Increasing Numbers on the Scale
Lack of exercise and taking in more calories than usual are some obvious reasons for weight gain. But what if you are doing everything like always and still the numbers on the weighing scale are creeping higher? Well, you might be in for a surprise. No, you are not pregnant Einstein… or you could be. Let’s look at some shocking reasons why despite your efforts to keep in shape, the pounds are adding on. Image Courtesy: Getty
You are not Sleeping Enough
Lack of sleep influences your weight two ways: Staying up till late can cause you to have unhealthy late night snacks and increase your calorie intake; second, sleep deprivation causes changes in your hormone levels which increase hunger and appetite. Image Courtesy: Getty
Are You Stressed?
Your body goes into a survival mode when hectic schedules or difficult times hit you. It secretes the stress hormone, cortisol, which increases your appetite. No wonder, high calorie comfort foods are your best friends in times of anxiety and stress. The result: weight gain. Image Courtesy: Getty
On Meds?
A long term use of antidepressants can cause weight gain as a side effect in 25% of people taking them. Some may even gain weight soon after starting to take antidepressants because they make you feel better, hence increasing your appetite. Image Courtesy: Getty
Hypothyroidism
It is an automatic reaction to cut down on our diet when we realize we are gaining weight. What we don’t give a thought to is that our thyroid could be causing lit. Without enough thyroid hormone, your body metabolizes food slowly, putting you at risk of weight gain. Image Courtesy: Getty
Menopause
Of course, hormones during the menopause are blamed for weight gain. But generally, as your body ages, your metabolism slows down, muscle mass decreases and you tend to gain weight. Menopause plays a role in where you gain this weight: fat may accumulate around your waist, and not your hips and thighs because of menopause. Image Courtesy: Getty
Have You Heard about Cushing’s Syndrome?
Weight gain is a common symptom of Cushing syndrome, a condition in which you are exposed to too much of the hormone cortisol, which in turn causes weight gain and other abnormalities. Image Courtesy: Getty
You have PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome leads to hormonal imbalances that affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. Insulin becomes ineffective in women suffering PCOS hence, causing weight gain. Image Courtesy: Getty
Quitting Smoking
No, you didn’t do anything wrong by stopping smoking. It’s just that nicotine curbs your appetite so that once you stop you may feel increased hunger pangs, which leads to overeating; it also dulls your taste buds. According to a 2012 study, people who stop to smoke can gain 4-5 kilos of weight. Image Courtesy: Getty
