Weight Gain Factor #2

Increased Stress Levels

Likely you’re aware of the many health complications such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease that can result from prolonged levels of stress.

One of the by-products of our stress is a chemical called cortisol, which is secreted by our adrenal glands and is a contributing factor to why we pack on the pounds! In brief, cortisol causes us to gain weight by activating our fat cells to go into survival mode and store fat.

Cortisol causes that stubborn “belly fat” to become even more resistant to our weight loss efforts. Making lifestyle changes that will reduce the stress you live with will affect cortisol levels and enhance weight loss programs.

Weight Gain Factor #3

Lack of Sleep

Weight Gain Factor #4

Low Basal Metabolic Rate

When you hear someone say they have a slow metabolism, they are actually referring to their Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). By definition, your BMR is the number of calories your body burns per day when at rest.

A slow BMR then would result in your body storing fuel as fat, whereas a fast BMR will burn this fuel (or fat) and create energy. Several factors can influence your BMR, ranging from exercise to hormones (the major ones being the thyroid hormones). So, one way you can increase a slow BMR is through exercise.
Another way is by evaluating your thyroid levels, and if they are low, balance them naturally or with medication.

Weight Gain Factor #5

Hormones stimulate, regulate and control thousands of functions in our body, weight management being one of them. Once the delicate balance between them is disturbed (as in the case of menopause), weight gain often ensues. For instance, research has proven that low thyroid function and subsequent decreased thyroid hormone levels slows your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), causing you to gain weight and resist weight loss.

Other hormonal changes occur as we age. As men and women age, decreased hormone levels such as growth hormone, testosterone, and in women, estrogen and progesterone, lead to weight gain that is very difficult to shed.
The trick to real weight loss when a hormone imbalance is the cause is to minimize your “fat-storing” hormones and boost the levels of your "fat-burning" hormones.

Weight Gain Factor #6

Genetics

Does obesity run in your family?
If so, realize one thing... Just because you may have a genetic predisposition to BEING Overweight doesn’t mean you have to BE overweight.

You may be genetically resistant to Leptin, a hormone that controls appetite and fat storage, or you could inherit a susceptibility to medical conditions that can lead to obesity.

More than likely you’ve just inherited some bad lifestyle habits (like a high-carbohydrate diet and lack of exercise). And that’s good news since you can change your habits, not your genes!

Weight Gain Factor #7

Not Enough or the Wrong Type of Exercise

Are you tired of not getting the results you want with your exercise program? Well the problem might not be you, but actually your exercise program.
Without a doubt, regular exercise is important in any weight loss program. In fact, it’s almost impossible to lose weight or even maintain your current weight (not to mention current health in general) without physical activity.

As far as duration is concerned, although any amount of activity is better than none, it’s best to start slow and work up to 30-60 minutes of activity a day (at least 3 days per week dedicated to cardiovascular work), at increasing levels of intensity. I have found that this strategy mobilizes fat better than other workout strategies!

With regards to which type of exercise is best, the key is creating a program that’s right for your body type.

Weight Gain Factor #8

Lack of Proper Monitoring of Your Weight Loss and Exercise Programs

Neglecting to track and monitor daily food intake is one of the main reasons most people cannot lose weight and keep it off, no matter what program they follow?

This fact was proven in a landmark research study carried out by Kaiser Permanente.

In this year-long study on weight loss, 2,037 overweight people were enrolled in a weight loss program. They were advised to eat just 500 fewer calories a day and exercise for 30 minutes.

However, some of the volunteers were also given instructions to count calories, either once a week, 2-3 days a week, 3-4 days a week, or 5 days a week, while another group of volunteers were not instructed to keep track of their food intake at all.

Pretty amazing! Just imagine if they would have been told to monitor their exercise program as well!

Weight Gain Factor #9