Nutriciologist named 10 non-obvious factors that lead to weight gain

pharmacist, health coach, biohacking coach

Evolutionarily, fat gain is a “salvation process”. That is, positive adaptation of a person so that he or she can easily endure hungry times. Now, in the era of high food availability, such mechanisms can play a cruel joke. But this is not the only frequent cause of excess weight gain. Here are 10 more factors that influence it.

1. Lack of sleep

In the scientific direction of “chronobiology” there is a concept of circadian rhythms. The main one is the rhythm of sleep. It is regulated by the chronohormone melatonin. When it decreases, the quality of night rest automatically decreases.

As a result – late falling asleep violates fat metabolic processes in the body. This leads to hormonal malfunctions and disordered eating behavior. When we sleep, there is a breakdown of fat, which is needed to support the night work of the brain and the body’s self-renewal processes.

2. Eating at the wrong time

Each organ has its own time of maximum and minimum activity. For stomach function, the best time is from 7:00 to 8:30. Why? During this period, all the enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins are produced.

It is important to follow this recommendation, as it will positively affect your health and even your figure! Food during this hour and a half is actively digested and energized.

The worst for eating will be the interval from 19:00 to 21:00. The stomach arranges a “strike” everything you eat. Start eating dinner from 17:00 to 18:30 – and you will notice that the weight will begin to decrease.

3. Stress

When we are in a good mood, we have a normal hormonal background. There are also serotonin, dopamine and endorphins in the blood. But if a person is stressed, the cells are mobilized. In such a state, any nutrients are turned into fat and deposited “in reserve”.

Therefore, it is important to pamper yourself not with food, but with impressions! Try to replace the pleasure of food with the pleasure of art and contemplation of something pleasant.

4. Genetics

Head of Nutriciology Department of Biomedical Holding Atlas

Genetics plays an important role in the regulation of body weight. Some of its variations are involved in metabolism, appetite regulation and fat deposition. Therefore, they can have a significant impact on weight. As a result, they determine a person’s predisposition to obesity. According to statistics, problems with excess pounds due to heredity occur in 66% of cases.

5. Dietary habits

The number of calories a person consumes daily directly affects his weight. If he eats more than what the body needs to function, it all gets stored as fat. The result is a set of extra pounds.

Fans of deeply processed foods that contain a lot of sugar, salt and fat, excess weight will be guaranteed. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes and protein products, promotes good health and a dream figure.

Also harmful eating habits are the speed of food consumption and insufficient chewing. As a result, a person overeats. Practicing mindful eating, listening to hunger and satiety cues, and paying attention to portion size can promote healthy eating behaviors and weight control.

6. Diseases

Chronic illnesses also affect the presence of extra pounds. The most common is hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to weight gain.

The following conditions also play a role: hypogonadism (sex hormone deficiency), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and hypercorticism (elevated cortisol levels).

7. Medications

Some medications can cause weight gain as a side effect. These include antidepressants, corticosteroids (hormones), oral contraceptives, antihistamines, and medications for hypertension. Regular use of these medications affects appetite.

8. Environment

Recent studies prove that environment, increasing urbanization and socioeconomic status are the causes of obesity. In areas with unfavorable climatic, geographical and financial conditions, the nutrition of the population is meager.

First of all, a severe lack of complete protein in the diet, deficiency of a number of vitamins and minerals and dietary fiber is visible. High-calorie food is delivered to such regions, which together with sedentary lifestyle affects weight gain.

9. Night work

Shift work at night can also disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm. This leads to changes in hormone levels and metabolic processes, affecting appetite. It is high-calorie food that people eat at off hours, which can lead to overweight.

10. The gut microbiome

Many people have heard of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These gut microbes help digest and assimilate nutrients. If their balance is disturbed, there are malfunctions in the digestive organ. A person may suffer from constipation, bloating, dysbacteriosis, allergies and obesity.