Why Is My Waist Getting Bigger?

There are a number of reasons why you may discover that your favorite pair of jeans no longer fit the way they used to. While it can be shocking and saddening to noticed that you have gained weight around your waist, in most cases weight gain is reversible. It is important to understand why you may be gaining weight around the waist so that you can take the necessary steps to get down to a healthy size. A commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle are crucial to helping you maintain a healthy waistline.

A slender woman is holding multiple donuts. (Image: LiudmylaSupynska/iStock/Getty Images)

Unhealthy Eating and Poor Eating Habits

A growing waist may be the result of a poor diet and unhealthy eating habits. If you are consuming more calories than you burn, you will gain weight. Not only does the amount of food you consume affect your waist size, but the kinds of food you consume are equally important. A diet rich in processed foods, artificial ingredients, unhealthy fats and sugars promotes weight gain. To lose or maintain weight, your diet should be rich in fruits ,vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.

Inactivity

Exercise is essential to weight loss and maintenance. Muscle mass helps burn calories more efficiently. An inactive lifestyle promotes an accumulation of excess fat and decreases your body's ability to burn calories efficiently. Medical professionals recommend that individuals exercise at least 30 minutes each day to help improve and maintain your overall physical and mental well being.

Aging and Menopause

As you age, you may notice that your metabolism has slowed, thus making it difficult to maintain your ideal weight. Older individuals tend to exercise less, and thus are more likely to gain weight in the form of fat. Hormonal changes during menopause also make it more likely for women to store fat around the abdomen region as opposed to the thighs, buttocks and hips.

Considerations

Several other causes including side-effects to medication, stress, and genetic factors can influence weight gain. If you find that you are gaining weight suddenly with minimal change to your diet or level of physical activity consult your doctor as this may be a sign of a more serious illness.