We all want to feel comfortable but most importantly, to live a long healthy life. However, carrying around too much weight really does feel uncomfortable. It reduces your confidence and can also hurt your health.
In most cases, an increase in body weight is a result of an imbalance between food intake and energy use. Therefore, it is worth noting that healthy weight loss starts with lifestyle changes. This means eating a healthy diet and getting involved in physical activities that will help you lose the excess weight.
Apart from eating large portions and high-calorie foods, there are a number of other factors that influence weight gain. These include:
Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep creates a vicious cycle within your body that leaves you susceptible to various factors that contribute to weight gain. One of those factors is an increase in the stress hormone, cortisol, which increases your appetite for food. Often, this leads to poor food choices and larger portions.
Life Stages
During menopause or after pregnancy, most women tend to gain some extra weight. This is mostly due to the hormonal changes that occur during these life cycle transitions.
After age 30 men’s level of testosterone begins to decline. Because testosterone aids with building muscle, this drop commonly results in more difficulty maintaining muscle mass and a subsequent increase in weight.
Life events
Certain life events such as changing jobs, getting married or divorced, moving homes, having children, among many others can lead to significant weight gain. It is therefore important to have in place a weight management plan.
Stress
Although stress can make you lose your appetite at first, long-term chronic stress can increase your hunger due to the overproduction of cortisol. An increase in cortisol can also lead to higher insulin levels, leading to low blood sugar and hence a craving for junk foods.
Medical conditions and treatments
Hypothyroidism is an example of one medical condition that causes weight gain. Medications such as insulin and many anti-depressants can also cause significant weight gain.
Eat healthy and on time
Make a habit of choosing foods that are nutritious and healthful. Choose foods that supply you with the appropriate number of calories to maintain a healthy weight. Also, make it a habit to time your meals so as to avoid irregular eating patterns.
Burn-off body fat
To attain and keep up with any amount of weight loss, exercise is essential. Many beneficial changes are induced at the cellular level by exercise. Scientific studies show that insulin sensitivity is improved which has a favorable effect on body fat distribution. Fat reduction (especially in the abdomen) and an increase in lean body mass can be produced by the slightest boost of physical activity.
Rest
Having enough sleep rejuvenates your body and improves your cognitive functioning. This, in turn, helps avoid stress and other sleep-related markers.
By reaching a healthy body mass index, you will achieve many short- and long-term health benefits. These include:
Improved energy and vitality
Improved fertility
Improved mobility
Reduced joint pain
Improved immune system
Better sleep
Healthy heart
Improved blood glucose control
Before undertaking any weight loss plan, remember to get your doctor’s advice first to make sure the plan resonates with your health condition.
At 360 Medical Weight Specialists, we believe that your daily health and everyday lifestyle is crucial to achieving a fit and healthy body. If you are gaining weight and want to shed a few extra pounds or just want to maintain good body composition, we are here to help you achieve your goal. Book an appointment with us today.
