Five Surprising Factors in Weight Gain
Prescription drugs. Some prescription drugs may lead to weight gain. These include the antidepressants (particularly Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft), steroid anti-inflammatories (prednisone), drugs given for bipolar disorder, and medications prescribed for hyperthyroidism. Doing a simple drug detox program can reduce the toxicity of these drugs and the associated excess weight.
Scrawny muscles. Muscles are the body’s primary engine for the burning of calories. Any activity, whether walking around your block or jogging up a mountain, will use more calories if there are more muscles executing the physical activity. Greater muscle volume also increases our calorie burn when the body is resting. The more muscles one has, higher the rate of metabolism.
Dehydration. When the body doesn’t have adequate fluid to function, it retains the fluid it does have. This leads to fluid retention, which in turn adds inches to our body.
Artificial sweeteners. Be cautious of the substitute sweeteners that boast zero calories. There are 2 reasons why they may lead to weight gain to the unaware dieter. In 2008, a study by Duke University observed that Splenda contributes to weight gain and destroys good bacteria in the digestive track. There is also mounting evidence that substitute sweeteners raise insulin levels, which causes the body to store fat. Learn the truth about Splenda.
Food combinations. Nutrition research that shows that the ratio of carbohydrates, protein and fat in our body influences our insulin levels, which in turn, impacts how much fat our body stores. This applies to every meal, including snacks. If you eat a small snack of a rice cake with sugar free strawberry jam, you are only eating carbs — no protein and no fat. Although your calorie intake is roughly 150 calories, your insulin levels will spike as if you just ate a few donuts. The key to keeping insulin levels optimal is to always eat a little protein and fat with every carb we eat.
