Food is Not the Only Thing Making Us Fat
June 24, 2009 by Liz Lewis
Filed under Diets and Dieting, Food and Drink, Obesity
Yes, it’s true if you eat more than you work off, you will gain weight.
But in the end, it’s not just food (ie calories) that will make you fat.
As this theDailyGreen shows, research done of the subject is also pointing the finger at a number of other variables that can also play havoc on your weight.
1. Stress – it’s a vicious circle. Stress can lead to weight gain. Weight gain can lead to stress.
2. Lack of Sleep – we live in a 24/7 world but being on the go around the clock and not getting enough restful sleep will, for reasons not yet determined, add numbers to the weight.
3. Baby Formula – seems that those who are, or were, breastfeed are less likely to become overweight. Again, for reason unknown, although it’s possibly due to the relationship of hormones in breast milk and the baby’s subsequent metabolic activity.
4. Obesogens – otherwise known as chemicals that mess with the hormones that regulate our metabolism. Also known as ‘endocrine-disrupting chemicals’, obesogens are mistaken for hormones by our bodies and yes, cause weight gain. Ranging from Bisphenol A to Phthalates and Dioxins, it’s list that’s getting longer and longer.
So, what to do.
Well, you can’t change your ‘breastfeed or not’ status, but you can try to avoid the obesogens as much as possible, aim to get into a regular and longer sleep pattern, and implement tactics to reduce stress.
Plus eat less and exercise more.
Sure sounds so simple and easy.
But is it?
I agree that food and exercise are not the only factors involved in making someone obese or not. However, they are the most significant factors. Eat less and exercise more. It sounds simplistic, but if this rule is followed you’re probably not going to be obese.