As women we tend to have many factors working against us when it comes to controlling our weight. Our once youthful metabolism has all but diminished and we are left with a weaker and much slower one.
There are many contributing factors as to why women gain weight. Below are some of these reasons.
1. Depression or stress - Stress will cause a reluctance to exercise and the indulgence of food. Gaining weight is a side effect of most antidepressants. Cortisol is increased during depression or stress, leading to cravings and a slower metabolism.
2. Medication - Some medications will cause weight gain. Medicines for depression, bipolar disorders, and for sleeping problems are a few.
Oral contraceptives have been known to cause weight gain and are related to hormonal changes that tend to lead to impulsive eating. Steroids go hand in hand with increased weight. They cause accumulation of fluid retention and a heightened appetite.
3. Child Birth - During pregnancy, many women tend to overeat, believing they have a free pass to do so. Eating for two does not mean you can bask in the endless sources of food to satisfy your cravings! The daily recommendation for added calories when you are expecting is 200-300 per day. Further, salty foods will intensify fluid retention.
4. Comfortable Relationship - Most single women believe looking good is a top priority, especially if you are in search of Mr. Right. Conversely, when prince charming comes along, going to the gym takes a back seat to spending time with your love.
1. Depression or stress - Stress will cause a reluctance to exercise and the indulgence of food. Gaining weight is a side effect of most antidepressants. Cortisol is increased during depression or stress, leading to cravings and a slower metabolism.
2. Medication - Some medications will cause weight gain. Medicines for depression, bipolar disorders, and for sleeping problems are a few.
Oral contraceptives have been known to cause weight gain and are related to hormonal changes that tend to lead to impulsive eating. Steroids go hand in hand with increased weight. They cause accumulation of fluid retention and a heightened appetite.
3. Child Birth - During pregnancy, many women tend to overeat, believing they have a free pass to do so. Eating for two does not mean you can bask in the endless sources of food to satisfy your cravings! The daily recommendation for added calories when you are expecting is 200-300 per day. Further, salty foods will intensify fluid retention.
4. Comfortable Relationship - Most single women believe looking good is a top priority, especially if you are in search of Mr. Right. Conversely, when prince charming comes along, going to the gym takes a back seat to spending time with your love.
Cuddling with your man while watching a movie and eating a big bowl of popcorn is more important. As we become comfortable in our relationship, we tend to worry less about our looks. We get in a "happy zone" and the need to impress is not as important as it once was.
5. Menopause - As women get older, keeping the extra pounds off is more of a challenge. Menopause causes instability in our hormones making way for gradual weight gain. Most women will have an escalated appetite, slowing of metabolism, and an excess of fat storage cells.
6. Eating Out/ Processed Foods - The hustle of work, running errands, and house work leaves little time for preparing dinner. After a long day it is more appealing to run through the drive-through at your family's favorite food place than to come home and work in the kitchen.
5. Menopause - As women get older, keeping the extra pounds off is more of a challenge. Menopause causes instability in our hormones making way for gradual weight gain. Most women will have an escalated appetite, slowing of metabolism, and an excess of fat storage cells.
6. Eating Out/ Processed Foods - The hustle of work, running errands, and house work leaves little time for preparing dinner. After a long day it is more appealing to run through the drive-through at your family's favorite food place than to come home and work in the kitchen.
While there is no harm when done occasionally, it will develop into unhealthy eating if it becomes a common occurrence. Additionally, processed foods are a quick source for dinner but are loaded with calories and carbohydrates as well. This kind of eating will quickly pack on the pounds.
7. Injury or Medical Condition - Most of us will entertain almost any excuse to justify forgoing exercise. Having an injury can easily become a justifiable reason to skip on physical activities. Some injuries are too severe for exercise and could delay recovery.
7. Injury or Medical Condition - Most of us will entertain almost any excuse to justify forgoing exercise. Having an injury can easily become a justifiable reason to skip on physical activities. Some injuries are too severe for exercise and could delay recovery.
Certain medical conditions can have an impact on our weight as well, such as Cushing's syndrome, Hypothyroidism, and Vitamin D3 deficiency. These conditions cause an extra accumulation of fat cells that our bodies have difficulty burning off due to slower metabolism.
8. Quit Smoking - Numerous people try to quit smoking everyday. Once you are able to kick the habit, weight gain is a common side effect. Food can become a substitute for a cigarette.
8. Quit Smoking - Numerous people try to quit smoking everyday. Once you are able to kick the habit, weight gain is a common side effect. Food can become a substitute for a cigarette.
Evidence suggest that nicotine boosts metabolism and has a signaling effect on brain cells to tell us when to stop eating. However, over time our bodies will adjust to this change and those extra pounds should come off.
There are many reasons as to what causes weight gain in women. It can be an arduous task to keep weight off as we age. In spite of this, our situations are not hopeless. It is key to make a plan and start eating healthy and staying active. Make a commitment to yourself to stay on track.
I am a certified nutritional coach for Omega Soul Research. Our Team of nutritionists work with people everyday to create a customized weight loss program that will work with busy lifestyles. For More information about our products and weight loss programs visit http://omegasoul.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Amy_Sue_Miller/838122
There are many reasons as to what causes weight gain in women. It can be an arduous task to keep weight off as we age. In spite of this, our situations are not hopeless. It is key to make a plan and start eating healthy and staying active. Make a commitment to yourself to stay on track.
I am a certified nutritional coach for Omega Soul Research. Our Team of nutritionists work with people everyday to create a customized weight loss program that will work with busy lifestyles. For More information about our products and weight loss programs visit http://omegasoul.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Amy_Sue_Miller/838122
