For anybody not a secret that the problem of excess weight is relevant today for both men and women.
At the time, experts were confident that the problem of obesity arises from a sedentary lifestyle and large consumption of calories.
However, recent scientific discoveries have shown that the causes of excess weight are quite diverse. Of course, the amount of consumed food and lifestyle play an important role in this issue, but there are many other factors that prevent people to keep their weight normal.
In order to understand what affects the weight, researchers from Toronto analyzed data from 1971 to 2008. It turned out that at the same consumption of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and the same amount of exercise, people the same age in 1988 was on average thinner than in 2006. For the period from 1988 to 2006 the average body mass index in humans increased by 10%.
Exposure to toxins
Every day we deal with hundreds of chemicals. Shampoos, household chemicals, food, furniture, building materials contain chemical additives. Among these additives are those which have a devastating act on the endocrine system: bisphenol-a and phthalates, which are used for production of personal care products and cosmetics.
Of course, today, the chemicals contained in almost all, however, the effect of harmful substances can be reduced by selecting products made of natural materials and natural cosmetics.
Changes in the microbiome
Changes in the microbiome — the bacterial population and other microorganisms living in our body – can affect excess weight and obesity. So far studies on this issue continue, however, scientists have suggested that changes in the microbiome can be associated with a greater use of artificial sweeteners and food additives that have a negative impact on bacteria in the gut.
However, experts have been able to establish a relationship of the microbiome with obesity and insulin resistance. This is another reason to pay attention to products with probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir or cheese.
The use of antidepressants
Since 1988, the percentage of people taking antidepressants increased by almost 400% and today about 11 percent of people 12 years and older take these drugs.
Weight gain is one of the side effects of these drugs, especially selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake such as Prozac, zoloft, paxil, etc. about 25% of all people taking antidepressants gain about 4-5 kg over the course of treatment.
Chronic stress and cortisol
Stress causes great harm to the body, the result begins to appear a bad habit “of overeating”. The connection between stress and obesity is due to hormones, particularly the level of “stress hormone” cortisol. When stress levels are elevated, it increases the release of cortisol, which in turn increases appetite and leads to obesity. Many people, stressful situations lead to the fact that they no longer control the amount of food intake.
Lack of sleep
Studies have shown a link between lack of enough sleep and obesity. According to studies today, people sleep much less than 60 years ago. In our days people on average I sleep about 6-7 hours a day, while in 1940, for comparison, the figure was 8 hours.
Slow metabolism
The constant struggle with excess weight turns into a “boomerang effect” for some people. Such people try to limit their intake of calories, but it brings only a temporary effect. After some time, these people gain even more weight than they had initially.
Because of this, over time, reduced metabolic rate, which is a huge problem for those who want to lose weight.
How to help yourself get into shape?
Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals, use natural cosmetics and household cleaning products
Try to abandon the use of cosmetics with fragrances
Choose natural products without chemicals and preservatives
Store food in container made of glass or stainless steel instead of plastic containers
Watch out for the quantity and quality of their sleep
Learn to control your emotions, practice yoga, meditation and relaxation
Avoid artificial sweeteners and eat foods-probiotics
Be wary of the drugs you take: beta-blockers, antidepressants, corticosteroids can cause weight gain
