The primary cause of weight gain is widely accepted to be the consumption of more calories than the body uses for all of its functions. However, there are many other factors that can contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Since every individual’s weight loss journey is unique, it’s advisable to look for programs for weight loss in Fort Wayne that provide customized weight loss solutions .
Processed Foods
Many health experts agree that one of the most significant factors behind expanding waistlines in the U.S. and other developed countries is the prevalence of processed foods. Processed foods, such as snack bars, frozen meals, and sugary cereals, are certainly convenient. It’s easier and faster to reheat a frozen meal in a microwave or skillet than it is to chop fresh vegetables and measure ingredients. However, the convenience comes at a substantial cost. Processed foods not only tend to be very high in calories; they also tend to contain far more sugars, fats, and salt than is healthy. When you embark on a weight loss plan, your health professional is likely to advise you to choose real food over processed food. Start by making simple changes, such as baking your own low-sugar, low-calorie breakfast bars and freezing them in individual portions.
Hormonal Imbalances
For some people, hormonal imbalances play a role in their weight gain or difficulty in losing weight. Some hormone problems can directly lead to weight gain, such as Cushing’s syndrome, hypothyroidism, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other hormone problems are linked to lifestyle issues. For example, if you are sleep deprived, your levels of the hormones leptin and ghrelin are imbalanced. This causes you to feel hungry even when your body doesn’t necessarily need the calories. Leptin also plays a role in causing an individual to struggle to lose weight. Leptin is produced by fat cells, which means that individuals who are obese have excessive levels of leptin. This leads to leptin resistance, which interferes with the ability of the hypothalamus to signal satiety.