Last Updated 23/06/2021

Ever wondered...

"Why am I gaining weight so fast for no reason?!"...

or "Why am I not losing weight"

Well, I have compiled 16 different reasons that might be the cause.

Why am I gaining weight Banner

And the funny things is some of the things on this list feels right and healthy but are secretly causing to gain weight.

Now:

Before we dive into the list, I have a sweet gift for you. You can thank me later.

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Okay, let's dive into the list of things that might be secretly causing you to gain weight..
.

1. Eating "Low Fat" / "Fat-Free" Or "Diet" Packaged Food 

Listen:

"Low-fat" does not necessarily mean it's low calories.

You see, food manufacturers know that when natural fat in a food is taken out, it tastes horrible.

So, they take out the fat and pump in sugar to boost taste. 

And natural fat does not just give food flavour, it also keeps you full longer. Because Amongst the macronutrients, fat takes the longest to digest.

In essence, most low fat packaged foods are full of sugar, less filling and can have just as many calories as the full-fat version. 

So, eating many so-called "low-fat" packaged foods will leave you hungry and craving for more food in no time.

And this can lead to you consuming more overall calories throughout the day, thus making you fatter or not lose weight. 

2. You Have The "Sitting" Disease

Did you know that experts are now saying that sitting down is like the new smoking? [1]

It's that bad!

Well, nowadays we are always sitting down. We sit in the car. Sit the office all day. Then go home and we are on the couch all night.

That's why you're probably gaining weight, no doubt. 

Do not be a couch potato. You know what I am talking about don’t you?

That shapeless thing that sits on a shapeless chair in front of the television and mindlessly chews on something.  

Don't be a couch potato.

According to a study, men who reduced their daily walking from 10,000 steps to less than 1,500 increased their belly fat by 7% after just two weeks!

Try standing more often and always looks for an excuse to walk around. Your waistline and health will be glad you did.

3. Stressing Yourself Out

I'm sure you probably know stress is all shade of bad for your health.

However, what you might not know is that it can also make you gain weight.

You see, when you’re stressed, a lot of the hormone “cortisol” is released, which signal the body to store more fat (especially around the belly region.) 

Come to think of it, when you're stress, you can't bother to make any healthy food choices.

You'll eat anything that comes your way, which also adds to weight gain.

Keep stress in check and your body and overall health will thank you for it.

The only stress management tip I can think of right now is to have more sex (for married people, of course!)

4.Multitasking While Eating.

You see, studies have shown that if you do anything else like reading, watching Tv, drive, work and so on while you're eating ...then.... the
 "stop eating" signal from your stomach to your brain malfunctions.

The bottom line is that if you do any other activity while eating,  you'll most likely overeat. And maybe secretly causing you to gain weight.

So, ensure you finish eating before you do any other thing.

5. Adding Salad Cream/Mayonnaise To Salad

Eating salad is great.

It's low in calories and healthy.

However, when you add toppings like salad cream or mayonnaise can make them full of unhealthy fat and calories.

And again, this can be the reason you're getting fat even if you think you eat healthy.

Anyways, if you're serious about this weight loss something, then try to stay away from these toppings as much as you can. 

Try using herbs and spices instead to season your salad instead.

6. Not Reading Food Label

Don't believe the claims plastered on the front box of packaged foods. Most times, the label and ingredient list at the back says another story.

If the claims on the front do not match with the ingredient list, using the table below provided by FDA ( Food and Drug Administration) as the guideline, then forget the product.

Fat-Free

Less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving, with no added fat or oil

Low fat

3 grams or less of fat per serving

Less fat

25% or less fat than the comparison food

Saturated Fat Free

Less than 0.5 grams of saturated fat and 0.5 grams of trans-fatty acids per serving

Cholesterol-Free

Less than 2 mg cholesterol per serving, and 2 grams or less saturated fat per serving

Low Cholesterol

20 mg or less cholesterol per serving and 2 grams or less saturated fat

Reduced Calorie

At least 25% fewer calories per serving than the comparison food per serving

Low Calorie

40 calories or less per serving

Extra Lean

Less than 5 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, and 95 mg of cholesterol per (100 gram) serving of meat, poultry or seafood

Lean

Less than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 g of saturated fat, and 95 mg of cholesterol per (100 gram) serving of meat, poultry or seafood

Light (fat)

50% or less of the fat than in the comparison food (ex: 50% less fat than our regular cheese)

Light (calories)

1/3 fewer calories than the comparison food

High-Fibre

5 grams or more fibre per serving

Sugar-Free

Less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving

Sodium-Free or Salt-Free

Less than 5 mg of sodium per serving

Low Sodium

140 mg or less per serving

Very Low Sodium

35 mg or less per serving


7. You’re Focusing Only On Exercise

Exercise is good for your health, no doubt about that. However, when it comes to weight loss, exercising is not as effective as most people think.

