There are many contributing factors to weight gain and obesity.  A medical doctor can work with you to determine the causes of your weight gain and provide treatment accordingly. 

By using the bellaSavio Approach and treating your weight loss from a whole-person perspective you can accurately identify the causes behind your weight gain, whether it be physical, psychological or both. 

The following provides a list of factors that commonly result in weight management issues:

Genetics: You could be genetically predisposed to obesity.  Although there is currently no test to determine an individual's genetic predisposition to obesity, many find that being over-weight often runs in the family.  There is some research that indicates that if one or both of your parents have a history of obesity, then your chance of being overweight as an adult is increased.  According to a recent study, when two or more close family members are at least 30 pounds overweight, you have an 80% chance of becoming overweight.

Environmental:  Many medical professionals believe that environmental and societal factors continue to contribute to the rise in overweight and obesity. 

High levels of stress: High levels of stress can cause your body to release a hormone called cortisol, which can stimulate your appetite.  Cortisol triggers a flight-or-fight signal in the brain, which has been linked to cravings for foods with salt, sugar and fat.  Animal research has confirmed that sweet foods are proven to sooth stress.  Click here to read more about Stress and Weight Management.

Adrenal fatigue: The health of the adrenal glands is linked with weight gain and the ability to loose weight.  The adrenal glands produce a hormone called cortisol, which is also known as 'the stress hormone'.  If the level of cortisol in your blood is too high or too low, this can trigger weight gain and make is extremely difficult to loose weight.  Click here to read more about adrenal fatigue.

High carbohydrate diet: Eating an excessive amount of carbohydrates (carbs) can also contribute to weight gain.  Digestible carbs are converted into blood sugar (glucose).  What can't be used by the body is stored as fat.  Most nutritionists recommend that you limit your intake of carbs to between 45 and 60 grams per meal.  It is also important to eat the right type of carbs when you are trying to lose weight and manage long-term weight loss.  Learning about the glycemic index (GI) and the impact that different types of carbs have on your body may be of help for your long-term success.  Click here to read more about the GI.

Lack of sleep: Getting enough restorative sleep helps your body work most efficiently.  Sleep also helps combat stress and is important for your overall health and well-being.  Click here to read more about Sleep Deprivation and Obesity.

Prescription medications: Some medications can cause weight gain by stimulating your appetite and/or slowing your metabolism.  Click here to read more about medications and weight gain.

Food allergies: Many people suffer from food allergies that are undetected.  Scientific studies show that some people who suffer from weight gain, and who have a difficult time losing weight, are allergic to some of the very foods that they crave.  Food allergies or intolerances can create a dysfunctional metabolism.  Food intolerances or insensitivities often occur in adulthood and are overlooked.

Common symptoms of food allergies or sensitivities include fatigue, headaches, skin rash, gastrointestinal issues, joint aches and more.  If you suspect that you have food allergies or sensitivities, you should consider seeing an allergist.  Click here to read more about food allergies.

Medical conditions: In addition to food allergies you could be suffering from a medical condition such as:

• Hypothyroidism - a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.  This results in a reduced metabolic rate.
  
• Cushings Syndrome - a hormonal disorder that results from prolonged, elevated levels of cortisol caused by high stress.
  
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - a condition that occurs in females that is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth due to elevated levels of male hormone, and obesity. While the exact cause is unknown, the name stems from the fact that women that suffer from this condition usually have enlarged ovaries that are studded with many cysts. It is estimated that fifty percent of the women with PCOS are obese.^[1]
  

Food Obsession Disorder^TM: Perhaps you suffer from a Food Obsession Disorder^TM. 

• Do you have such powerful thoughts about food that you cannot focus on anything else? 
  
• Do you feel like you are never "done" eating? 
  
• Do food cravings control your life? 
  

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you are not alone.  You could in fact be suffering from a food addiction disorder.

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified that the brain circuits that motivate the obese to overeat, are the same circuits that cause addicted individuals to crave drugs.  A major focus of research at the Brookhaven Lab is on the neurobiology of eating disorders and obesity and their treatment.  Studies at the Lab have also shown that the levels of dopamine receptors, which receive chemical messages of well being and reward in the brain, are decreased in the brains of obese individuals.^[2]

Emotional issues: You may be dealing with emotional issues that cause you to use food as a coping mechanism.  Maybe you are holding on to emotional baggage from your past that brings you inner pain.  Now is the time to address emotional wounds and negative self-images.  Click here to read more about Emotional Eating.

Yeast (Candida) Overgrowth: While we all have yeast candida in our gut, it is usually controlled by good bacteria.  However, sometimes the ratio of 'good' bacteria is altered and the yeast candida can grow out of control.  This can occur for various reasons such as poor diet, illness, stress, the overuse of antibiotics, the use of steroids, and birth control. 

Symptoms can include: inability to lose weight, fatigue, gas, bloating, headaches, thrush, and cravings for sugar, wine or cheese.  The presence of yeast or intestinal parasites in the digestive tract can make it extremely difficult to lose weight.  There are several tests that can determine whether or not you  have intestinal parasites.  Supplements or a probiotic can be used to get rid of the yeast or parasites.  Once this is accomplished, you will begin to lose weight.

Cushing's Syndrome: A hormonal disorder called Cushing's Syndrome can result from long-term exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of cortisol.  Cortisol is a hormone that is produced in the body.  Most people with this syndrome have increased upper body obesity, increased fat around the neck, rounded face and thinning arms and legs.

Sources:

[1] Polycystic ovary Syndrome, by the Mayo Clinic, MayoClinic.com

[2]