Assuming you’re not eating your meals from a trough, you’re selective about what foods you consume, and you’re exercising consistently, you might be perplexed as to why the inner tube around your waistline won’t disappear. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always cut and dry. While you’ll need to do some investigative work, we have ideas that’ll help you solve the mysterious case of the inflated spare tire.
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You’re Staying Up Late
If you’re burning the candle at both ends you should expect your rear end (and gut) to expand. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that staying up late led to weight gain as well as unhealthy food cravings. Their findings, which were published in the journal of Sleep, suggest that night owls who slept four hours per night for five consecutive nights consumed up to 550 extra calories per night than subjects nabbing 10 hours per night.
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2. You’re a College Student
Attending college might lead to gain the “Senior 37” after the “Freshman 15.” Data published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism in showed that over a four-year span, 70 percent of college students put weight on by graduation day. The study followed 131 students for four years, with researchers noting that the average weight gain was 12 pounds, with 37 pounds being the topper. We should note that some studies have the average college weight gain set much lower — about two to three pounds. Point is, whether it’s staying up late studying and eating poorly, or pounding too many beer bongs, college students tend to pack on the pounds. Period.
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You’re Stressed
A survey from the American Psychological Association found that 40 percent of high-stressed people deal with their issues through emotional eating. The increase in appetite also comes with a greater production of the hormone cortisol, which can slow metabolism.
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You’re Dieting Wrong
Eating clean has to become a lifestyle to ignite lasting change. Otherwise, you’ll see results and then see them vanish. Crash diets may make you appear in better shape in the short term, but it’s all smoke and mirrors. Why? You’re depriving your body of essential nutrients and potentially slowing down metabolism. And it’s not just a bad move for your physique; the stress on your heart can be even more detrimental to your overall health than sporting a gut in your Speedos.
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It Could Be Your Meds
Antidepressants, including common prescription medications like Paxil, can trigger weight gain. Clearly, we’re not saying dump the pill bottle in the toilet if they’re helping you. But you should consult your doctor about it, ask if there are other medications that can be subbed in its place, or what you can do to combat the weight-gaining effects of the meds.
