Most of us know that eating things like fried foods and plentiful dessert servings can lead to weight gain, but how do you explain adding on unwanted pounds when you are counting calories and exercising regularly? In this instance, there may be some surprising factors involved, such as lack of sleep, stress and conditions such as menopause.

Have you been under stress lately and noticed any weight gain?

Do you have any tips on how to "move the needle" on the scale when portion control and exercise don't seem to be working?

Good question!!! There is nothing more discouraging for me than to know I have been very careful about my eating and exercise and then on weigh-in day to not see that needle move! And then another week when maybe I wasn't quite as fastidious, I lose more than I expected. (Wish THAT happened a little more often. LOL.) I can't explain it. I'm very interested in hearing what others have to say!

Lack of sleep can cause you to gain weight??? I didn't know that! How does THAT work?

Basically, research has found that even partial sleep deprivation alters the levels of the hormones that regulate hunger, which causes an increase in appetite and triggers cravings for foods high in calories and carbohydrates.

I know that I often get discouraged by what I see on the scale, especially when I see a spike in my weight when I've been doing everything right.

I think fluid retention is an issue for women as well. It's odd, but I seem to weigh less when I weigh myself later in the day versus first thing in the morning, which pretty much goes against what we've been told we should do.

I notice that if I don't drink enough water, I will have a problem. Conversely, if I drink and weigh myself too soon after it, it will appear I've gained weight, which is discouraging. I try to weigh myself at the same time during the day, under the same circumstances (such as not having eaten in a couple of hours, or whatever). That way, I get a more consistent reading. Also, I was taught that weight can fluctuate from day to day, so you should only weigh yourself once a week. I'm guilty of not doing that, but it does make sense.

I find that my weight stays the same, but where it's located on my body shifts around! The older I get, the thicker my waistline. I know that decreasing levels of estrogen are largely to blame for this, but is there anything we can do to keep an actual waist visible? Exercise is key, I know, but I routinely get at least an hour of exercise each day. How much do you suppose it will take?

Lynn... you are too cute! hehehe. I'm sorry... I know it's not a laughing matter. But how wonderful that you ALL are so open and honest about your struggles and the realities! And you have such a ...ummm... "delicate" way of putting it. You made me smile.

Yep... things do shift with age. Sigh. You can only do what you can with exercise and diet. They DO say the abdominals require the most work. Some of those changes have to do with genetics and the particular body type we were blessed with. You may find yourself with a thicker waist as you age... someone else may find themselves facing a different problem as they age. Even if we all looked great when we were younger, we each age differently... independent of diet and exercise. Don't you just hate those people who never have to struggle... doesn't matter what they eat or what they do or how old they get, they just always have cute little bodies. hehehe.

I never heard that about lack of sleep before. Very interesting. I know I always get hungry when I stay up really late. I just figured it was because the last meal was getting further and further away and I was burning more calories by being awake than asleep and maybe I would be hungry in my sleep by then as well only I wasn't aware of it because I was alseep. LOL. In any case, we really can't blame weight gain on lack of sleep unless we choose to actually put that food in our mouth! And then, it shouldn't be any big mystery when we see the needle move up. The same goes with stress... it boils down to a choice and taking responsibility for our actions... no big mystery there when we see weight gain.

Having said that, let me also say that I am an emotional eater and I know how hard it is to actually put that into practice. Makes me furious when people say I just need some discipline and will power. Weight loss is not that one diminsional... it is not just about food and hunger and bodily need. How DO you all deal with stress and emotions (whether good emotions or bad emotions) to keep from reaching for the food?