Obesity can contribute to many health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke, yet many Americans continue to put on more weight than is good for them.
However, it isn’t always easy to understand the causes of weight gain as it can be the result of so many different factors and vary from person to person. Although diet is a key element, it isn’t the only source.
That’s why this brief guide is going to look at some of the main precursors to weight gain to help you take action and be healthier.
Keep reading to learn more.
Diet
Diet may not be the only cause, but it is one of the main reasons for weight gain for many people. When living a busy lifestyle, it’s easy to eat fast foods that contain too much fat and sugar. Processed foods may also contain a high number of calories without providing you with nutrients such as fiber that could help you feel full and less likely to eat more throughout the day.
You can benefit from cooking healthier meals that are lower in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals.
Activity Levels
If you consume more calories than you expend, you are more likely to put on weight. When people are spending more time than ever sitting down while working using computers, this can be a huge problem for those trying to control their weight.
You may find it useful to track your daily activity levels to find out if you are getting enough exercise.
Medical Conditions
Health conditions such as binge eating disorder and depression may lead to weight gain. Another cause of gaining weight is hypothyroidism and you can look for thyroid fatigue solutions that could help you stop putting on extra pounds.
If you think your weight gain is caused by a medical issue, be sure to consult with a professional before making any changes.
Lifestyle Choices
There may be other weight gain reasons holding you back such as your everyday lifestyle choices. This could involve spending time in bars and restaurants where you are likely to eat or drink high-fat food and beverages.
Although it can be challenging, staying away from these temptations can reduce the risk of retaining excess weight.
Avoid These Common Causes of Weight Gain
There is no doubt that diet is one of the causes of weight gain for many people, but there might also be other issues. Keep a record of your activity levels to make sure you are getting enough exercise, and consulting with medical professionals could help you identify factors that are leading to unexpected weight gain.
It’s also important to consider your lifestyle and identify any areas that could be making it harder for you to stay at a healthy weight.
You may not notice a difference straight away, but over time, making changes could help you drop those unwanted excess pounds.
If you’d like to learn some useful weight loss strategies, read more of our health posts.
