5 Things Letting You Gain Weight

If you`re eating well and hitting the gym but the fat`s not falling off, your war on weight could be sabotaged by these unexpected weight-gain traitors.

Sleep

Healthy men`s energy expenditure dropped by 5 per cent after a bad night`s sleep. You're also more likely to plump for high-calorie comfort foods over healthier choices due to an increase in ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunger pangs.

Artificial Sugar

Any modern man with even a passing interest in health and fitness knows it`s sugar, not fat, keeping your Michelin-man roll where it is. Unfortunately, artificial sweeteners (like the ones found in diet or zero drinks) may not be much better.

Lack of Water

Latte on the way to work. Cola at the desk. Pint at the pub. We`re so spoiled for beverage choice during the day that plain water often gets forgotten. But hydration isn`t just about keeping cool.

Tension

With looming problems at work, stress can push you to the finish line at the 11th hour. Alas, it`s not doing anything for your 10k time. Research from Columbia University shows psychological stress is a clear indicator of high blood pressure, known as hypertension, and potential diabetes risks.

Healthy Diets

While eating breakfast doesn`t make you lose weight directly, it`s shown to reduce your total calorie intake at lunch and dinner because you`re not playing catch-up. Complex wholegrain carbs and protein will ensure you`re bouncing well into lunch think porridge, not a bacon and egg sarnie.