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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Why have I had a 34 kilo weight gain while exercising and eating well?

    Related Topics
    Fitness and Sports Medicine Weight Management
    In the last two years I have gained 34 kilos. I am eating healthier, getting general exercise like walking, dancing etc. No muscle gaining products or any meds. I just don't know what to do?! My dr has tested for Cushings, metabolism, Pcos, white blood cell count etc. my blood pressure is 124/68 and low cholesterol. I lost three kilos in a week but have put it back on in 4 days by eating healthy food. I weigh 94 kilos and I'm getting so frustrated. PLEASE help me! Thank you.
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  • Laura Jean

    Dietitian

    Laura is an accredited practising dietitian who is passionate about helping people develop a healthy relationship with food. Laura currently runs an online program, Eat … View Profile

    Firstly, congratulations on making and maintaining changes to your eating habits and physical activity. But, it's understandable that you are getting very frustrated! When we make the effort to change our lifestyle it's disappointing when we don't see physical results. If your doctor has ruled out any medical cause for the weight gain then it's worth looking at the food side of things. My first question would be are you listening to your body's cues for when to eat and when to stop? it is possible to choose healthy foods but still eat more than we need or eat based on external cues eg. habit/time of day/boredom/emotions etc. Our main key to eat should be hunger (do you know what your hunger cue is?) and our cue to stop eating should be satisfaction (about 80% fullness). I'd start here if you haven't already. There is some great information around eating with awareness, intuitive eating and mindful eating that can help to look at the ‘hows & whys’ of eating not just the whats.
    I'd also encourage you to focus on any other benefits you may be getting from making lifestyle change. I know this doesn't counteract the weight gain but it can help to keep things in perspective. For example you say your blood pressure & cholesterol are both good - was this the case before you embarked on changes?
    It may be worth thining about the exercise side of things too. This is not my area of expertise - but as a general rule our body does get used to what we do so if you've been maintaining the same level of exercise for some time it may be worth increaseing the frequency, intensity or even changing the type.
    Please let me know if you want any further information or tools on how to start using your body cues.
    Good luck,
    Laura Jean
    Accredited Practising Dietitian
    www.eatwellwithawareness.com

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