Unwanted weight gain is a common problem for many people. Despite following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, they still struggle to maintain a healthy weight.

While there can be several reasons for weight gain, some culprits are often overlooked, and people fail to realize their contribution to weight gain. Here are five secret culprits behind unwanted weight gain:.

1. Lack of Sleep

Sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. When you deprive your body of sleep, it disrupts the hormones responsible for regulating appetite and metabolism.

Lack of sleep can cause an increase in the production of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, while reducing the production of leptin, which suppresses appetite. This makes you feel hungrier and increases the likelihood of overeating and weight gain.

2. Stress

Stress is another culprit that often goes unnoticed. When you’re stressed, your body triggers the release of the hormone cortisol.

Cortisol prepares your body for a flight or fight response and causes an increase in blood sugar levels, which can lead to cravings for high-calorie foods. Stress can also cause emotional eating, where you turn to food for comfort, further exacerbating weight gain.

3. Eating Disorders

Eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa can lead to unwanted weight gain. People with binge eating disorder tend to consume large quantities of food in a short period, leading to weight gain.

Those with anorexia nervosa have a distorted body image and will take drastic measures to control their weight, leading to malnourishment and a slow metabolism, which eventually results in weight gain. Similarly, people with bulimia nervosa engage in binge eating and then purge their food through vomiting or laxatives, leading to weight gain.

4. Medications

Several medications can cause unwanted weight gain. Hormonal medications such as birth control pills and antidepressants can alter hormone levels in the body, leading to weight gain.

Diabetes medications, steroids, and beta-blockers can also cause weight gain as a side effect. If you’re taking medications and noticing weight gain, it’s essential to speak to your doctor about alternatives or ways to counteract the weight gain.

5. Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle is often cited as a cause of weight gain, but it’s still worth mentioning. When you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you’re burning fewer calories than you’re consuming, leading to weight gain.

Additionally, sitting for extended periods can slow down your metabolism, making it challenging to lose weight. To counteract a sedentary lifestyle, it’s essential to incorporate physical activity into your routine. This can be as simple as taking regular breaks to stand and stretch or going for a walk during lunch breaks.

Conclusion

Unwanted weight gain can be caused by various factors, some of which are often overlooked. Lack of sleep, stress, eating disorders, medications and a sedentary lifestyle are some of the culprits that can contribute to weight gain.

By addressing these issues, you can take steps towards achieving a healthy weight and improve your overall well-being.