to getting your thyroid checked out, it’s a good idea to check for hormonal imbalances. You may be in perimenopause or andropause and not realize it. These hormonal changes can cause moodiness and general misery as well as poor sleep. Such a diagnosis may answer several questions.
It’s also a good idea to get your HGH levels checked. While it’s normal for humans to experience a slight decline in growth hormone production as they age, a sudden or large drop can be a sign of a serious health issue. If you are concerned about a sudden drop and are considering supplemental treatment for HGH deficiency, you deserve to find the best HGH injections in the US to regain your former vigor and energy.
Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle can sneak up on you. If you’re injured or dealing with joint pain, you may have to cut back on your exercise routine. Next, you start to gain weight, which puts pressure on the other joints.
If your knees hurt so you can’t walk, run or bicycle, it’s time to book an appointment with a personal trainer. They can get you set up on the arm bike. If your elbow is sore from tennis, you may end up pedaling the recumbent bike while your arm heals. The key is movement, and a skilled personal trainer can help you find new ways to get your heartrate and metabolism going.
Too Many Processed and Sugary Foods
Those who struggle with the curse of “busy-ness” are likely to eat highly processed or sugary foods. You don’t have time for lunch, so you grab a granola bar. You won’t have time to fix supper, so you hit a drive-thru for a burger.
Fried foods and candy bars are yummy. When you’re tired and busy, these foods can feel like comfort. Unfortunately, they lead to an energy roller coaster. They can also increase inflammation in sore joints. Working with a dietician may be the best way to create healthier choices for yourself when your workload is high.
Obesity is on the rise. Eating well is a task that many don’t feel they have the time or budget for. However, careful adjustments to your intake, your activity and your roster of food choices can help you avoid a surprise weight gain and get that weight back off your body.
