Why do I get fat when I’m paying attention?
In 2020, nearly one in two French people was overweight or obese. But these people often don’t understand why they’re heavier than normal. They have the impression of paying attention, even eating and living healthily. Here are some answers explaining a seemingly unjustified weight gain.
1- The role of metabolism
We are uneven when it comes to basal metabolism (daily calories burned at rest): some people naturally have a fast basal metabolism, while others are born with aslow metabolism. The latter are more willing to gain weighteasily and have moredifficulty losing weight. And we have little control over the nature of our metabolism. The only way to accelerate it is to increase the density of muscle mass, by an adapted diet and above all, by theregular practice of physical activity and sports.
In addition, be aware thatageirremediably leads to ametabolic slowdown. It is therefore not surprising to gain a little weight, the years passing. Again, there is only one alternative: to keep your metabolism afloat, it is essential to continue regular physical activity to stem the loss of muscle mass and to readjust your diet accordingly (lower consumption of sugars, sufficient leanproteinintake).
2- Hormonal fluctuations
The link between weight andhormonesis established: certain hormonal secretions have a direct influence on weight gain. For example, we can mention certaindiseasesthat, despite a healthy lifestyle, directly impact the corpulence:
- hypothyroidism (frank, frustrated or congenital) – a deficiency of thyroid hormones (T3, T4 and TSH) that causes fatigue, constipation, dry skin, cognitive impairment, coldness and weight gain;
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a female hormonal imbalance causing menstrual cycle disorders, but also acne, hirsutism, android-like (upper body) fat gain and insulin resistance leading to fat storage;
- Cushing’s syndrome – a genetic disorder consisting of hypersecretion of cortisol, which itself causes insulin spikes conducive to weight gain.
We can also mention “normal” hormonal fluctuations, related to age:
- menopausewomen, has repercussions on weight;
- the natural drop in testosterone in men, from the age of 50, which promotes sarcopenia and fat storage.
3- The quality of sleep
What for? Because lack of sleep leads to chain reactions:
- disruption of Leptin and ghrelin secretion secretion (3) ;
- direct consequences on eating behavior – increased food intake, tendency to feel less satiety, choice of fatty and sugary foods;
- fatigue leading to a greater sedentary lifestyle (4) ;
- drop in blood sugar levels causing an increased craving for sugar.
4- Medicines
Little attention is usually paid to the side effects of drug treatmentstag. However, some cause real nuisance in terms of quality of life and weight. ThuscorticosteroidscertainContraceptive and antidepressantsBeta-blockers and sleeping pillscan generate a few extra pounds. It is therefore essential to make a point with your doctor and estimate the part of taking a drug in the weight gain, even if it means readjusting your treatment.
5- The light food trap
Diet Products generally have a negative impact on the linetag. The fact of consuming it, however, comes from a good feeling: we force ourselves to choose this type of food to keep control over our weight. YetThese products do not delude the braintag. A low-sugar food retains a sweet flavor, since it is supplemented withsweetener . It therefore maintains the craving for sweetstag. In addition, when we consume a light product, whether it is aDrink or a yogurt, we tend to lower our guard on the rest of our food intake and eat more(or worse). The approach is therefore totally counter-productive and can ultimately lead to weight gain.
6- General eating behavior
Some people claim to gain weight despite being careful. But A healthy and balanced diet must:
- have all themacro- and micronutrients the body needsto function properly;
- be based on reasonable food intake (compliance with portion recommendations) andstructured food intake (3 meals per day);
- Respectfeelings of hunger and satiety.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.