src

If you're reading this, then it's probably safe to say that you're not happy with your current weight. Don't worry, you're not alone – according to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 billion adults around the world are considered obese.

So what's the deal? Why do we gain weight, and more importantly, how can we lose it?

Let's explore the science, philosophy, and psychology of weight gain in an effort to answer these very questions.

We'll start by looking at the various factors that contribute to weight gain. Then, we'll take a closer look at the different schools of thought when it comes to weight loss. And finally, we'll discuss the psychological factors that can prevent us from losing weight.

If you're looking for a comprehensive understanding of weight gain, then this is the post for you. Buckle up – it's going to be a bumpy ride!

The Science of Weight Gain: How Our Bodies Store Energy

video by Rethink Obesity With Novo Nordisk

When it comes to putting on weight, it's not all about what we eat. In fact, what we eat only accounts for about one-third of our total weight. The other two-thirds comes from how our bodies store energy.

Think about it this way: when you eat, your body doesn't just suck up all the energy in that cheeseburger like a vacuum cleaner. Instead, it stores a little bit of that energy in the form of glycogen. And when your glycogen levels get too high, your body starts storing energy as fat.

So how do we control our glycogen levels? By eating the right kind of foods – foods that are low in sugar and high in fiber. 👇👇👇

video by Animated biology With arpan

The Philosophy of Weight Gain: Why We Overeat

video by Evelyn Tribole, MS RDN CEDRD-S

You're driving home from work, and as you pull into your driveway you see that there's a pizza on your front porch. You didn't order a pizza. But it's there, so you must've been hungry – you must've wanted it. And that's why you ate the whole thing.

At least, that's what the philosophy of weight gain would have you believe. Overeating is seen as a choice that we make, rather than something that's compelled or driven by forces outside of our control. But is that really true? Or are we just trying to justify our own gluttony?

The truth is, there's no one answer to this question. We overeat for a variety of reasons, many of which are still unknown to us. But what we do know is that overeating is a complex issue with no simple solution. So the next time you find yourself stuffing your face with pizza, just remembers: there's more to it than meets the eye.

The Psychology of Weight Gain: How Our Emotions Affect Our Eating Habits

video by Institute for the Psychology of Eating

It's not your fault. You didn't gain weight because you're lazy, or because you don't have any self-control. It's science.

Okay, maybe it's not ENTIRELY science, but a lot of it has to do with the way our brains process information. When we experience strong emotions – whether it's sadness, stress, or happiness – our brain releases a hormone called cortisol. This hormone tells our body to store energy in case we need it later (aka – to gain weight).

This is why people often gain weight when they go through a tough time – their brain is releasing cortisol in response to their emotional stressors, and telling their body to store fat. So the next time you find yourself reaching for the Ben and Jerry's after a breakup, just remember that your brain is trying to help you out.

How to Make Peace With Your Body and Your Weight

video by Abraham Teachings

If you're struggling with your weight, it's time to make peace with your body. Yes, that means accepting yourself as you are, right now. No more beating yourself up for not being perfect. No more dieting and obsessing over every little calorie.

It sounds easier said than done, but once you make peace with your body, the weight will start to come off naturally. Why? Because you'll finally be listening to your body's cues and giving it what it really needs. And when you're not constantly dieting and depriving yourself, you'll have more energy to exercise – which will help you lose weight in a healthy way.

So if you're ready to make peace with your body and your weight, here's what you need to do: First, accept yourself as you are. Second, stop dieting and give your body what it needs. And third, start exercising – but do it because you love your body, not because you hate it.

Tips for Managing Your Weight in a Healthy Way

video by Vox

So, you're carrying around a few extra pounds, and you're not happy about it. But, before you go on another crash diet or start beating yourself up about it, remember this: gaining weight is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, there are some pretty good reasons why you might have put on a few pounds.

Now that we've got that out of the way, let's talk about how to manage your weight in a healthy way. Here are a few tips:

First, don't try to lose weight too quickly. Crash diets rarely work in the long run, and they can be dangerous. Second, focus on healthy eating habits, rather than just cutting calories. Eating more fruits and vegetables, for example, is a good way to make sure you're getting the nutrients your body needs. And third, don't forget to exercise! Getting regular exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight.

Resources for Further Reading and Support

If you're looking to gain weight, there's no shortage of resources out there to help you. Restaurants are always happy to accommodate your appetite, and all-you-can-eat buffets are a dieter's worst nightmare.

Let take the need to gain weight for instance, if you want to gain weight the healthy way, though, it's going to take a bit more effort than simply overeating. You'll need to make sure you're eating the right foods and getting enough exercise to build muscle.

Of course, even with the best intentions, gaining weight can be a challenge. If you're struggling to pack on the pounds, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional – they can offer guidance and support to help you reach your goals as regards the need for weight gain.

Conclusion

If you want to gain weight, the best thing you can do is stop reading articles about the science, philosophy and psychology of weight gain. Just eat whatever you want and enjoy your new body!

References/Resources

https://www.gbhealthwatch.com/Science-Behind-Weight-Management.php#:~:text=Energy%20balance&text=Dietary%20energy%20is%20measured%20by,is%20why%20you%20gain%20weight.

https://wellseek.co/2018/12/07/the-science-of-weight-gain-3-things-you-need-to-know/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-people-become-overweight

https://www.livescience.com/35440-weight-gain-how-food-adds-pounds-110202.html

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-causes-of-weight-gain

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/03/the-science-behind-why-its-easier-to-gain-rather-than-lose-weight/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221834/

https://www.businessinsider.com/why-you-gain-weight-and-how-to-lose-it-2014-11

https://bebettercoachsvc.com/blog/f/the-science-behind-weight-gain-loss

https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=156995

https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports/sports-fitness-recreation-and-leisure-magazines/weight-gain

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/insight/article/the-science-behind-womens-weight-gain-during-menopause/er5ff4mdj

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25333682-800-have-we-got-the-science-of-obesity-back-to-front/

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/oct/30/burn-baby-burn-the-new-science-of-metabolism

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321982

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210913135729.htm

https://fitpage.in/the-science-of-gaining-and-losing-weight/

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/calories/other_factors.html

https://medium.com/mind-body-soul/why-do-we-gain-weight-each-year-science-explains-2111d8eddba5