We all know that weight loss is a slow and difficult process. It requires a lot of determination and hard work to get a great shape. But sometimes no matter how much time you spend in the gym, shedding your sweat or how much you restrict your diet, you see no effect on your body. You may be exercising several times a week, yet the number on the scale remains the same. Well, this can be due to some serious underlying health issues.

If you are also suffering from it, it is time to look out for these medical conditions. Thyroid Thyroid, the small gland in your neck that makes the thyroid hormones, helps to regulate various vital systems of the body. Thyroid uses iodine from the food we consume to produce two hormones: triiodothyronine and thyroxine. If the gland produces too little hormones, it can lead to an underactive thyroid, which can in turn make you gain weight. Even if you have a marginally under-functioning thyroid it can slow down your metabolism.

Stress

Stress and obesity are linked to each other and there have been several studies on this. When your body is under chronic stress, it releases a hormone called cortisol, which hikes the blood sugar level. The major problem arises when cortisol is released in a large quantity. This can lead to fat storage in your waist. Stress also leads to emotional eating, which again leads to weight gain.

You are insulin resistant The food we eat is broken down into glucose, which spikes your blood sugar level. The pancreas then detects the glucose in our system and releases a hormone called insulin. When the insulin works normally, it directs glucose to their respected places, like the liver, muscles, and others. But if you are insulin resistant, your insulin receptors fails to recognise the insulin, as a result, excessive energy is deposited as fat, which causes weight gain. The problem is triggered by overeating refined carbs like - white bread, pasta, pizza, and sugar-laden drinks.

Sleep deprivation A normal seven to eight hours of sleep is a must to stay healthy. One poor night's sleep will not make you fat, but if you do this regularly, it could lead to weight gain. Lots of studies have been carried out that shows the link between poor sleep quality and obesity. Moreover, sleepy brain craves fattening food, which leads to overeating.

Source: indiatimes.com