Weight gain is a problem faced by a large number of people and while reasons behind this issue are many and varied, the basic cause for most of us is a blunder we make that results in our bodies bloating and gaining weight.

What is the blunder?

When it comes to weight gain, the biggest blunder we make is to consume more calories than our body needs. It is essential that we maintain an energy balance, which means that the calories we consume should be matched by the number of calories we burn.

When we consume more calories than the body needs, the excess is converted into fat and stored, resulting in weight gain over time.

What are the main culprits?

While there are a number of factors that can contribute to weight gain, some of the main culprits include:.

Sedentary lifestyle:

Most of us lead sedentary lives these days, which means we aren’t burning the number of calories we should be.

This doesn’t mean we have to hit the gym every day, but we do need to find ways to stay active throughout the day – whether it’s taking a walk after meals, using the stairs instead of the elevator, or taking short breaks to get up and move around.

Overeating:

Overeating is another major contributor to weight gain.

We often consume way more calories than we need, whether it’s due to portion sizes, snacking between meals, or indulging in “comfort foods” when we’re feeling low or stressed.

Unhealthy diet:

Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can also make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. These types of foods are often high in calories and low in nutrients, leaving us feeling hungry and unsatisfied.

Medical conditions:

While lifestyle factors tend to be the main culprits when it comes to weight gain, there are also a number of medical conditions that can make it difficult for people to maintain a healthy weight.

These include conditions like hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Cushing’s syndrome.

What are the consequences?

Carrying excess weight can have serious consequences for our health, including:.

Increased risk of chronic diseases:

Being overweight or obese can increase our risk of developing a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Reduced mobility:

Carrying extra weight can also put a strain on our joints, making it difficult to move around comfortably and perform everyday tasks.

Poor self-image:

Weight gain can also take a toll on our self-esteem and mental health, leaving us feeling unhappy with our appearance and less confident overall.

What can we do to correct the blunder?

The good news is that there are a number of things we can do to correct the blunder and maintain a healthy weight:.

Eat healthy:

Consuming a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help us maintain a healthy weight and reduce our risk of chronic diseases.

Stay active:

Finding ways to stay active throughout the day, such as taking walks, using the stairs, or incorporating short bursts of exercise into our daily routine, can help us burn more calories and maintain a healthy weight.

Get enough sleep:

Lack of sleep can disrupt our hormones and lead to weight gain. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night to support a healthy weight.

Manage stress:

Emotional stress can lead to overeating and weight gain, so managing stress levels through practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help us maintain a healthy weight.

The bottom line

Weight gain is a common problem, but it’s a problem that can be solved. By paying attention to our diet, staying active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress, we can maintain a healthy weight and reduce our risk of chronic diseases.