subject: Why Am I Gaining Weight? [print this page] Why Am I Gaining Weight? Why Am I Gaining Weight?
OK, so I'm watching my calories and I'm being physically active. Then why am I gaining weight?
Well, let's look at five factors that could be responsible for the needle on the scale creeping up.
Your weight gain could be attributed to a medical condition, the most common being hypothyroidism. If you're an Oprah fan, you'll recall her discussing her diagnosis of hypothyroidism on her TV show. Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism to watch for are lethargy, feeling very tired, headaches, and sleeping too much.
Another but rarer condition is Cushing's syndrome. This is caused when the body releases the hormone cortisol over a long period of time. One of the common signs of this condition is progressive weight gain.
If you think you might be suffering from one of these conditions, see your family doctor.
You might be gaining weight because of stress. When we're stressed, the old "fight or flight" response kicks in and our body goes into survival mode releasing that hormone called cortisol.
This rush of cortisol gives us a quick burst of energy and a shift in our metabolism to deal with whatever stress we're facing. Unfortunately because we live in a stressful world, this hormone sometimes gets released more than it should. When this happens there are consequencesa slowdown in our metabolism and an increase in abdominal fat.
And how many of us reach for something to eat when we're stressed?
Studies have shown that people who experience chronic stress tend to crave fatty, salty, and sugary foods all of which add pounds to the scale.
Lack of sleep can contribute to weight gain. Our bodies need sleep in order to function properly. When it doesn't get the sleep it requires, the body undergoes physiological stress and it stores fat much more efficiently.
Also, when you're tired you can't handle stress as well and you may order that burger and fries as a way to cope. We should all strive to get eight hours of restful sleep each night.
You could be putting on weight because of the medications you're on. Some prescriptions used to treat depression, migraines, and even diabetes can add as much as 10 pounds a month to your frame. If you've put on 5 or more pounds in a month while counting calories and exercising, the culprit could be in your medicine cabinet.
If you think your meds might be causing your weight gain, talk to your doctor. But whatever you do, don't stop taking your medication without first seeking medical advice.
You may be putting on pounds because of menopause. As women age, they often become physically less active and experience a slowdown of their metabolism. Menopause also sees a reduction in estrogen which studies have shown helps regulate body weight. When we lose this hormone, fat is likely to be deposited in the midsection, hence the term "spare tire".
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