It has long been established that diet and exercise are crucial to weight loss. However, if you’re not getting the desired results in losing weight, then your sleeping routine, or the lack thereof, might be one of the reasons why.
Each person’s weight loss journey is unique and closely tailored to their dietary and lifestyle needs. If you are struggling to lose weight, it is best to get professional help from Brooksville weight loss experts who will help you reach your goal at your own pace.
Here are some proven scientific ways where the quality of your sleep affects your weight loss efforts.
1. Poor sleep may result in hormone changes that cause weight gain
Experts in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care journal have mentioned that people who do not get enough sleep hours have higher risks for gaining weight, increasing their body mass index, and becoming obese. Poor sleep may lead to weight gain because of certain changes in hormones.
Sleep deprivation may suppress the body’s natural production of leptin, which in turn suppresses hunger; and it may also increase the production of ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunger pangs.
Therefore, when you are sleep deprived, you’re more hungry and your appetite increases. Naturally, the more you eat, the more you pack on the pounds.
2. Poor sleep makes you crave food with high fat and carb content
The lack of sleep makes it harder for you to resist the temptation of eating foods rich in fat and carbohydrates. Sleeping is the body’s way of repairing itself, getting adequate rest, and storing energy for the next day. When you are sleep-deprived, your body craves food, which acts as the fuel to get you through the day, as the source of energy.
Eating food high in carbs temporarily gives the body more fuel to last through the day. However, our dietitian in Brooksville warns that too many carbohydrates and fats in a meal can lead to weight gain. It’s best to stick to a diet that’s specifically designed for you.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the body’s response to any food stimuli is greater for someone with limited sleep. As a result, there’s always a tendency for a sleep-deprived individual to indulge and overeat.
A sleep-deprived brain may also produce higher levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol or 2-AG. According to experts, this is the same chemical that gives people the “munchies” after taking cannabis.
3. Poor sleep wrecks your resting metabolic rate
Do you know that your body burns some calories even if you’re not doing heavy physical activity? This is a biological process called metabolism. Over time, your body’s resting metabolic rate decreases because of age but lack of sleep may easily wreck this process.
A study in the journal Obesity suggested that metabolism can slow down when a person does not get an average of seven hours of sleep each night. If you’re not sleeping right, your body will respond to your diet differently, hence your efforts to lose weight will be significantly affected.
Learn from the best Brooksville weight loss experts
Our highly qualified weight-loss experts at Batista Weight loss and Wellness: Susan West-Batista, RDLD; John Batista, M.D.; Stephanie, M.A; and Valerie, Office Staff, together have decades of experience working with weight loss patients.
At Batista Weight loss and Wellness, we believe that successful weight loss depends on two factors – the knowledge about how to lose weight and following through on your weight loss plan. Our expert dietitians in Brooksville will provide you with a customized weight loss plan, and regular face-to-face interaction and motivation.
To create your own customized weight loss plan with us and achieve sustainable weight loss in Brooksville, don’t hesitate to contact us on (352) 600-3476 or drop us a visit at our clinic: 443 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34609, USA.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.