We’ve all been there. Especially the ladies. Your diet and exercise is consistent and healthy. And yet, somehow you find that your weight fluctuates. So, what gives?
Preamble: First, let me explain what I mean by your weight fluctuating.
I’m not just talking about,
“Ohh! I jumped on the scale today and I weighed two pounds more!”
I’m referencing the fluctuations that happen as we go through different…
- seasons
- stages
- ages
…of our life.
If you have elderly parents, you know this is true. They’re probably a little bit heavier when they’re in their 60s, maybe early 70s. And then, as they get into their 70s and 80s, you’ll notice that they start losing weight.
Now, of course, a lot of that loss is muscle, unfortunately. But also, when we get older, we tend to have a slower metabolism. So, this just happens to be a period (in life) of losing weight.
And the reason I’m bringing all of this up is because…
I want you to recognize that it’s not just you. It’s everyone! Although, again, it’s worse for women, young girls.
Anyway, it’s no wonder that you feel horrible when you step on the scale and don’t see a number you want to see.
So — it’s crucially important to recognize that this all very normal.
Why Your Weight Fluctuates Even When Your Diet and Exercise Hasn’t Changed
Here are some of the reasons…
Medications. It just is what it is — certain meds make people gain/lose weight.
Stress. Nothing makes you gain weight or lose weight than the kind of stress (like, rooted in trauma) that creates mental and physical fatigue. Your body starts packing on the pounds to protect you.
Diet adaptation. This basically means that once you dramatically restrict your calories and create incredible deficit (e.g., intermittent fasting) — which helps you to lose weight at first — your body will eventually adapt. This may result in your metabolism slowing down, for example. Hence, you’re gaining weight (fluctuates).
Having kids. But aren’t they worth it?
Digestion.
Systemic inflammation — which makes you retain water.
Speaking of which…
Water retention can cause weight fluctuation.
Over-exercising. Pushing your body to go past the limits can disturb your cortisol (stress hormone) — which causes fatigue and, invariably, extra pounds around your belly.
Thyroid conditions.
For much more related to this topic, like:
- How society holds women to a standard of themselves locked in time
- Why the media plays into our own unhealthy obsession with weight and the scale
- How to break up with an unhealthy, unreasonable obsession with your weight
Then, you must listen to this episode of The Chalene Show:
And don’t forget to subscribe to TCS for weekly shows dedicated to your overall good health, productivity and happiness!
