Why Am I Still Fat?

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WHy Am I Still Fat?


I have often been asked by my patients why, after all their efforts to control and reduce their weight, they continue to struggle with weight loss. It’s enough to make you scream. Those five, ten, or fifteen extra pounds follow you around, like a shadow you can’t shake. You do all the obvious things to lose weight, so what gives? It’s often the inconspicuous factors that keep the scale from tipping in your favor. 



Why Am I Still Fat?

Here, we point out five, sneaky waistline saboteurs.


1. Sleep Deprivation 

You may think that you can get by with five hours of shut-eye at night, but studies show that lack of ZZZs may lead to weight-gain. Getting the proper rest helps regulate the hunger and satiety hormones, gherlin and leptin. That way you’re less likely mistake fatigue for a cue to raid the fridge at midnight.

2.  Jet-Setting

One recent study from Columbia University revealed that employees who traveled for work had a higher body mass index (BMI) than co-workers who stayed in the office. Airports and truck stops aren’t famous for their healthy, fresh foods, which is why travelers often struggle to make smart food choices. And a day or two of splurging on greasy, deep-fried meals can throw off your calorie deficit, and weight-loss is out the window. Eating well on the road is possible, if you think creatively and stay disciplined. Look for unsalted nuts, yogurt, fresh fruit, string cheese, and pre-made salads. It ain’t five-star fare, but it’s better than fast food.

Add to this the obvious – you are sitting while you travel (see #4)

3. An Overstocked Fridge

Preparing meals at home gives you ultimate control of what goes in your mouth. But when the cream cheese and BBQ dressing block you from reaching the baby carrots and sliced apples, guess what you’ll probably eat first. When you bury the good stuff, you’ll likely forget it exists, until it starts to go bad. Researchers at the University of Arizona noted that produce comprises about 25 percent of the food people throw out daily. Make sure to keep healthy foods, such as pre-cut fruits and veggies, in plain sight, so you eat them!

4. Sitting In

The average office worker sits an estimated six hours or more daily. Studies have linked prolonged sitting with a higher risk for chronic illness, such as heart disease and diabetes. Staying seated also slows down your metabolism, which can lead to weight gain.  Try setting an hourly reminder to stand up, stretch your legs, and take a short walk.

5. Juicing

Consuming your daily allowance of fruits and veggies in a quick, tasty, portable drink seems like a win-win. However, it’s easy to slurp down a 400-calorie juice in seconds and still feel hungry afterward. That’s because the act of chewing and swallowing foods alerts satiety signals in your brain more readily than drinking does. Also, consuming juiced produce often omits the pulp, which contains the fiber that actually helps fill you up. It’s cool to juice in moderation, but eating whole foods should be your first choice.

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