May 29 • Give Advice
I'm eating less BUT gaining weight - WHY?
Obesity and Malnutrition: How They’re Connected
Definition Check:
- Obesity = Excess body fat (often from overeating calories)
- Malnutrition = Deficiency of essential nutrients (vitamins, minerals, protein, etc.)
They seem like opposites, but they can happen at the same time. You can be overfed and still be undernourished.
Why Does This Happen?
1. Eating “Empty Calories”
People often eat too much food that’s:
- High in calories
- Low in nutrients
Examples:
- Soda, chips, white bread, fast food
- These may give energy (calories) but lack protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals
2. Ultra processed Foods
Most modern diets are high in:
- Sugar
- Refined carbs
- Industrial oils
These disrupt metabolism, increase hunger, and don’t nourish the body.
3. Micronutrient Deficiencies
Many people with obesity are deficient in:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Zinc
- Omega-3s
- B vitamins
These are critical for energy, hormone balance, brain function, and fat metabolism.
4. Poor Gut Health
Processed foods damage the gut lining, making it harder to absorb nutrients, even if they’re present in the diet.
5. Inflammation
Nutrient deficiencies and processed foods fuel chronic inflammation, which worsens obesity, especially belly fat.
The Vicious Cycle:
- Eat low-quality food →
- Gain weight, feel tired, crave more food →
- Still lacking nutrients →
- Metabolism slows down →
- Weight gain continues despite malnutrition
The Solution?: Eat More Real Food
Focus on:
- Whole foods (fruits, veggies, meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds)
- Protein at every meal
- Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, coconut, ghee)
- Colorful plants for micronutrients
See the next post on How to Recognize Real Food.
13
2 comments
I'm eating less BUT gaining weight - WHY?
skool.com/fitnhealthy-forever
Learn how we help Women 40+ - Lose 20 Lbs or more in 90 days or less without giving up Your favorite foods or wine and Keep It Off Forever!
Leaderboard (30-day)
1
+52
2
+52
3
+39
4
+20
5
+18
Powered by