Weight Gain: Understanding the Reasons and How to Stop it ?

Weight gain is a common issue that many people struggle with. It can be frustrating and discouraging to see the number on the scale go up, especially when you feel like you’re doing everything right. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons for increasing weight, and ways to stop gaining weight.

The Reason for Increasing Weight

The main reason for increasing weight is an imbalance between calorie intake and calorie expenditure. When an individual consumes more calories than they burn, the body stores the excess energy as fat, leading to weight gain. This is because the body needs a certain number of calories to function properly, and when it receives more than it needs, it stores the excess as fat. This is why it’s crucial to be mindful of your calorie intake and make sure you’re not consuming more than your body needs.

Calorie Balance

To maintain a healthy weight, it is crucial to maintain a balance between calorie intake and calorie expenditure. Calorie intake refers to the number of calories consumed through food and drinks, while calorie expenditure refers to the number of calories burned through physical activity, digestion, and other bodily functions.

When calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure, the body stores the excess calories as fat, leading to weight gain. On the other hand, when calorie expenditure exceeds calorie intake, the body burns stored fat, leading to weight loss.

Factors that Affect Calorie Balance 

There are several factors that can affect calorie balance, including diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors.

Diet 

The most significant factor affecting calorie balance is diet. Consuming too many calories from high-fat, high-sugar foods can lead to weight gain. When we eat too many calories, our body stores the excess as fat, which leads to weight gain. It’s essential to be mindful of your calorie intake and make sure you’re not consuming more than your body needs.

Physical Activity

Another significant factor affecting calorie balance is physical activity. When we don’t burn off the calories we consume, our body stores them as fat. Regular exercise can help to increase calorie expenditure, which can help to prevent weight gain.

Lifestyle Factors 

Other lifestyle factors can also affect calorie balance, such as stress, sleep, and medication. Chronic stress can lead to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area. Stress can lead to the release of the hormone cortisol, which can lead to weight gain.

Sleep is also an essential factor affecting calorie balance. Not getting enough sleep can lead to weight gain. Lack of sleep can disrupt the balance of hormones that control hunger and fullness, leading to overeating.

Medication can also affect calorie balance. Some medications can lead to weight gain as a side effect. If you’re concerned about weight gain due to medication, it’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider.

Signs of Weight Gain

1. Increase in body size and measurements: This can include an increase in overall body size, as well as an increase in specific body measurements, such as the waist, hips, or thighs.
2. Change in clothing size: Clothes may start to feel tighter or may not fit as well as they used to. This is a sign that your body size has increased.
3. Increase in body fat: This can be measured using body fat calipers or other methods. An increase in body fat percentage is a sign of weight gain.
4. Scale weight increase: One of the most obvious signs of weight gain is an increase in scale weight. This can be measured using a scale.
5. Softness or puffiness in the face: As weight gain occurs, the face may appear puffier or softer than usual.
6. Stretched skin: As the body increases in size, the skin may stretch, resulting in stretch marks or loose skin.
7. Fatigue or difficulty with physical activities: As weight gain occurs, the body may become heavier, making physical activities more difficult.
8. Difficulty breathing: As weight gain occurs, particularly in the abdominal area, it can put pressure on the lungs and make it harder to breathe.

 

How to Stop Gaining Weight ?

To stop gaining weight, it is essential to create a calorie deficit by reducing calorie intake and increasing calorie expenditure through exercise. Here are some ways to achieve that:

1. Make healthier food choices: Swapping high-calorie foods for lower calorie options, such as fruits and vegetables, can help to reduce calorie intake. Avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks and fast food can also help to reduce calorie intake.
2. Track calorie intake: Keeping track of the number of calories consumed through food and drinks can help to ensure that you’re not consuming more than your body needs. Using a food diary or tracking app can make this task easier.
3. Incorporate regular exercise: Regular exercise can help to increase calorie expenditure, which can help to prevent weight gain. Find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week.
4. Find ways to manage stress: Chronic stress can lead to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area. Finding ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or therapy, can help to reduce stress levels and prevent weight gain.
5. Get enough sleep: Sleep is also an essential factor affecting calorie balance. Not getting enough sleep can lead to weight gain. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to ensure your body is well rested.
6. Take a holistic approach: It’s important to remember that weight gain is not always caused by one factor alone. By taking a holistic approach and addressing all the different factors that can contribute to weight gain, you’ll be more likely to achieve lasting results.
7. Consult with a healthcare professional: If you’re struggling to lose weight and can’t figure out why, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help you rule out any underlying health conditions and provide guidance on how to achieve a healthy weight.

It’s also essential to remember that weight loss is a gradual process and it takes time. It’s important to be patient and not to get discouraged by setbacks. With consistency and determination, you can achieve your weight loss goals.