Did you know that exercising and dieting can’t and don’t burn fat on their own? Well yes, and the experts say that these two things actually trigger organs and glands to release hormones that burn fat. I can bet that you didn’t know that, right? So, you should ask yourself this question – if exercising and dieting isn’t leading to weight loss for you, there may be an underlying issue!
These are the 4 most common sources of weight gain, (and how to identify them):
Adrenal Body Type
What are adrenal glands – they’re located at the top of your kidneys and the adrenal glands are responsible for the “fight or flight” response the body has when stress arises. But, unfortunately, when your adrenal glands are over-stimulated, they can become unbalanced and affect different functions in the body, including the sleep-wake cycle, which can create difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
You should know that the adrenal glands release a stress hormone known as cortisol. A recent study has discovered that elevated cortisol levels can cause weight gain in the mid-section, often referred to as belly fat. Well, this means that you should be very careful and if you think you may have an adrenal disorder, check in with a health care professional. Note: you should also know that there are many natural ways to reduce stress levels and lower cortisol. Yoga can help and so can some food and lifestyle choices.
These are the most common symptoms of adrenal gland disorders:
Upper body obesity
Round face and neck
Thinning arms and legs
High blood pressure
Muscle and bone weakness
High blood sugar
Moodiness, irritability or depression
Liver Body Type
Liver is one of the most important organs in the human body! And we all know that a properly-functioning liver is extremely important for overall health and well-being. But, when the liver isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to weight gain in the stomach area. Many experts refer to this weight gain as a “pot belly.” This body type may suffer from blood sugar issues such as diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
Note: an accumulation of toxins in the liver can also cause joint pain or arthritis, allergies, skin problems and even body odor. You should also know that liver disease can be genetic, or it can be caused by a variety of factors such as viruses or alcohol use. And yes, you should also know that the damage to the liver can result in scarring over time, which may lead to liver failure — a life-threatening condition. So, you should be very careful and if you notice unexplained weight gain in your stomach area, make an appointment with a doctor to get your liver checked out. You might also want to consider a liver detox!
Thyroid Body Type
The most important function of the thyroid gland is to control how quickly your body uses the energy. The thyroid gland also produces hormones that regulate the metabolism. So, if your thyroid isn’t functioning properly, you may notice all-over weight gain when you haven’t changed your diet in any way.
The experts say that thyroid problems can cause sagging skin, hair loss and unusual body temperature. An underactive thyroid causes your energy level to drop, so you may also feel constantly fatigued. You should be very careful, because symptoms of a thyroid problem develop slowly, but a thyroid issue can cause many health problems, especially for women. These are the most common problems, caused by thyroid disorders: problems with menstrual cycle, problems getting pregnant and problems during pregnancy.
These are the most common signs of an underactive thyroid:
Constipation
Muscle weakness
Weight gain
Joint or muscle pain
Feeling sad or depressed
Pale, dry skin
Slow heart rate
Dry, thinning hair
A puffy face
A hoarse voice
Ovary Body Type
Did you know that problems with the ovaries may be an indicator that you have a hormonal imbalance? Well yes, and PMS, early menstrual cycles or menopause, missed menstrual cycles or recurring constipation can all be warning signs. The experts say that this body type may crave chocolate or dairy products. Ovary malfunction can lead to hot flashes, night sweats and weight gain in the lower half of the body.
Note: you should be very careful, because problems with the ovaries may include ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, or ovarian torsion, a twisting of the ovary. If you experience ovarian pain, notice a change in your menstrual cycles, or experience unexplained weight gain in the lower half of your body, check in with a health care professional. Adjusting your diet can also help balance your estrogen levels.