Gaining Weight? These Reasons Why May Surprise You
By Sara Butler
If you’re gaining weight and you’re not sure why, there are a few things you may not have thought of that could be causing it. If you’re doing things you feel should help you lose weight or maintain your current weight but are continuing to gain -- and you aren’t sure why -- here are a few things that may be the culprit.
Sleep -- or Lack Of
If you aren’t getting enough sleep at night, this can have an impact on your weight. If you’re up late, then the odds are greater that you are partaking in some late-night snacking. Even if you’re not snacking with Colbert, Kimmel or Fallon, when you’re sleep deprived it impacts your body’s hormone levels, which can then lead to increased hunger and appetite, as well as not feeling as full after eating.
Stress
Ask your chiropractor about the stress hormone cortisol and they’ll have a lot to tell you. Cortisol can cause an increase in appetite; if you’re stressed, you are more likely to grab food that is high in calories because you find it comforting. This creates the perfect storm for weight gain.
Hypothyroidism
If your thyroid isn’t working as it should be, then you may be feeling tired, weak and cold -- in addition to packing on the pounds. If your body doesn’t have enough of the hormone made by your thyroid, then your metabolism slows down and that makes gaining weight easier. If you’re concerned that your thyroid may not be working well, talk to your chiropractor and family doctor.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing syndrome is a condition in which you are exposed to too much of the aforementioned stress hormone cortisol. This can cause weight gain. Your exposure to cortisol can be for a variety of reasons such as taking steroids for medical issues such as asthma and arthritis. You will notice the weight gain mostly around the face, neck, upper back and waist with Cushing’s syndrome.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
This is a hormonal problem in many women of childbearing age. Small cysts grow on the ovaries and that can lead to hormonal imbalances that impact a woman’s menstrual cycle, and can also lead to other symptoms such as extra body hair, acne and weight gain. Women with PCOS are usually insulin resistant, which is the source of the weight gain.
If you are concerned about your weight gain and suspect that something else may be wrong, start by talking to your chiropractor, who will be able to get to the bottom of why your weight gain is occurring and help you to seek solutions.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Antonio, Tex.