Losing weight is tough for all of us. There are several factors which can even make it more challenging for females. Research shows that obesity is 35% in male and 40% in female. Obesity causes low self-esteem, decreases confidence, and causes pre- mature aging by creating lifestyle disorders like diabetes, thyroid disorder, PCOD, heart disease and cancer. Even if you are not obese but overweight, you are at the risk of the above-mentioned lifestyle disorders. There are 5 key reasons why it is harder for females to lose weight
1. HORMONAL IMBALANCE
This is one of the factors always overlooked. It causes weight plateaus and weight loss resistance. There are three main hormones in our body that, if imbalanced, made weight loss a dream. But Losing weight is not impossible.THYROID- This hormone Plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy weight. Hypothyroid is the major cause of weight loss resistance. Look at any nutritional deficiency that you may have and it may contribute to imbalance your thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone needs specific nutrients such as selenium, zinc, iodine, iron, and omega 3 fatty acids to run optimally. If you are taking thyroid replacement hormone, make sure you are replacing it with right thyroid hormone such as T3 and T4
HIGH CORTISOL- Also known as stress hormone. High cortisol blocks the attempts to lose weight. This flight and fight hormone increases your appetite, makes you crave loads of carbs, sugar and keeps your fat at the belly region. Stress management activities will help to reduce cortisol levels such as exercise, mediation, deep breathing, talking to friends and family.
SEX HORMONES ( Eestrogen and Testosterone) – Imbalance in sex-hormones can cause struggle to lose weight. High estrogen or testosterone levels cause weight gain. Exercise helps to balance sex hormones which aids in weight loss and increase muscle mass.
Moral of the story: Get checked your hormonal profile, if your scale is stuck or facing a weight plateau. Exercise and intermittent fasting are great ways to balance hormones. Take professional help- TALK TO OUR EXPERT
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2. SLEEP HABITS
Research tells us that people who sleep between 3.5 to 5.5 hours at night consume more calories to those who sleep between 7 to 10 hrs. Sleep is critical for your body to repair and function properly. When you do not get sleep consistently for many days, not only you gain weight but also at higher risk of developing chronic diseases, anxiety, and irritability.
Moral Of the story: Switch off all the gadgets such as laptops, TV, iPad and mobiles at least 60 minutes before sleeping. Exposing yourself every morning to natural light, reducing intake of Caffeine after 4 pm and maintaining a sleep cycle everyday will help to sleep better and deeper
3. EMOTIONAL EATING
Emotional eating is an eating to suppress negative emotions such as stress, anger, fear, low self-esteem, boredom, sadness, or loneliness. When you turn to food for comfort consciously or unconsciously due to stress or boredom, it leads to overeating of food high in fats and sugars.
Moral of the story: Practice mindful eating and listen to your body for hunger cues. When you feel stressed or bored, try to divert your mind, read a book or call your friend or family. Chose healthy snacks for your cravings such as fruits, veggies, seeds, roasted chana, makhanas, nuts etc
4. PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
It could be the reason you are struggling to lose weight. These medications can cause weight gain whether from fluid retention, changing your appetite or an increase in sex hormones. Among them mainly are- Birth control pills, anti- depressants, sedatives, anti-hypertensive drugs, and steroids.
Moral of the story: If possible before starting the prescription check your weight and check it again after 2 weeks. If you notice weight gain, immediately talk to your doctor about your medication. If you are already on medication and feel that it’s one of the reasons, talk to your doctor or health practitioner (add our link of contact) and change your medication to simple and other alternative medication.
5. PUTTING YOURSELF LAST
Women known for multitasking. For them, the toughest part is making themselves the priority. They always put their families first. Getting ready kids to school, packing lunch for husband and kids, doing home chores and so on. This leaves them with no quality time to enjoy their meal and leads to mindless eating, like finishing their children’s leftovers. Mornings are the busiest of all times for the women of the house, making them skip breakfast and encourage unhealthy snacking later in the day.
Moral of the story: Try out `me time’. Keep a fistful of nuts handy and pack breakfast-on-the-go. Take 5 minutes in morning for PRANAYAMA to energise your 7 chakras and positive energy.
