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Keeping your weight in check can be challenging, as there are a number of ways you can put on the pounds. You can add to the scales by increasing muscle mass, by increasing water and glycogen levels in cells, or most commonly, by putting on fat.

We all know that, in order to achieve and keep a healthy weight, we should eat a balanced diet and exercise. But sometimes we seem to be doing everything right and yet, the scale doesn't move, or worse—it moves in the opposite direction. All of a sudden, we're gaining weight and the worst thing is that we don't know why!

There is more to gaining weight than simply consuming more calories than you spend. Our bodies are not an exact science, and we surely have to take into consideration many other factors. For example, it's well known that metabolism and hormones also play a key role in weight regulation.

Indeed, there are many subtle things that can contribute to weight gain. Some of these things are more evident to us, while some others we might not even be aware of. Did you know that where you live or the cleanliness of your house can influence your weight? Or how about your job or how fast you eat being able to impact your waistline?

Like these, there are many other unlikely ways we can gain weight, without even realizing how or why. But the good news is that we've done some research for you, and in this gallery you'll find some valuable information on the most subtle and obscure factors that might be affecting your weight.

If you're putting on weight and can't quite figure out why, then you'll probably find the answer in this gallery. Click on and see if any of these apply to you.

▲Some "healthy" foods are just junk food in disguise. From fat free yogurts to breakfast cereal packed with sugar, many foods are branded as healthy but are actually poor additions to our diets.

▲Stress can make you fat. You are more likely to crave high sugar and high fat foods. For this reason, it is very important to find a way to relax and alleviate the stress in your life.

▲Researchers have found that some household dust contains chemicals that might promote the development of fat cells.

▲If you work in an office, you will most likely spend between 8-10 hours a day sitting down. Not only will this slow down your metabolism, contributing to weight gain, it's also linked to higher mortality rates. The solution? Exercise.

▲Sleeping is essential for cellular regeneration and numerous physiological processes that have an impact on maintaining a healthy weight. Lack of sleep can contribute to weight gain.

▲Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly is important, as it allows your brain enough time to register that you're full. Several studies show that there is a link between eating fast and obesity.

▲Although more research is needed, there is actually a relationship between living in a smoggy city and obesity. This is mostly due to exposure to a number of environmental pollutants.

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You can (and should) have a social life, but many times this involves eating out and consuming alcohol. Plus, if your friends tend to eat unhealthy foods, you're more likely to do the same.

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Stay hydrated. Drinking two cups of water before mealtimes can help you lose weight. Researchers at the University of Humboldt discovered that the participants in a study had higher metabolic rates when they drank water before eating.

▲Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that people who were exposed to more sunlight in the morning lost more weight than those who avoided the sun.

▲Healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, and coconut oil can be great as part of a balanced diet. But these are highly caloric, so you can easily consume more calories than you thought you would.

▲Don't skip meals. Starving yourself, with the exception of scheduled fasting regimes, will only lead to overeating.

▲You might drink a lot of calories and still eat normally. This is because your brain doesn't register caloric intake from liquids the same way it does with whole foods. Sodas, fruit juices, and other sugary drinks can make you gain weight.

▲There are a number of drugs that can alter your weight. Some might increase your appetite, while others can impact water retention, hormones, and metabolism.

▲You are more likely to consume higher quantities of food when eating from large plates and bowls. This means that it will be easier to reach a caloric surplus, and eventually gain weight.

▲Research has found that people tend to overeat when they're distracted during their meals. Avoid eating in front of the TV or focus on your meals.

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This will make you feel more hungry. Plus, it will disrupt your metabolism.

▲Protein makes you feel fuller for longer. It's also essential to preserve muscle mass and regulate your hormones and metabolism. Lacking protein in your diet might contribute to weight gain.

▲Like protein, fiber also makes you feel fuller, for longer. A lack of dietary fiber can lead to weight gain, and you will eventually eat more to feel satiated.

▲We're all guilty of this one, but taking the stairs instead of the elevator can make a difference. You will burn more calories and get fitter at the same time.

▲When you're hungry, you're more likely to crave unhealthy foods. Having healthy snacks around will help you control hunger and cravings between meals.

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Many people believe that sticking to their diet during the week allows them to go crazy on the weekends. Try not to go overboard with alcohol and food on the weekend.

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Some people do mistake thirst with hunger. In fact, a study shows that this is fairly common.

▲A list is a great way to prevent you from impulse buying unhealthy foods, which will consequently make you gain weight. And in addition to avoiding temptation, you'll also save money!

▲Drinking too many milky, sugary coffees might be contributing to your weight gain. These beverages are usually quite high in calories. An alternative would be to switch to black coffee instead.

▲Not only are these packed with vitamins and minerals, they're also low in calories, which might help with keeping your weight in check.

▲It's easy to get carried away and add to much dressing to your salads. These are usually packed with calories, and what should be a healthy meal can turn into a caloric bomb.

▲If you're not well mentally, your waistline might suffer. You're more likely to comfort eat to trigger the reward system in your brain.

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Salt can actually make you overeat as it can trick you brain into not knowing and signaling that you're full.

Unlikely things that are making you gain weight

This might be why you're gaining weight

08/05/25 por StarsInsider

HEALTH Weight loss

If you're putting on weight and can't quite figure out why, then you'll probably find the answer in this gallery. Click on and see if any of these apply to you.