- Lack of sleep – too little sleep can impact on your appetite hormone grehlin which encourages you to eat more. If you are sleeping less there is also more opportunity to snack
- Sitting / inactivity – being sedentary reduces the circulation of lipase which absorbs fat into muscles, instead you may increase fat storage in fat sites such as stomach and buttocks. A lack of activity will also mean a reduction in energy expenditure and you will burn less calories. If you are sat at a computer for long periods or in a car for a significant time, make a point of standing more and walking further to compensate
- Childhood programming – were you told that “you mustn’t leave the table until you had finished your plate”; or “you mustn’t ever waste food because of others less fortunate”? These ingrained messages weave into our subconscious for life, which means you need to make a concerted effort to undo this thought process
- Depression – this is a bit chicken and egg as those who are obese tend to be depressed and those who are depressed often eat more. Try to find non-food ways of joy such as nature, journaling and exercise.
- Medications – steroids, anti-depressants, anti-epileptic drugs, contraceptives and diabetes medication can all cause weight gain.
- Portions – today portions are generally twice the size that of the 1970’s, but our activity levels have decreased. Most people could eat 25% less food. Eating off smaller plates, eating slower and reducing long gaps between meals (which lead to overeating) are ways to reduce portions.
- Health problems: PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome), Hypothyroidism and Metabolic Syndrome are just some of the medical reasons why people gain weight or find it difficult to lose weight.
- Pollution – certain environmental substances disrupt our hormone and metabolic systems, interfering with thyroid or fat storage. Household cleaning products, plastic water bottles, pesticides and personal care products often contain hormone disrupters. Try and use products such as Ecover for cleaning and Faith in Nature for personal care.
- Good bacteria (or lack of them) – lower levels of good gut bacteria and an overgrowth of bad bacteria or yeasts, mean we are more likely to crave sugar and carbohydrates to feed them. Taking probiotics and increasing vegetables help to increase good gut flora.
