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Why Is Your Weight Increasing Even When Eating Less? Dr. Saurabh Sethi Explains
- •Weight gain depends on multiple factors including metabolism, muscle mass, hormones, sleep, and stress, not just food intake.
- •Low muscle mass reduces the body's ability to burn calories, making crash dieting and lack of physical activity counterproductive.
- •Hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism and PCOS, along with insulin resistance, can make weight management difficult.
- •Chronic stress, lack of sleep, and frequent crash dieting negatively impact metabolism and increase abdominal fat.
- •A sustainable lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular strength training, and proper sleep is essential for healthy weight control.
Key Questions Answered
Weight gain despite eating less is influenced by internal body factors such as energy expenditure, muscle mass, hormones, sleep quality, stress levels, and daily habits. Dr. Saurabh Sethi notes that a slow metabolism, hormonal issues like hypothyroidism or PCOS, insulin resistance, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and frequent crash dieting can cause the body to conserve energy and store fat rather than lose it.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) represents the calories burned while resting, which varies based on age, body size, and muscle mass. Having more muscles helps the body burn energy even at rest, whereas aging, physical inactivity, and frequent crash dieting can lead to muscle loss and a slower metabolism.
To manage weight effectively, eat balanced and regular meals containing nutritious options like lentils, dairy, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while ensuring adequate protein intake to maintain muscle mass. Adults should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly, practice stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation, and incorporate regular walking and strength training.
