Everyone knows that multiple trips to the buffet for fatty fried foods and sugary deserts will pile on the pounds. But no matter how carefully you watch your diet, stealth saboteurs may be making it difficult for you to shed extra pounds. Four of the most common diet saboteurs you may not suspect – and how to counteract them – are:
1. Lack of Sleep. Recent research has shown that a lack of sleep stresses your body physiologically and causes it to store fat more efficiently. Counteract by getting eight hours of sleep each night.
2. Stress. Stress throws the body into survival mode where metabolism slows and the body stores fuel. In addition, it dumps chemicals into your system, such as cortisol and other hormones, which tend to cause weight gain in the abdomen. Fight stress by exercising and experimenting with relaxation techniques.
3. Medications. Many prescription drugs, including some used to treat depression, migraine, blood pressure, and diabetes can cause weight gains as drastic as ten pounds a month! Other medications, such as steroids and oral contraceptives, can cause a more gradual gain. If you’ve had weight gain with no change in lifestyle, check your medication and talk to your doctor.
4. Undiagnosed Medical Condition. Hyperthyroidism, caused by too much of the thyroid hormone, can decrease your metabolism causing weight gain. Cushing’s syndrome, a more rare condition, caused by an excess of the hormone cortisol, can also cause weight gain.
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