- Obesity in the U.S. affects approximately 70 million adults, with men showing higher rates than women.
- Weight gain is often due to a sedentary lifestyle, overconsumption of processed foods, sleep deprivation, stress, and certain medications.
- Physical activity, a diet of whole foods, adequate sleep, stress management, and medication alternatives can mitigate weight gain.
- Home renovations, like setting up an outdoor gym, creating walkways, and a smart kitchen, can support weight loss.
- Identifying weight gain factors, improving diet and exercise habits, and creating a health-supporting home environment can effectively manage weight.
Gaining weight is not something many people look forward to, yet it seems to be a recurring theme for many. While some cases of weight gain may be attributed to genetics, one may inadvertently pack on the pounds in several ways. Several factors contribute to increasing one’s weight, and it helps to identify them to make informed decisions about eating habits and a better lifestyle. Here’s a look into obesity in the U.S., why you’re gaining too much weight, and home renovations to help you lose weight over time.
Obesity in The U.S.
It’s estimated that about 70 million adults in the U.S. are obese. Obesity rates have been steadily increasing over the past decade, and as of 2018, about 32.5 percent of adults aged 20 or older were classified as obese. Men had higher rates than women at 35.3 percent versus 29.6 percent.
Why You’re Gaining Too Much Weight
There are various reasons why you’re gaining too much weight. Here are some of them:
1. Lack of Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle is a one-way ticket to weight gain. This slows down one’s metabolism, leading to the accumulation of fat in the body. Regular physical activity, such as walking, running, or swimming, can go a long way in maintaining a healthy weight.
2. Consuming Too Many Processed Foods
Foods high in processed sugar, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats are easily converted into fat and can lead to weight gain when consumed in large quantities. Processed foods often lack the essential nutrients the body requires and can lead to unhealthy food cravings. Replacing processed foods with whole, fresh foods can help maintain a well-nourished body and healthy weight.
3. Lack of Sleep
Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain. Deprived of sleep, they are more likely to crave sugary and high-calorie foods such as snacks and fast foods. Lack of sleep also leads to hormonal imbalances in the body, leading to an increase in Ghrelin, which is responsible for hunger, and a decrease in Leptin, a hormone that suppresses hunger.
4. Stress
Stress can change eating habits by consuming high-calorie, sugary, and fatty foods to feel better. Stress leads to the release of cortisol, which increases one’s appetite and can lead to overeating.
5. Medications
Certain medications can have a side effect of increasing one’s weight, such as antidepressants, steroids, and hormonal contraceptives. If one is gaining too much weight and is on medication, it would help to consult with a physician to identify the alternatives available to prevent the weight gain.
Home Renovations to Help You Reduce Weight
You can renovate your home so you can lose weight. Here are three renovation options:
Outdoor Gym
One of the best ways to get fit is to have a dedicated space for exercise. Whether running, swimming, or simple muscle-building exercises, having an outdoor gym set up can help transform your body and reduce excess weight over time. First, install a deck in your backyard. A professional deck installer can do this for you. They can choose the right materials to create the perfect outdoor gym. Once complete, you can buy different equipment, such as weights, pull-up bars, and jump ropes, to start your workouts immediately.
Walkways
Creating pathways or walkways in the garden or around the house can be an attractive addition to any home. It also encourages people to move around more. If you’re unsure what kind of walkway to make, consider the type of terrain and décor in your home. For example, if you have a large garden, adding stepping stones or cobblestone paths can invite you to explore different areas while walking around.
Smart Kitchen
A smart kitchen is one of the most effective ways to help reduce weight. Investing in some smart kitchen appliances can help you monitor your food intake and portion size. Smart refrigerators, for example, come with features such as calorie trackers to help you keep tabs on what you eat. Additionally, making sure the shelves are stocked with healthy foods will make it easier to make healthier eating choices. An efficient kitchen layout can also help reduce the time needed to prepare meals, saving you from snacking on unhealthy foods.
Making simple changes in your home environment and lifestyle can effectively keep your weight in check. By identifying some factors contributing to weight gain, one can make better decisions about their diet and exercise habits. Renovating your home environment can also help you lose and keep weight off. With the right tools, one can create a healthy home supporting their well-being.
