What causes weight gain?

Many people struggle with their weight and the health impacts of excessive weight gain. Although most people believe obesity may be a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices and eating behaviors, in reality obesity is much more complex. Some people are predisposed to gaining weight due to other factors such as genetics. Listed below are a multitude of dynamics at play when it comes to a person’s weight.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity means decreased calories burned throughout the day causing the excess energy to be stored as fat. With desk jobs and screen time becoming increasingly common, more people than ever are choosing to live a sedentary lifestyle.

• Unhealthy eating habits: Increased access to high-calorie sugar-rich foods and oversized portions leads to excessive caloric intake. Stress, loneliness, and boredom can lead people to reach for their favorite unhealthy comfort food leading to higher calorie consumption.

• Junk food additives: Additive in junk food enhance flavor and texture fuel a food addiction making it hard to resist the cravings.

• Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol is high in calories and often associated with unhealthy eating behaviors.

• Misinformation: Misleading health and diet information can result in poor weight management decisions. Unethical marketing strategies certainly do not help people make smart healthy choices by promoting unhealthy food to sound appealing.

• Genetics: Obesity has a strong genetic component. Genetics influence how the body processes food, burns calories, and stores fat.

• Insulin resistance: Insulin encourages fat storage. High-sugar diets can lead to insulin resistance, making weight loss more challenging.

• Leptin resistance: Leptin is a hormone that regulates hunger. Resistance to this hormone causes overeating.

• Certain medical conditions and medications: Some health issues and medications affect appetite and metabolism, contributing to weight gain.

The impact of weight loss on your overall health

Weight loss has many lifelong benefits to a person’s overall health. The risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancer significantly decreases. It impacts mental health by increasing self-esteem. Additionally, carrying excess weight strains joints and organs, causing chronic pain and lower quality of life.  

How to lose weight

Achieving weight loss involves several key principles that, when consistently applied, lead to long term success. Here are the most proven weight loss strategies:

• Create a calorie deficit: Consuming fewer calories than your body expends leads to weight loss. Eating less, increasing physical activity, or a combination of both can help you achieve a deficit. Tracking your calorie intake daily can be a beneficial tool in your weight loss journey.

• Exercise regularly: Incorporate both cardio and strength training into your routine to boost metabolism, build muscle, and burn more calories. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, plus muscle strengthening activities two or more days a week.

• Develop healthy eating habits: Focus on foods that are whole and nutrient dense such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-calorie beverages.

• Make other lifestyle changes: 3 simple crucial lifestyle changes can be crucial to your weight loss: getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and drinking plenty of water. These suggestions balance your hunger hormones, promote better eating behaviors, and boost your metabolism.

• Seek professional guidance: For some, medical weight loss solutions are necessary. A licensed dietitian or medical doctor can provide science based, body positive solutions to achieve and maintain a healthy weight without extreme calorie counting or restrictive diets.

Start your weight loss journey today

At Core Aesthetic, we understand the challenges of losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We offer The Gajer Weight Loss Program as they have helped over 20,000 patients achieve their weight loss and health goals. Their acclaimed program is featured on ABC, NBC, FOX, and more. This Weight Loss Membership offers a combination of medically supervised weekly visits, dietary meal plans, exercise regimens, optional supplements and medications, and Semaglutide or Tirzepatide to set you up for success. Our approach fosters inner and outer well-being, ensuring you look and feel your best. Book a Weight Loss Consultation to learn if you qualify today.