The 15 times your weight gain is NOT your fault – and when to see your GP
WEIGHT gain usually occurs when you eat more calories than your body burns through normal everyday activities, sports and exercise.
But if you're doing everything you can to lose weight and you aren't seeing any progress, it might not actually be your fault.
During the coronavirus pandemic many of us became focussed on our weight after Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed to shift the pounds after he ended up in hospital with the virus - attributing his weight to one reason he had severe symptoms.
The government has also recently announced a new initiative that could see Brits earn clothing and cinema tickets for eating healthily and getting in more steps.
Previous initiatives also focussed on lowering a person's body Mass Index (BMI), which many experts have slammed for being an inaccurate measure of weight.
Despite this it is still one of the most used measures of whether or not a person is deemed to be a healthy weight or not. But the NHS states that it does have limits and can't tell how much fat a person is carrying.
He explained that weight really can come down to so many different factors.
“The risks of deliberate dieting shouldn’t be underestimated and there needs to be more of a focus on other health issues such as sleep, movement, nutrition and social interaction - without weight loss being a goal. Weight loss is not synonymous with health!", he said.
Despite this many people struggle with their weight and in recent years there has been a move towards using a 'Health at Every Size' (HAES) approach by some doctors, so that patients who are suffering with underlying health issues aren't dismissed for being overweight.
"In some instances, your weight gain may be attributed to an underlying health condition as simple as fluid retention or can happen as part ageing. Excess weight can often be linked to serious health problems.
“Anyone who experiences rapid weight gain that is not due to the consumption of more calories or a halt in exercise/movement and feels that this is affecting their quality of life should speak to their GP who can investigate for any underlying cause."
Here, several experts reveal the 15 conditions you could be suffering with that could mean you have gained weight.
Speaking to The Sun, she explained that a lack of sleep prompts people to eat more food, which in turn results in weight gain.
Helen said: "This is because when you are sleep deprived less of the hormone leptin, which sends signals to the brain to tell it when you are feeling full, is produced. Your body doesn’t get the signals to stop eating.
"By taking steps to get a good night’s sleep you will be doing your whole body a favour and may find it easier to control cravings."
If you have insomnia and you have had trouble sleeping for months and changing your habits hasn't worked, then the NHS says you should see your GP.
2. PCOS
Registered nutritionist, Shona Wilkinson, who is an ambassador for the vitamin and supplement brand said that around 50 per cent of all patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) present with insulin resistance and obesity.
PCOS affects one in five women and has an impact on how ovaries function - meaning sufferers can struggle to release an egg to be fertilised making it often extremely difficult to fall pregnant
This is where your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones which heavily influence your metabolism.
Nutritionist Emily Shannon added: "If the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly, known as hyperthyroidism."
If you think you have PCOS then you can contact your GP who will organise a blood test to get you a diagnosis.
4. Lipoedema
Lipoedema is a problem in the lymphatic system which results in an abnormal build-up of fat in the legs and arms.
Choosing to come off your medication solely in the pursuit of weight loss can be dangerous to your health
Dr Joshua Wolrich
5. Cushing’s syndrome
Hormonal diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome, which is a condition caused by elevated levels of cortisol in the body can also cause weight gain, Dr Griffiths said.
11. Poor gut health
Gut health is another factor that can unknowingly be causing unwanted weight gain, Helen said.
She explained: "Obesity is associated with lower gut bacteria diversity, the number of different types of bacteria naturally residing in your gut. Having a good variety of microbes in your gut is important.
"By eating a wide range of foods, including fermented and prebiotic foods, and taking a probiotic supplement, you will be increasing the diversity of your gut bacteria which could positively influence weight."
He added: "Therefore it’s really important to look at your diet and eat foods and herbs that balance oestrogen such as cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower Brussel sprouts and cabbage contain several powerful nutrients that help metabolise oestrogenic molecules.
"Also try to eat foods that are rich in saturated and omega-3 fatty acids plant based fats such as Organic poultry, wild-caught salmon, and 100% grass-fed beef are the best animal-fats for healthy hormone function.
"Good vegetarian sources include coconut oil, hemp seed oil, extra virgin olive oil and avocados, and raw nuts also contain oestrogen balancing plant sterols. Herbal Teas like green tea and liquorice also specifically balance oestrogen levels.”
She explained: "To lose weight you need to be in what is called a 'Calorie Deficit'. A calorie deficit is any shortage in the amount of calories consumed relative to the amount of calories required for maintenance of your current body weight.
"A deficit can be created by reducing your calories consumed or by increasing output without increasing input.
"If you are doing all the right things; pushing yourself to your limits when exercising, eating healthily and getting enough rest but still aren't seeing results, it could be as simple as you're eating too much of the good stuff."
"In order to access the nutrition in what we eat, the body must first be able to digest and absorb it.
"If we cannot digest proteins, our muscles do not receive the amino acids in protein and our muscles weaken, without fats we lose nutrients, and without carbohydrates we become nutrient and energy deficient, all of which affect our metabolism and appetite.
"No matter how healthily we eat, the body cannot access any benefit if digestion is impaired.";
She added that poor blood sugar balance, low quality and processed food and extreme or yoyo dieting can all reduce the body’s ability to produce digestive enzymes, further reducing access to the nutrients needed to correct metabolism, as well as improving satiety, blood sugar control and appetite.
Therefore, supplementing with a digestive enzyme could help to restore digestive capacity and provide an important step towards a healthier metabolism, Leyla said.
15. PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
Emily said many of us will feel sluggish or bloated the week before and during our period.
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