Weight loss involves a lot more than just burning calories!
It involves physical, emotional and energetic principles that significantly impact the body’s metabolic processes. Simply put, the way it functions.
If you are trying to lose some weight either with or without a weight loss program, it is very important to have an understanding of the different factors that affect weight loss.
Below is an insight into some of these factors.
- Genes. Genetic factors greatly influence how our body functions and it is unfortunate that we cannot change our genetics. People with genetic disorders such as Bardet-Biedl and Prader-Willi syndromes might find it difficult to effectively lose weight. Why? This is simply because these genetic disorders are directly connected to obesity.Additionally, if your family has a history of obesity maintaining a healthy weight might be challenging.
- Exercise habits. Physical activity plays a key role in burning calories; this includes both cardio activities and resistance training. And even though resistance training is not normally as effective in burning calories compared to cardio exercises, it builds your muscles which in turn increases your body’s metabolic rate.
Even if your genetics might be up against you that does not mean that you cannot make any progress in losing weight! Consistent training is what you need in such a case. Just get out there and get moving!
And just in case you do not have the energy and strength to keep on moving in the gym, there are supplements available to help you with just that! They will give you the endurance to get through your workout routine without any troubles. - Diet. Your diet has a great influence on weight loss and this is why. The body metabolizes calories differently based on their origin. Foods high in plant proteins and dietary fiber benefit your metabolism more than those high in cholesterol and saturated fat.
It is no brainer that what you eat determines how much weight you gain. You are what you eat! Your diet should be healthy. Include more vegetables and fruits and cut on junk food. Whole grains, legumes and meat are another good and healthy option. - Metabolism. Different individuals have different metabolism. A lot of people blame their high body weight on slow metabolism.
Body size and age are some of the factors that affect an individual’s metabolism. This, in fact, explains why people in the same weight loss program experience different results!
Exercising makes the body burn calories faster, which in turn increases the body’s metabolic rate so as to meet the demand. Additionally, consuming foods that increase metabolism such as vegetables, fruits and lean meats also helps. - Sleep. According to professionals, lack of sufficient can have an impact on your weight! Lack of enough sleep could lead to hormonal imbalance, particularly cortisol which is known to control appetite. This results in feeling hungry even after you have already had a meal. In some cases, it ends in midnight snacking and thus weight gain.
And that is not all! Lack of enough sleep also has an influence on carbohydrate metabolism, which leads to high sugar levels. - Environment. Your environment includes where you live, work and even those people around you! We might not think about this much, but our surroundings make a huge difference in how much we weigh!
If you live in a neighborhood that is walkable, it becomes easier for you to lose weight than someone who stays in a very remote area and needs to literally drive everywhere. Also shedding weight is easier for individuals who have easy access to healthy foods and facilities such as gyms and tennis courts.
We are also connected to our surroundings in an intimate way! However, we often exclude the fact that the things in our environment might impact our bodily functions. Our self-care and household products are absorbed by our bodies in one way or the other and they can affect our metabolic processes.
Lastly, your family members and friends play a significant role in your weight loss journey! The importance of having a team that encourages and supports your efforts in losing weight cannot be overstated! - Stress. You have probably heard some people blaming their weight gain on high-stress levels. Some individuals turn to food, particularly junk food, in response to stress. When the stress hormone is high (cortisol hormone) the body naturally craves for sugary or starchy foods, which are famous for contributing to rapid weight gain.
Conclusion
While lack of exercise and diet are the two common factors known to affect weight loss, the other discussed factors cannot be overlooked. Yes, it is best to consume a low-calorie meal and to be active, but it is important to observe the other factors as well!
Your environment, stress levels and sleep should all be on point! And for that reason, below is are some things to avoid when looking to lose weight:
- Sugary foods and drinks: Sugary foods and soft drinks should be avoided at all costs. They contain a lot of calories which is obviously not good for someone looking to shed off weight.
- Alcohol particularly beer: Beer provides more calories than protein and carbs. Drinking beer in moderation is fine but heavy drinking has been associated with weight gain.
- Irregular workout routines: It is very important to maintain consistency in your workout routines if you want any positive results. Consistency is key when it comes to exercising.
- Bad company: Greatly avoid those who make fun of your effort or encourage unhealthy eating habits.
- High levels of stress: The last thing you want to do is to turn to food as a release for your stress. You should learn how to handle stress well.
Weight loss is not an easy thing to accomplish. For some, it might take months and others years. However, getting equipped with the right knowledge about the process places you in a better position to successfully do it.
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