Top Weight Gain Causes You Don't Realize Are Holding You Back

Let’s say that you have been working really hard at losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight. You have done your best to follow a nutritious diet that restricts calories and focuses on correct portion size. You’ve even made it a point to exercise regularly so that you can burn excess fat and calories through activity that also boosts strength and stamina. But, what if you aren’t seeing the results that you thought you would? Why is everyone else able to shed pounds with the same strategy, but you’ve been struggling? Well, there might be other weight gain causes that are holding you back. Keep reading to see what we mean.

Your Hormones Are Causing You to Gain Weight

Did you know that one of the top weight gain causes is imbalanced hormones? If you have been struggling to keep the weight off, talk to your doctor about getting checked for hormone issues that might be contributing to the problem. As a few examples, levels of thyroid hormones, as well as levels of melatonin, ghrelin, leptin, estrogen, testosterone, insulin, cortisol, and progesterone, all might play a role in how much weight you gain.

You’re Getting Older

According to Insider, another one of the top weight gain causes that might be holding you back is your age. Did you know that everyone’s metabolism will slow down by roughly 2% every couple of years? That will add up over time, so you will notice that it becomes harder to lose weigh and keep it off. On top of that, you also lose muscle mass with age, so it becomes increasingly more important to stay active and continue building strength.

It Might Be the Medications You’re Taking

There are some prescription medications, such as antidepressants, as well as contraceptives, that may cause unwanted weight gain as a side effect. If your doctor has recommended that you take a prescription for another condition, be sure to discuss potential side effects. Also, if you start to notice that you’re gaining weight as a side effect, ask about alternative medications that you can try instead.

Now that you are aware of just a few of the main weight gain causes that might be holding you back, even if you are dieting and exercising, you can take additional steps to counter these problems and get down to your ideal weight sooner and with greater ease.