Surely, it can be a bit annoying, when you indulge in hardcore workouts and engage in restrictive diets, only to witness an increase in your weight.
However, what you don’t understand is the fact that weight gain is not only associated with your diet and your workouts, instead it has a lot to do with stress, sleep and the kind of medical conditions you have.
That being said, here are 5 things that can cause unintentional weight gain:
1. Insufficiency of whole foods in your diet
Well, even if you have cut down on your processed food and have switched an extremely restrictive diet, if you don’t have enough whole foods in your diet, then that may be the reason for your unexplained weight gain. Whole foods are not only a source of nutrition but it can also help you lose a lot of weight.
2. High intake of sugar
If you’re gaining a lot of unintended weight, then it is time you keep a check on your sugar intake. Knowingly or unknowingly, we tend to consume a lot of sugar, either in the form of cookies, cakes, sugary or sweetened drinks, etc. Therefore, most of the time, it may go unnoticed, resulting in weight gain.
3. Medical issues that lead to weight gain
Sometimes, medical conditions such as, hypothyroidism, depression, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and others can become a serious problem related to weight gain. While this is a condition that can only be handled by a specialized doctor, you can continue to exercise and engage in a lot of walking.
4. Lack of sleep
Sleep deprivation can sometimes result in unwanted weight gain. As it is extremely essential for our overall well being and health, lack of sleep can often lead to unexplained weight gain and health problems.
5. Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can be a common cause of weight gain. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol have the tendency to increase your appetite and may lead you to overeating, especially foods that are high in calories.
