Things Secretly Increasing Your Obesity Risk — Eat This Not That

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By Ghuman

Introduction

Obesity is a growing problem in the United States, and it can be difficult to know what is causing it. While some factors, such as lack of exercise and poor diet, are well known, there are other things that can secretly increase your risk of obesity. In this article, we will discuss some of these hidden risks and provide tips from Eat This Not That on how to avoid them. We will also provide some simple lifestyle changes that can help you reduce your risk of obesity.

Things Secretly Increasing Your Obesity Risk — Eat This Not That

Obesity is a growing problem in the United States, and it’s important to be aware of the things that can increase your risk of becoming obese. While some of these things are obvious, like eating too much junk food, there are other things that can increase your risk that you may not be aware of. Here are some of the things that can secretly increase your obesity risk, and what you should eat instead.

Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks, like soda and energy drinks, are one of the biggest contributors to obesity. These drinks are loaded with sugar and calories, and they can quickly add up. Instead of sugary drinks, opt for water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water with a splash of juice.

Processed Foods

Processed foods are often high in calories and low in nutrition. They can also contain unhealthy fats and added sugars. Instead of processed foods, opt for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Fast Food

Fast food is often high in calories, fat, and sodium. It can also be low in nutrition. Instead of fast food, opt for healthier options like salads, grilled chicken, and whole grain wraps.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be high in calories and can lead to overeating. Instead of alcohol, opt for non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water or unsweetened tea.

Late-Night Snacking

Late-night snacking can lead to overeating and weight gain. Instead of late-night snacking, opt for healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain. Instead of sitting for long periods of time, opt for activities like walking, jogging, or biking.

By being aware of the things that can secretly increase your obesity risk, you can make healthier choices and reduce your risk of becoming obese. Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight.

According to research from Cleveland Clinic and New York University School of Medicine, obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S. “Modifiable behavioral risk factors pose a substantial mortality burden in the U.S.,” says Glen Taksler, Ph.D. “These preliminary results continue to highlight the importance of weight loss, diabetes management and healthy eating in the U.S. population.” Want to take control of your weight? Here are five factors adding inches to your waistline. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

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This might seem like an obvious cause of obesity—but studies show that people frequently underestimate the amount of calories they are taking in daily and are subsequently confused about weight gain. “Studies show again and again that we humans have a great tendency to underestimate what we have eaten during the day and tend to minimize the calories in the foods that we eat,” says Kristen A. Carter M.S. “Often individuals seeking to lose weight are asked to keep a food diary before they even start.”

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Unchecked stress can wreak havoc on your weight in multiple ways, experts say. “It’s called stress eating for a reason. Many people cope with hard times by eating to make themselves feel better,” says Jessica Kennedy, DO. “Chronic stress can lead to overeating, weight gain and obesity. One study found that high cortisol levels over long periods of time leads to weight issues. Patients with chronic stress weighed more, had larger waistlines and had higher BMIs than people with low cortisol levels. If the effects of stress are adding up and starting to cause you mental distress and physical symptoms, talk to your primary care provider. Many signs of chronic stress are symptoms of other health issues.”

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Trying to lose weight (or maintain a healthy weight) is made incredibly difficult if sleep is not prioritized. “As a society, we are 24/7 and driven by productivity. Our culture just doesn’t want to go to sleep,” says Pulmonary and Critical Care and Sleep Medicine physician Amerlon Enriquez, MD. “When you don’t get enough sleep, your body releases a hormone that makes you feel hungry or not satisfied, so you’re likely to eat more. When this happens day after day it can lead to obesity. Lack of sleep also causes insulin-resistance, which can lead to diabetes, and many mental illnesses include sleep problems.”

RELATED: The #1 Sign Your Blood Sugar is “Way Too High”

Array of Sugary Beverages
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“We eat way too much sugar, and it’s leading to serious health problems,” says Ashley Taliaferro, DO. “Sodas and most other sugary drinks are just empty calories. Just one can of regular soda has more added sugar than you need in a day. If you drink soda every day, you can gain up to 15 pounds in a year — all from that one source of sugar. If you become obese, it creates so many more problems than just additional weight. You have more body fat. Plaque builds up in your arteries. You develop high blood pressure. There are a lot of diseases that are linked to obesity.”

RELATED: Habits Secretly Increasing Your Abdominal Fat, Say Physicians

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Age-related sarcopenia (muscle loss) can lead to obesity, experts warn. “Muscles burn calories 24/7. If you have less muscle, your body burns fewer calories, which can lead to easier weight gain,” says Dr. Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Avoid muscle loss by focusing on exercise that helps maintain muscle mass. “Several strategies have been evaluated for preventing sarcopenia and its adverse health outcomes, including exercise training, nutritional supplementation, and hormonal therapies. Currently, only physical exercise has shown a positive effect,” says McKenze Maiers, PT. “Both resistance and aerobic training have been shown to improve overall health and wellness, no matter your age. But the only proven method for the prevention and improvement of sarcopenia is progressive resistance training.”

Ferozan Mast

Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience. Read more

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