If you have followed my content on here or social media for a while, you know I am not an advocate of “diet culture,” here in the United States. The diet industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry with a disgusting success rate.  While I am not in support of body image or standards being imposed upon us, I AM in support of you looking and feeling the way you want to.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to walk this earth in a lighter frame, if that is what would feel most fulfilling to you.

The problem that I see present itself sometimes is when Western medicine can’t answer your question as to why you are gaining weight.  Therefore, I am doing a series on the hidden causes of weight gain that aren't specifically focused on your nutrition and exercise regimen.  The fact of the matter is, things like hours of sleep, fluid retention, underactive thyroid, blood sugar imbalances, and high levels of cortisol are all medically backed reasons you might be gaining weight.  But have you ever considered other less scientifically backed reasons for your inability to reach your healthy weight?  Alas, there are definitely some deeper-rooted reasons that could be the final piece to the puzzle you have been trying to solve!  So, if you are someone who has talked to your doctor about your unexplained weight gain, have had all the labs done to look at your thyroid hormones, has stabilized your lack of sleep, and STILL don’t have answers, these reasons might give you a greater understanding of what your body might be trying to tell you.

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Hidden Causes of Weight Gain 

Your Fat Cells are Forming a Cushion

Did you know that fat cells protect you by literally forming a cushion between you and the world? It's like using bubble wrap to protect your delicate china! This is a useful defense mechanism when you are very sensitive, easily hurt, or feel bullied, verbally, physically or sexually abused, or unsafe. Another person's energy can affect you in a multitude of ways. It can leave you feeling vulnerable, drained, or off-balance. This can make you obsessive about staying in control and holding your own space. Food may feel like the only thing you can control.

Do you have a fear or distaste of intimacy or sex with your partner? Have you been sexually abused or assaulted? Becoming unattractive to a partner, or setting a physical barrier can be a way to maintain distance and autonomy when you feel helpless to prevent violation.

Perhaps you've had your heart broken and now are more distrustful in relationships. You've now created a physical wall as well as an emotional one to keep others at a distance. If this resonates with you, know that working with someone trusted to help heal this area of life for you will pack a double punch – healthier relationships and a healthier body!

‍Your Body Has Formed a Fat Shield

‍‍A “fat shield” is useful when you are unable to set healthy boundaries or speak up about what you want or need, or about what you don't want. “Martyrs” are very loving, gentle souls with an overly-developed sense of responsibility or duty. They want to nurture others and ensure everyone gets their needs met. But, it happens at their own expense.

Mothers, especially new moms, tend to fit this category. You need to hold your loving energy without losing your balance and becoming over-nurturing or a rescuer.  If you’re a mom (or dad for that matter), you are familiar with that feeling of over-tiredness that comes from a lack of sleep.  But if you find yourself struggling to lose weight when all other variables are “healthy,” the over-nurturing might be contributing to your difficulty.

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‍A Blocked Throat Chakra Can Lead to Hormonal Imbalance

Are you reluctant to speak up and say what you need or want? Holding energy back in your throat area may result in thyroid malfunction (metabolic and hormonal imbalance) or other health issues such as Lupus and autoimmune diseases. You may also begin to use food as a substitute for not getting your own emotional needs met.

A physical 'fat barrier' can result from negative self-image or lack or personal empowerment. A physical barrier becomes a shield to hold people at a distance, or a way to punish or castigate yourself, or even a way to prove that you are unlovable. You might set up a physical fat barrier against control or dominance by a parent, boss, partner or friend.

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If any of these scenarios resonate with you, this might be contributing to why you are struggling to lose weight.  If so, find someone that can support you through making changes and peace in these areas and you may find your weight loss journey looks different than ever before.