Since increase in body weight can lead to several health complications, people try all kinds of tricks to shed weight. This includes increased physical activity and dieting. Often, the whole thing ends in failure. People are puzzled as to why they are not losing weight. There are several reasons for this.
1. Avoiding sleep
Sleeping for anything between six to eight hours every day is essential for the well being of human beings. In fact, all living creatures need to sleep. Sleep debt can lead to several health complications. One of the complications of sleep deprivation is gain in body weight. Sleep deprivation leads to increased food consumption. Part of the problem is snacking. When people stay up late at night, they do so in front of the TV or computer. Such situations are ideal for snacking. The snacks also turn out to be foods with empty calories. In addition, sleep loss also increases the circulating levels of the appetite stimulating hormone ghrelin. Thus, sleep loss leads to increased food consumption.
2. Healthy foods need not be low calorie foods
Many people are also puzzled by the fact that they are not losing weight in spite of eating healthy foods. The problem here arises from the inability of people to differentiate between healthy foods and low calorie foods. People mistake the former for the latter. Of course, in some cases, they may be the same, but on several occasions healthy foods also turn out to be high calorie foods. The classical example is that of nuts. Nuts are loaded with vitamins and minerals. They are also rich in fiber and antioxidants. They are also significant contributors of omega-3-fatty acids. In spite of all the health benefits derived from nuts, it should also be mentioned that nuts are high calorie foods. Thus, the consumption of nuts should be in moderation.
3. Importance of water
Thirst is actually a defensive mechanism. It is an indication that water is being lost from the body and should be replaced. When you are feeling thirsty, don’t go in for beverages containing sugar and calories. It is better to drink plain water. Drinking water has several benefits. Drinking water before a meal can actually reduce body weight. Drinking water before a meal reduces hunger and this can decrease the entry of calories into the body.
Exercise has several benefits. This includes better health. This also helps you to maintain normal body weight. Exercise makes you thirsty and hungry. It is here that one should be careful as to what they consume after exercise. Eating high calorie foods after exercise, would nullify the entire purpose of exercising. In fact, drinking water would remove thirst as well as hunger.
Sources
1. Strychar J, Diet in the management of weight loss, CMAJ, 2006, 174(1): 56-63.
2. Sacks FM, Bray GA, Carey VJ, et al, Comparison of weight loss diets with different compositions of Fat, Protein and Carbohydrates, N.England J.Med., 2009, 360(9): 859-73.
3. Wolf R, Wolf D, Rudikoff d, Parish LC, Nutrition and water: drinking eight cups of water a day ensures proper hydration-myth or reality? Clin.Dermatol., 2010, 28: 380-383.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis, or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or, her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Vangeepuram Satakopan - I am using my 32 years' experience in the field of BIochemistry to explain health related topics. Dr.Vangeepuram Satakopan
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