Reasons for Weight Gain – It’s Not Just About Calories

Whilst the number of calories eaten versus those expended through activity is an important factor in weight control there are many other reasons why some people gain weight more easily than others. Here are just some of the reasons why you struggle to lose weight or why you gain it so easily. Once you’ve read this read the blog Action Plans for Weight Problems for ideas on what you can do to redress the imbalances.

• Under Active Thyroid – the thyroid is a small gland in the neck that plays a key role in controlling metabolic rate – the rate at which calories are converted to energy. Even those who have a normal thyroid test result may have a sub-clinical problem. Many tests do not test all the parameters needed to fully assess thyroid health.
• Sex hormone imbalance – changes in oestrogen levels may cause weight gain in women, particularly around the time of the menopause, but hormonal imbalances can cause weight gain at any time of life. Men with low testosterone may also be prone to gaining fat and losing muscle.
• Insulin Resistance – having chronically high blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance and weight gain, especially around the middle of the body.
• Stress – stress can come in many forms but whatever the cause the adrenal glands produce adrenalin, noradrenalin and cortisol in response and over time these in turn can affect sex hormone balance, thyroid hormones and metabolism.
• Gut Bacteria – The balance of organisms in the gut can play a major part in weight gain and weight loss.
• Food Sensitivities – Eating foods to which you are sensitive can lead to weight problems and water retention. Common culprits include wheat and other gluten grains, dairy, soya and eggs.
• Medications – Some medications affect appetite and some lead to weight gain or water retention.