It seems that the majority of people in the United States, and perhaps the world, to more or less degrees, have the same thing weighing on their minds – their weight. I rarely find anyone happy with their weight. Most want to lose weight, others need to gain it.
Most have tried so many diets that they no longer know how to eat right. But is diet the only answer to weight loss? No! There are so many things that factor into healthy weight. I know people who eat an amazingly “clean” diet, yet still can’t get their weight under control. That’s because diet isn’t the only contributing factor, despite its importance.
I’ll group most of the factors into two groups: Things You Are Doing, and Things You Are Not Doing.
Things you are not doing: Not going to bed early enough. Staying up late causes many to snack late and also disrupts normal cortisol secretion. Not sleeping once in bed can also be a contributor to weight gain.
Not keeping active can contribute to weight gain. You don’t have to go to a gym to do enough, as farm work or yard work generally qualifies. Aggressive workouts can have a negative effect on weight and working with a professional to help determine what is enough or not enough is key.
Not keeping stress under control. Stress releases cortisol which tells the body to store fat. We all have stress, but it is our response to stress that matters. If you are not able to keep stress down to a “dull roar”, try acupuncture to help. Yoga, meditation, Tai Qi and Qi Gong are also good to help learn to be calm during the storms of life.
Not having a balanced endocrine system: hypothyroidism, Cushing’s Disease or other adrenal imbalances, diabetes or other blood sugar regulation issues, insulin resistance, and menopause are all hormone-related diseases or aberrances that can contribute to weight gain.
Things You Are Doing: Taking medications. Certain medications, such as antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, steroids, medications to treat migraines, or seizures, blood pressure and diabetic meds and well as birth control pills and other hormone replacement medications commonly have side effects of weight gain. Be sure to consult with your healthcare practitioner before discontinuing any medication.
Quitting smoking is unquestionably beneficial, however, some will gain up to 10# after quitting. The good news is that studies are now showing that that may only be short term. As the new non-smoker gets more time under their belt of being a non-smoker, the weight eventually will correct itself, usually within 6 months.
Toxic overload can also be a cause of weight gain, as toxins can store in fatty tissue. Good Phase I and Phase II detoxifications programs generally stimulate weight loss. PCOS is another toxic condition that can manifest with weight gain.
If you are struggling with weight, and find it is really weighing on your mind, come in and see the Health Detectives to identify the underlying reasons why you may be gaining weight, and put your mind to rest.
©2020 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
