Why It’s Harder To Lose Weight Today Than 30 Years Ago

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2. Exposure to harmful chemicals

Another factor that might be making it harder for people to lose weight these days is the sheer number of artificial junk and chemicals they’re exposed to. Pesticide residue on produce is one culprit, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastic, like bisphenol-a (BPA), throw off proper hormone balances in the body. Among other undesirable side effects, this can increase the likelihood of putting on weight.

 

3. Changes to the gut microbiome

Gut bacteria play a crucial role in helping break down nutrients in food and ensure proper digestion. The types of foods people eat can change the gut biome for better or for worse. There’s reason to believe that contemporary diets have influenced gut bacteria in a way that makes it easier for people to put on weight. One change between modern diets and those in the 80s is that people eat more meat today than they did back then. This meat frequently comes from animals that have been treated with growth hormones and antibiotics, and this alters the meat products that come from those animals. The increased consumption of processed foods and artificial sweeteners could also be affecting the gut bacteria in negative ways, and make it more difficult for those affected to lose weight.

 

READ ALSO: Zero-Calorie Foods That Will Help You Lose Weight Fast Infographic

 

The best thing you can do is to continue exercising and eating clean, and reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals as much as you can. With regard to SSRIs, this is a complicated issue, and people who take them need to work with their doctors to find the ideal ratios for their medication, or if they should even be taking them at all. If you are concerned that your SSRI medication might be making it harder for you to lose weight, speak to your doctor about what the options are. Everyone’s body and brain are different, so perhaps they might recommend switching to different medication or dosage.

References:

www.globalissues.org

www.cdc.gov

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