3 Unsuspected Reasons Why People Gain Weight

approach to well-beinghealth coachingdetoxificationhealthy eating

Jun 2

Are you frustrated because the number on the scale won't budge even though you feel like you're doing everything right? You're diligently exercising, meal-prepping healthy foods, and avoiding junk, yet the weight just won't come off. Before getting discouraged, consider that the issue may stem from overlooked aspects beyond just diet and exercise. Surprising influences like chronic stress, medication side effects, and declining muscle mass could be sabotaging your weight loss efforts.

When trying to lose weight, most people immediately think about eating less and moving more. However, the equation is far more complex. Even if your nutrition and fitness plans are on point, other sneaky factors in your lifestyle, health status, and environment can promote weight gain and prevent weight loss. Thankfully, becoming aware of these overlooked obstacles is the first step toward addressing them and getting your weight back on track.

Struggling to lose weight despite eating well and exercising? The culprit might be one of these sneaky contributors to weight gain that often get overlooked:

Stress - Chronic stress causes elevated cortisol, which triggers visceral fat storage, insulin resistance, and inflammation - all drivers of weight gain. Managing stress through relaxation techniques is key.

Medications - Many common meds promote weight gain, especially psychiatric drugs, steroids, beta-blockers, antihistamines, and diabetes medications. Talk to your doctor about alternatives without this side effect.

Poor Sleep - Skimping on sleep decreases leptin (satiety hormone) and increases ghrelin (hunger hormone), urging overeating. Lack of sleep also impairs insulin sensitivity. Get 7-9 hours nightly.

Low Muscle Mass - Muscle burns more calories than fat at rest. Starting in our 30s, we lose muscle annually. Strength training preserves or builds lean muscle mass to maintain a robust metabolism.

Too Little Movement - Modern conveniences and desk jobs reduce NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) - calories burned through daily movement. Make an effort to walk more, stand when possible, take the stairs, etc.

Nutrient Deficiencies - Being low in key nutrients like vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and omega-3s can stall weight loss efforts. Have your levels tested and supplement if needed.
Eating Too Little - Severely restricting calories backfires, causing your body to conserve energy and resist weight loss. Eat at least 1200 calories daily of whole, unprocessed foods.
Mindless Eating - Eating while distracted leads to overconsumption. Savor your food in a calm environment without screens. Check for true hunger before snacking.
Menopause - Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause often increase belly fat storage. Adopting healthy habits can temper weight gain.

Unaddressed health issues, daily habits, environmental factors and biological shifts can promote weight gain independently of diet. Look at all aspects of your lifestyle for clues to shedding stubborn pounds

Takeaway

Weight management depends on many intersecting elements - stress, sleep, health conditions, medications, hormones, etc. Take a holistic view of your lifestyle to identify any blind spots that could undermine your weight loss efforts despite doing all the right things with exercise and diet. Even minor daily tweaks can get momentum going when obstacles are addressed.

Keep going even if the scale will cooperate, even when you're eating well and working out. Look beyond calorie intake and expenditure to uncover hidden contributors specific to your body and lifestyle. Identifying and addressing overlooked factors like nutrition deficiencies and sleep deprivation can finally get your weight moving in the right direction.

See, it can be simple! If you’re looking to get healthier and need support, feel free to book a FREE 30-Minute Health Discovery session with me.

CLICK HERE to schedule a FREE 30-Minute Health Discovery Session with me. I offer personalized coaching programs to help you meet your goals. Get ready to reset your health and feel your best!

Let's talk soon!

I have 3 different memberships to support your self-care, check these out here… https://www.drlaramay.com/memberships Whether you are looking for monthly energy healing, quarterly/seasonal detoxing, or monthly healthy eating recipes, I’ve got you covered.

If you are looking for more personalized help then you can take advantage of my Beta Life Coaching Program on sale right now for $160. 8 sessions in 8 weeks focused on whatever you need most. Here is the link to check it out… https://www.drlaramay.com/store/p/light-body-life-coaching-beta-tester

It is my privilege to be able to guide you along your healing journey. Please feel free to reply and let me know how I can be of service to you.

Namaste,

P.S.: Don’t forget! Join me on my Facebook page, as well as YouTube, Instagram & Twitter @drlaramay.

P.S.S.: Be sure to tune in to my podcast on your favorite platform, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean, or Anchor Fm @Light Body Radio to get all the juicy info coming your way in an easily digestible format. I look forward to hearing your feedback, comments, and suggestions.

Are you finally ready to break up with sugar?

If so, I’ve got the perfect thing!

Grab your FREE guide, 3 Ways to Quit Sugar to give yourself that nudge you need for success.

Say YES to yourself, and grab this FREE guide NOW

Hi, I'm Lara!

(pronounced like Sarah, but with a L)

Are you ready to lose weight, reduce stress, and reinvigorate your life?! Together let’s uncover your motivators for change, and turn your vision for your vibrant future into your new reality.

meet dr. lara