1. Gut Health – The collection in your gut is for your health, and potentially for your weight. Studies have shown that incorporating interventions that favorably affect the microbiome had a reduction in body fat mass.

  2. Genetics – It may not be possible to choose body type or shape you want. When it comes down to it, genetics matter a lot. Studies have shown that genes account for about 70% of the variation in people’s body weight.

  3. Getting Older – Losing Muscle – As women hit menopause and estrogen levels begin to dip, they lose muscles as the age. Muscle mass decreases 3-5% every decade after the age of 30. That’s a big deal, because muscle burns more than fat. Natural changes in fat tissue that comes with ageing can prompt the body to gain weight.

  4. Your medicine Cabinet – Some medications cause weight gain or get in the way of your efforts to lose weight. Among them are insulin to treat diabetes, certain antipsychotics or antidepressants, some epilepsy therapies, steroids and blood pressure meds because they mess with your metabolism in some way, alter your appetite, cause water retention, or contribute to fatigue, making you less active.

  5. You eat mindlessly – repetitive hand to mouth snacking while you’re in a daze watching TV or on your smart phone can make you wonder “What did I just eat?!” When you eat distracted, you’re more likely to eat more. When you are aware you can make the brain-body connection.