If you’ve noticed the number on the scale increasing lately, it’s time to take a good look at your diet and workout routine. Sometimes the reason you’re gaining weight is obvious: Having dessert at every meal was eventually going to catch up to you. But other times, the answer to why you’re gaining weight isn’t so clear-cut. Here are some common – and surprising – reasons you might be packing some extra baggage.
Why Am I Gaining Weight?
1. You’re overdoing it on diet foods. While low-calorie and low-fat fare is usually better for your waistline than the alternatives, you still have to take into account the amount of food you’re eating; you can still gain weight even if all you eat is diet food. This is because most of these foods still contain calories. If you eat more calories than your body can expend, you gain weight – it’s that simple. “Fat-Burning Foods for Men” lists foods that can help boost your metabolism and help you reduce unwanted body fat.
2. You’ve packed on some lean muscle. If you follow a resistance-training program and have a spotless diet, your weight gain may just be the result of lean muscle growth. Supplements like creatine monohydrate and CLA can contribute to this weight gain since they help boost muscle mass. Don’t be alarmed by this type of weight gain, though – this is good weight gain. Because scales can’t differentiate between fat and muscle, you may want to invest in some body fat calipers to get an accurate representation of your body fat percentage. Check out “Why You Should Use Body Fat Calipers” for more on the benefits of this weight-measurement tool.
3. You’re too stressed out. Stress and a lack of sleep increase your body’s cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that is released as a result of stress. Too much cortisol can encourage your body to hold onto fat despite your best efforts. Practice relaxation techniques and hit the sack earlier to stabilize cortisol levels and give your body enough time to rest and recover from daily activities.
4. You’re not burning as many calories as you think are. Think a 20-minute walk will help you burn off that slice of cheesecake? Think again. A slice of cheesecake can contain upwards of 400 calories, while that 20-minute walk will only burn around 100 calories. Either forgo dessert next time or start putting in more effort into your workouts. A pre-workout supplement can help you maximize your energy and focus for intense workouts, resulting in more calorie burn. “Burn More Fat: 8 Tips” has more suggestions that can help boost your metabolism.
5. You’re taking medications. If you’re taking any medications, check to see if weight gain is a common side effect. Some medications may cause you to retain water or interrupt fat metabolism, both of which can result in a slight weight increase.
6. You’re drinking too much. Juices, sodas, beers… all of these contain empty calories that could take your caloric intake to the extreme. Stick to low-calorie beverages whenever possible. Better yet, just drink water. The old “eight glasses a day” rule is outdated, and your body may actually require way more than that amount. Read “Are You Getting Enough Water?” for great hydration tips.
7. You’re skipping meals. The less you eat, the less you’ll weigh, right? Wrong. While a calorie deficit will help you lose weight, too much of a deficit will have the opposite effect. Starving yourself encourages your body to hang onto fat for survival. Aside from promoting fat gain, eating too little can sacrifice existing muscle mass. Without enough protein, your body lacks sufficient fuel to maintain muscle. A men’s whey protein powder is a convenient way to boost your daily protein intake. For a structured calorie-cutting plan that works, check out MenScience Boot Camp.
8. You may have an underlying medical condition. If you’re gaining weight and none of the above reasons apply to you, you may want to consult a physician. Unexplained weight gain could be a sign of an underlying condition. In cases like these, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
