All of us “gain weight” at some point in our lives.  When we pursue a fitness program, remain under the daily allotted 3,600 calories, and take a B Complex B-12 vitamin (check with physician first), we can lose weight and those excess inches.  However, there are individuals who gain weight, and it’s not primarily food causing the additional pounds.  Let’s review some of the reasons family and friends experience this problem to raise awareness.

Behavioral Activation System (BAS).  Many individuals believe that our stomach is the only part of the body to inform us when we’re full from eating.  Actually, it’s the brain which informs the stomach.  Unfortunately, there are individuals who may experience Binge Eating Disorder (BED) because of a heightened neurobehavioral process dependent upon dopamine.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for individuals who experience this illness.  In addition, there may be candidates for a Deep Brain Stimulation Implant (pacemaker) if CBT proves ineffective.

Blood Sugar Irregularities.  It’s important that we eat a high-fiber breakfast every morning, even if it’s a small portion.  The meal provides the necessary energy for appropriate blood sugar (glucose) levels in our bodies.  Our pancreas generate the insulin hormone which carries the glucose into the body’s cells to use for energy.  When insulin goes into high gear during the process, it ceases to burn fat and places the fat into storage.  This isn’t a problem since we need a certain amount of fat in our systems.  The challenge arises when insulin goes into high gear creating too much blood sugar.  This blood sugar fails to get removed from blood, with blood sugar and insulin at unhealthy levels.  The results are sluggishness and a desire for sugary snacks, creating more body weight. Yogurt, oatmeal, raspberries are some of the high-fiber foods we can snack on at regular intervals throughout the day.

Child Abuse.  Children can experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) when subjected to abuse.  The condition can result in nightmares.  Nightmares result in a lack of sleep.  The lack of sleep results in calories stored as unhealthy quantities of fat.

Farmed Fish.  We naturally assume fish that’s cared for is healthier for our menu. However, not only can we experience osteoporosis and kidney stones because of what’s fed to the fish, we can also gain additional pounds.

Hormonal Adjustments in Menopause.  Women have the highest levels of estrogen in their early twenties.  As each year passes, the hormonal level decreases.  When females enter the menopausal stage, hormones may not release from the brain causing weight gain, or as some studies have suggested, an increase of belly fat.  A temporary Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) program can bring relief from the additional pounds.  Women should ask physicians what the risks are since the program is controversial, determine whether HRT is appropriate for their health needs, and learn about safer options worth exploring.

Lack of Sleep in Adults.  The medical community has suggested that if we sleep less than five hours, or more than nine, we can become overweight.  Too little sleep means calories turning into excess fat, and too much sleep can develop an insatiable appetite.

Prescribed Medications.  Antidepressants, pain management, birth control, allergy, blood pressure, and other medications can cause weight gain.  It’s advisable to always ask the physician if there are effective alternatives of medication which don’t produce weight gain, or far less pounds.

Soft Drinks.  Most of us enjoy a soft drink every once and again.  However, for the individual who enjoys these beverages frequently, there is an additional ingredient they may not be aware of contributing to weight problems:  Alcohol.  This ingredient is in most popular brands of soft drinks.  A trace amount of alcohol is all that’s required for addiction in members of the population, and too often they’re children.

Thyroid.  Women of all ages can experience thyroid problems.  When hormones have difficulty gaining release from the thyroid, excess weight is the consequence.  Including protein with every meal, eating within an hour after waking every morning, eating at regular intervals, and steaming broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower are some of the remedies for getting the thyroid in balance.

The advancement of science has allowed us to realize that no longer can we immediately assume that weight gain is caused by food consumption alone.  There are many perspectives to address the subject, and we can look forward to new discoveries.

Vikki