Exercise occupies about 20% of the weight loss battle, while your diet is the remaining 80%.

You see, most people would do a little exercise and feel is okay to be eating anyhow they like. Well, as a matter of fact, You can cancel a week worth of exercise by eating one pizza.

Don't believe me? Then Check out this infographic to see what I mean

8. Not Having "Quality" Sleep

Note, I said "quality" sleep, not long sleep. 

You see, not sleeping at the "right time" and long enough can be the reason you're gaining weight.

Now, you might be wondering "What's the right time?".

It's simple. The right time is anything before midnight. Put in another way, you should be sleeping early.

Don't sleep late.

Speaking of which, when you sleep early it cuts out night snacking. And you'll be able to wake up early to cook before you go to work.

9. Irregular Sleeping & Eating Time

Irregular eating and sleeping pattern can be contributing to weight gain.

According to a recent study, women who wake up and go to bed at the same time each evening have less body fat.

You see, a chaotic sleeping schedule has a bad impact on your internal clock, which triggers the stress hormones. And stress hormone tiggers the body to store more fat. 

Same goes for irregular eating times.

So, try fixing times of the day you'll sleep, wake up and have your meals and stick to them.

You can stretch these times by half an hour, but anything more than that is going to affect your pattern.

10. Always Eating Out

Watch out for restaurant food, mama put food, e.t.c - they are usually the most fattening foods because they usually have huge portions of fat, salt, or sugar

Eat more home-made foods, and you can be in control of what you eat, to help your health and waistline.

11. Not Drinking Enough Water

Not drinking enough water can be a reason you're gaining weight. 

Low water intake can lead to slower metabolism which can cause your body to retain fat.

You see, most times when you feel hungry just after eating (or In-between meals) it simply means you're thirsty.

In essence, if you're drinking enough water, you'll hardly feel hungry in-between meals. Which saves you from consuming unnecessary extra calories that lead to weight gain.

Also, drinking some water before you eat can help you kick starts the digestion process, so you are more likely to get full faster, thus eat less.

So, drink a lot of water especially before your meals and in-between meals.

The best part is:

Water has no calories at all and has countless other health benefits. So...Drink. Drink. Drink

12. Eating So Your Food Won't Waste

Eating when you feel full is something most people do just not to leave extra or leftover food on their plates.

In other words, most of us overeat in the name of "I don't waste food"

Well, this action can be the main reason you’re getting fat.

If you’re serious about losing weight then you have to leave the 'clean plate' club. And try not over-serving your plate in the first place.

13. Eating The Wrong Breakfast

Not eating breakfast or even worse, eating the wrong breakfast may be secretly causing you to gain weight.

When you miss breakfast, most times, it leads to the starved feeling. Which will make you stuff yourself with more food than what is required the next time you eat.

Also, avoid eating the wrong breakfast.  

You see, it's even better not to eat breakfast at all than to eat some kind of breakfast like cereal.

Avoid eating stupid breakfast like cereal and other foods packed with sugar. 

All they do is spike up your blood sugar and leave hungry again in no time.

Instead, opt-in for protein and fibre rich foods such as eggs, vegetables, oats and fresh fruit.

Those type of breakfast keeps you full for longer.

14. Dieting 

It's old news that dieting can make you fatter.

 Studies upon studies upon studies have shown that does people who go on a diet end up gaining back the weight and more.

Because your body tends to hold onto more fat when you get off this diet.

Stay away from any "low something" or "high Something" diet.

Focus on healthy eating, calorie deficit and exercising.

15. Not Stocking Healthy Food Around In Your House.

Not having healthy foods available at home leads to settling for high-calorie unhealthy foods, which is why you might be gaining unnecessary weight.

When you only have healthy foods like carrots and apples available in your fridge, guess what?

You'll only eat healthy low-calorie nutritious foods. And you don't have constantly battle with temptations. 

It's not rocket science guys. It's that simple.

16. Negative Attitude & Mindset

Believe it or not, a negative attitude can have a negative impact on your weight and health-- just as a positive attitude can affect your health in a positive manner.

Living well has a direct correlation with a positive outlook. Keep smiling and try to find the good in life, even when things are tough.

Stop negative, self-defeating thoughts as much as possible. 

Show yourself some love yourself, and that might be all the motivation you need for those extra fats to fall off.

Here’s What To Do Next

It is important to me that you don’t just skim through this article and do nothing.

I want you to actually give up some of these bad habits that might be causing you to gain weight.

So today I want you to leave a quick comment now to let me know which of the bad habits you plan to change, or which bad habit I missed.

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  1. Thanks a lot. I used low carb dieting and exercise and intermittent fasting and lost 20kg and I still have more 20 kg to loss to get to my target weight of 55kg. However, it's difficult continuing. I need help. Thanks.

    1. Check for the post titled “How to lose weight in Nigeria fast! (easy “No-Nonsense” guide)” on this blog. It’s the first post under Blog.

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