Mailbag: 7 Hidden Culprits Behind Your Weight Gain

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted October 15, 2024

“Why am I gaining weight, even though I am watching what I am eating?”

– Battling the Bulge

Dear Battling,

Gaining weight when you’re not trying to is frustrating. And it just gets worse as we age… often regardless of our diet.

The truth is that various factors can promote weight gain even when you’re watching what you eat.

The ones I see the most often in my own patients are:

1. Muscle loss: Our bodies naturally lose lean muscle mass as we age. This is a big deal because muscle burns more calories than fat, even when we’re resting. Less muscle means a slower metabolism. Focus more on weight-bearing exercises.
2. Hormonal shifts: Age brings changes in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. These shifts can slow metabolism and increase fat storage, especially around the midsection. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, reducing sugar, and prioritizing sleep can all help.
3. Decreased activity: We often become less active as we age (even though we usually don’t notice it), burning fewer calories throughout the day. Move more. I suggest giving exercise snacking a try.
4. Insulin resistance: Our bodies may become less efficient at processing carbohydrates, leading to increased fat storage. (Try THIS trick.)
5. Stress: Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which increases appetite and promotes fat storage. Deep breathing, meditation, and acupuncture can help. Plus, these five cortisol calmers can help slash stress naturally.
6. Sleep changes: Many people experience poorer sleep quality as they age, which can disrupt hunger hormones and metabolism. Ditch the “8 straight” sleep myth and try some of THESE sleep-supporting habits.
7. Medications: Some common medications for age-related conditions can contribute to weight gain. Have a chat with your pharmacist or doctor about your medication’s side effects.

Making changes to any of these factors can be a lot of work. Typically, a person has one or two that have the most impact on their weight gain. Determining what is true in your case is a matter of experimentation.

Remember, small, consistent changes often yield the best long-term results.

P.S. These tiny allies could revolutionize weight loss.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND