How do people gain extra pounds? If you don’t count the calories and spend most of the time on a couch without exercising, you shouldn’t ask it. However, what is your lifestyle is healthy but you are still gaining weight?
Lack of sleep. Weight gain due to lack of sleep can have two explanations. First, the later you are going to sleep, the more likely it is that you will snack more. Second, lack of sleep can cause hormonal changes which directly affect the appetite and increases hunger.
Stress. Nowadays, when we are constantly in a hurry and we have to fight for ourselves in every step of the way, stress is really common. When your body is under stress, it produces cortisol which is a “stress hormone”. Food helps to suppress cortisol so many people eat in order to calm down.
Antidepressants. It turns out that antidepressants can also increase weight. Scientists say that some 25 percent of people who use antidepressants get exactly this side effect. In addition, as depression can also affect the weight changes, it causes stress and apathy, resulting in decreased activity and increased appetite.
Other medications. Antidepressants and steroids are not the only medications that may increase body weight. Actually, this list includes many products: medications to treat mental disorders (such as schizophrenia), medications for migraine, high blood pressure or diabetes. If you are worried because of this side effect, talk with your doctor before taking any medications.
Contraceptive pills. All women have heard that contraceptive pills increase weight. In fact, there is no scientific evidence for that, but many doctors say that contraceptive pills may cause fluid retention.