As the chart depicts there are many factors on why we gain weight and the obesity epidemic. Most of us have an idea of what we should be doing to lose weight, yet we struggle I covered some of the reasons above in my blog- "All You Need To Do Is Eat Less, Move More To Lose Weight- Why I Think It Is An Unhelpful Statement" Many people already know that to lose weight we need to expend more energy than we consume. However how many people try to lose weight, diet and exercise but still struggle with their weight. Things are not always so black and white. There are other factors to consider- • Psychological Factors- People may indulge in comfort or emotional eating. Or for example. Why can some people take one biscuit from the pack and put it away, while others (like me) have that little gremlin in their heads that will make us eat the whole pack. We know eating the whole pack isn’t a great idea but we will do it anyway and find ways to justify it. • Physiological Factors- There could be genetic factors come into play or some sort of medical condition (underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), Cushing's syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Certain medications can be a factor • Environmental factors, Social circle, upbringing, what a person grew up eating, local facilities, education, stress factors, sleep etc. • Throw into the mix people notoriously underestimate how many calories they consume and overestimate how much they expend. They can all play a role and each person is unique and our bodies and minds are complex. However a very common problem........... One big thing is we notoriously underestimate our calorie intake and overestimate our activity levels either consciously or unconsciously Yes there are lots of factors why it is difficult to lose weight. The bottom line is if you want to you have to find a way to create a calorie deficit. We can kid ourselves about how much calories we have consumed or what we have expended through activity. It doesn't matter what or how much you THINK you are eating or exercising. If the number on the scale is going up, your waist measurements, body fat readings are going up or the clothes are getting tighter you are eating too much for the amount of activity you are doing. The bottom line is you need to find a way to consume less calories through food, and drink, alcohol intake and/or increase your activity levels. There are plenty of factors why we may struggle with our weight. But the bottom line is your current food intake or activity levels will ultimately determine whether you are losing, gaining or maintaining weight. Jamie Miller- Personal Trainer UK FITNESS & PERSONAL TRAINING Aberdeen FITNESS, NUTRITION & PERSONAL TRAINING
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I think you captured why weight fluctuations can remain a mystery to some because there are so many possible causes. For example, if you mistake weight gain from emotional eating with weight gain from Cushing's syndrome, any treatment you try will not accomplish your goals.
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