What’s Really Driving Weight Gain in Women?
Today I want to talk about something that weighs heavily on many women’s minds: weight gain.
It’s not just about the number on the scale, is it? It’s the discomfort in your own skin, the frustration when your clothes no longer fit the way they used to, that awful feeling of being invisible, and the constant inner battle of wanting to feel better but not knowing where to start.
Here’s the thing – weight gain is often not the problem itself. It’s your body’s way of waving a red flag, signaling that something deeper might be out of balance. That’s why, in my clinic I take a such in depth approach with my clients. We don’t focus on deprivation or punishing exercise routines. Instead, we work toward understanding the individual body’s needs and restoring balance.
Weight Gain: A Symptom, Not the Problem
Think of weight gain like the petrol light in your car. It’s there to get your attention, to signal that something needs your care and focus. Covering it with a quick fix, like a crash diet or excessive exercise, is like sticking tape over that warning light – you’re masking the symptom without addressing the real issue.
What I want you to understand is this: weight gain is your body’s way of communicating. It’s not about being “skinny” or punishing yourself. It’s about uncovering the deeper reasons behind the weight, improving your health, and feeling genuinely comfortable in your own body.
Four Common Drivers of Weight Gain in Women
1. Your Thyroid Could Be Asking for Help
The thyroid is the master gland of your metabolism. When it’s not functioning properly, your body struggles to regulate weight. An underactive thyroid can slow things down, leaving you feeling tired, sluggish, and stuck in a body that doesn’t feel like your own. Signs your thyroid may be affecting your weight include:
- Persistent fatigue, no matter how much you rest
- Feeling cold even when others aren’t
- Constipation or bloating
- Dry skin and brittle hair
- Brain fog or forgetfulness
- Low mood or even depression
For many women, thyroid issues emerge during life’s transitions – puberty, pregnancy, or perimenopause – when hormones are already fluctuating. That’s why in my practice, I take thyroid health seriously. Comprehensive blood tests, including TSH, T3, T4, and thyroid antibodies, are an essential part of my weight loss assessments.
2. Stress: The Silent Weight Gain Trigger
Stress. It’s something we all experience, but when it becomes chronic, it wreaks havoc on your body – especially your hormones. Elevated cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, not only depletes essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins, but it also encourages fat storage, particularly around your abdomen.
Sound familiar? If you’re juggling work, family, and trying to care for everyone but yourself, your body may be crying out for balance. Chronic stress leads to exhaustion, cravings, and weight gain that feels impossible to shift, no matter how hard you try.
In my practice, we work on reducing stress through gentle lifestyle changes that fit into your life. Whether it’s learning to prioritise rest, nourishing your body with the right foods, or even adjusting your mindset, the goal is to reduce stress on your body and help it function optimally.
3. Hormone Imbalances Throwing You Off Track
Many women don’t realise how much their sex hormones influence their weight. Hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone not only regulate your cycle but also affect how your body stores and releases fat. Here’s the catch: hormonal imbalances can be sneaky. You might notice:
- Unexplained weight gain, especially around your hips and thighs
- Irregular or painful periods
- Mood swings and cravings before your period
- Breakouts or changes in your skin
- Tender breasts or spotting between cycles
Balancing your hormones isn’t just about “fixing” your periods – it’s about supporting your body to naturally release weight, feel energised, and regain a sense of balance. Through targeted nutrition, I help you reset and realign your hormones so your body can work with you, not against you.
4. Blood Sugar Swings Keeping You Stuck
Do you ever feel hangry (hungry and angry) if you don’t eat? Or experience that post-meal energy crash that leaves you desperate for coffee or sugar? These are signs of blood sugar imbalances, one of the most common drivers of weight gain in women.
When your blood sugar spikes and crashes, your body releases insulin, the fat-storage hormone. Elevated insulin levels mean two things: your body is storing fat more easily, and you’re blocked from burning it effectively. Symptoms of blood sugar imbalances include:
- Cravings for sweets or carbohydrates
- Feeling tired after meals
- Needing to snack frequently to keep your energy up
- Difficulty concentrating or staying focused
In my weight loss & wellbeing program, we work together to stabilise your blood sugar levels with a nutrition plan tailored to your body’s needs. By doing so, we unlock your body’s natural ability to burn fat and restore balance.
This Isn’t Just About Weight
Let me be clear: this journey is not about fitting into a smaller dress size or hitting a “perfect” number on the scale. It’s about feeling vibrant, confident, and at home in your body. It’s about reclaiming your energy, balancing your hormones, and creating a sustainable lifestyle that supports your health – not just for today, but for years to come.
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Like Yourself Again
If you’re ready to explore the real reasons behind your weight gain and start making changes that work with your body, I’m here to help.
Book a FREE 20 minute wellness assessment to discuss your challenges, goals, and how we can create a personalised plan to support you.
Your body is always communicating with you – lets work together to understand what it’s saying and take the next step toward a healthier, more balanced you.
Em x
P.S Don’t forget to check out my Instagram for inspiration.
P.P.S Are you a mum that is looking for a supportive community to thrive, not just survive? Check out my Facebook group Healthy Mums Hub
