Identifying weight loss blockers

Q: I’ve gotten my food habits pretty well under control, but I’m still gaining weight! What could be causing that?

Kayla E., Tucson, Arizona

A: That is a great question — because so many people find out that their weight issues develop from a combination of problems, not just overeating or eating the wrong foods. You know, of course, that for long-term weight management, you need to crank up your metabolism and build more calorie-burning muscles by getting plenty of physical activity (300 minutes a week minimum). Plus, muscle and metabolism decrease by 5% per decade, so you need to eat less to keep weight constant. But other contributing issues could include:

1. Lack of restful sleep. Too little sleep increases secretion of the “feed me” hormone ghrelin and suppresses the “I’m full” hormone leptin. It’s also linked to elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol and a growth hormone deficiency — both can contribute to obesity. For great sleep improvement info go to https:// health.clevelandclinic.org and search for “insomnia.” And ask your doctor for a referral to a sleep clinic or expert.

2. Medication. Everything from anti-hypertensives, such as beta-blockers, to depression and bipolar medicines and insulin can trigger weight gain. If that’s the problem, ask your doctor for an alternative high blood pressure, anti-depressant or diabetes medicine.

3. Underactive thyroid. Low levels of thyroid hormones promote weight gain. A blood test reveals if you’re dealing with that condition (it may be the result of an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s). Inexpensive, effective medication to replace the hormones is available.

4. Illness side effect. There are conditions such as Cushing’s disease, which leads to excessive cortisol secretion and polycystic ovary syndrome, which can cause you to become insulin resistant, that promote weight gain. Ask your doctor if your symptoms indicate a possible link.

Anytime you are struggling to achieve a healthy weight, it’s smart to work with your doctor to find solutions that will help you live younger longer.