Reasons You Are Unable To Shed Those Extra Pounds
A lot has been said and done regarding weight loss. However, the issue seems to be getting severe with each passing day. Books, videos, mobile applications and what not are trying to motivate people to lose weight. But some people, no matter how hard a try, fail miserably in their weight loss journey. This article will shed light on some surprising reasons that are responsible for your failed attempt at losing weight.
One of the obvious reasons for not being able to shed pounds is consuming more calories that you burn. However, some people cannot lose weight even if they are maintaining regular physical activities while eating healthy food. It clearly indicates there are a few hidden reasons that you are not aware of. Let’s explore these possible reasons why you are not able to shed extra layers of fat.
Sleep problems
Late-night snacking is more prominent in people who stay up late. This is obvious. When people do not get enough sleep, they kill the time by getting something to munch on. These munchies are not healthy at all. Have you ever tried to eat cucumbers when you were unable to doze off? The scientific explanation for this involves biochemical changes in your system due to sleep deprivation make you hungry. Moreover, these changes also affect your sense of feeling full after eating. The result is weight gain.
How to deal with it
If you are a night-owl, you must change this habit. Seek medical help if required and see how you will be able to lose weight like a pro.
Stress
Now, this is not rocket science. We all are familiar with the ill effects of stress on our body. Further, stress is responsible for increased production of a stress hormone called cortisol. It is true that the cortisol hormone is responsible for increasing your appetite. Due to the presence of this hormone, you often reach for “comfort food” when you are stressed out.
How to deal with it
Considering the long-term effects of stress on the body and mind, you must refrain yourself from getting into any stress causing situations or events on the personal and professional front. Try to keep stress at bay.
Medicines
Certain medicines such as antidepressants are known to cause weight gain. It is not recommended to stop taking the drugs all by yourself; you can speak with your doctor regarding the same and find a solution. Moreover, depression itself affects your weight.
Steroids are a type of medicines which are associated with weight gain. These are responsible for fluid retention and also increase your appetite. Dosages and the time for which it is being consumed influence the weight gain process. Furthermore, steroids have the potential to cause a temporary change in body fat distribution which also makes you look bulky. The affected areas are face, abdomen, and back of the neck.
Other medicines such as those used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, migraines, high blood pressure, and diabetes etc can also cause weight gain.
How to deal with it
If weight gain caused due to any medicines mentioned above and if it is bothering you, you must consult with your doctor. Discuss with him to find alternative medicines which will help you deal with the health issue without causing weight gain.
Oral contraceptives
It is a myth that oral contraceptive pills cause weight gain. In fact, there is no scientific data to support this statement. Some women may complain of fluid retention but this goes way as soon as your body gets adjusted to the medicine.
How to deal with it
Wait for a few days to see whether fluid retention is vanishing. If it doesn’t, you must consider talking to your doctor. Try different contraceptive methods.
Hypothyroidism
Weight gain is one of the prominent symptoms of hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolic activities within the body. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones which further leads to a slower metabolism. Consequently, this results in weight gain.
How to deal with it
When you notice unexpected weight gain despite the regular physical activity, you must get your thyroid functioning done. If you get positive results for hypothyroidism, start the treatment at the earliest.
Underlying health issues could be the reasons for your failed weight loss journey. Do not ignore slightest of changes in your body as these are the signs your body develops when something is not right within.