3 Unexpected Factors That Affect Your Weight

Weight loss is never easy. Some people struggle their entire lives to drop those pesky pounds. Many times, clean eating and exercise are not enough to help you get in shape. Certain factors, such as stress, medications, and gut imbalances, can make weight loss even more difficult.

If the scale doesn’t reflect your healthy lifestyle, it’s time to discover the root cause of your problem. For the start, check out these three unexpected factors that may affect your weight:

Your Location

This may come up as a surprise, but your geographical location has a direct impact on the BMI (body mass index). According to a recent study, people living at higher elevations have the lowest obesity rates. A good example is Colorado.

Researchers believe that higher altitudes lead to increased metabolic demands and lower oxygen levels, which in turn, affects body composition.

Other studies have found that living in a big city contributes to leanness. It appears that those who live in metro counties with at least one million residents have a lower risk of obesity.

However, some experts claim the opposite. The easy access to fattening foods as well as the lack of physical activity, which are common in urban areas, may trigger weight gain.

Another study shows that people who live within a kilometer of gyms and playing fields are slimmer. Their waist circumference and body fat levels are lower too. The same goes for those living in walkable neighborhoods since it promotes physical activity.

However, this doesn’t mean you should relocate. Just try to incorporate more exercise into your routine. Turn your commute into a daily walk, eat clean, and hit the gym regularly.

Prescription Drugs

Nowadays, health care professionals prescribe medications for just about everything, from anxiety to insomnia and common cold. Many drugs carry potential side effects, including weight gain. Breast cancer medications, anti-seizure meds, corticosteroids, beta blockers, and birth control pills are often the culprit behind a sluggish metabolism.

Psychotropic medications, for instance, have been shown to cause weight gain in most patients. The longer you use them, the more pounds you’ll pile on. Researchers have also found that antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs make it easier to gain weight. Some drugs also promote fluid retention, causing your body to hold water.

Gut Imbalances

A poorly functioning gut could be the reason why you’re not losing pounds. Certain bacteria living in the GI tract regulate your metabolism and break down dietary nutrients. If you have too few of these bacteria, your body might not be able to burn energy properly.

Moreover, glut imbalances promote the overgrowth of bad bacteria that produce lipopolysacchardies (LPS). These toxins trigger inflammation, which is a contributing factor to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

When your gut doesn’t function optimally, you may experience toxin buildup. Over time, the chemicals from food accumulate in your system, causing liver problems, weight gain, and metabolic slowdown.

The best way to prevent these issues is to use a probiotic formula. Try NaturalleLife’s Advance Probiotic, a natural supplement that provides 15 million CFU per tablet. It not only restores gut flora but also boosts immunity and supports digestive health. Once your gut flora is in balance, you’ll find it easier to lose weight.