7 Factors That Affect Your Weight Other Than Exercise And Food

1. Water retention

Your body has the ability to retain water for various reasons, which can further cause the weighing scale to show bigger numbers. One of the biggest factors is eating too many salty and fatty foods that can cause water retention. So, if you are prone to water retention, make sure your sodium intake is limited. It certainly doesn't mean you drink less water, because paradoxically, the more water your drink, the less your body will retain.
 

_{Your body has the ability to retain water for various reasons​}

2. Medications

Medications may react differently with different bodies. They may cause weight gain even if you are exercising and following a diet plan. Consult your physician or doctor who would be able to tweak those according to your diet; this is in case the illness is not serious.
 

_{Medications may react differently with different bodies​}

3. Constipation

Everything may fall apart if your digestive system is not strong or functioning effectively. While some people may have a strong bowel action, some may struggle with chronic constipation. The good way to solve constipation issues is to include lots of fiber in your diet and drinks lots of water.
 

_{Everything may fall apart if your digestive system is not strong or functioning effectively​}

4. Lack of sound sleep

Several studies have associated lack of sleep and weight gain. One of the obvious reasons is, when you are awake for longer, you tend to feel hungrier and end up eating more. The other factor may be connected to the hormones regulating hunger; so if you mess them up, there is a chance your appetite becomes heightened. Click here to know foods that help induce sleep.
 

_{Several studies have associated lack of sleep and weight gain​}

5. Stress

Thanks to the fast paced lives we are leading, stress has become a part of us. From professional debacles to personal problems, everything is just taking a toll on our body. Stress tends to give us an adrenaline rush which is followed by a cascade of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Cortisol tells us to eat, when we are stressed, which turns into emotional eating causing weight gain.
 

_{Thanks to the fast paced lives we are leading, stress has become a part of us​}

6. Insufficient intake of mirconutrients

Micronutrients include essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. These micronutrients are responsible for aiding all the body's metabolic functions and processes. So, it is imperative to ensure that you are not dealing with insufficient micronutrient intake.
 

_{Micronutrients include essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.​ Photo Credit: ndtv food}

7. Family history

This is something we may not have control over. If you are genetically overweight, chances are even if you lose weight, it may bounce back. The genes game is stronger than what you may think; therefore it is imperative to follow a very strict diet and exercise routine and prevent going back to being overweight.
 

_{This is something we may not have control over}

So, if you are in a fix about your weight, make sure all these factors are not hindering your weight loss goals. Consult your physician or a nutritionist about how you can alter your diet plans accordingly.