Why do you gain weight if you don't sleep?

Author: Ardith Mueller  |  Last update: Monday, June 23, 2025

Insufficient sleep is associated with higher levels of the hormone ghrelin, which increases appetite, and lower levels of the hormone leptin, which leads to feeling less full. This sets people up to gain weight. By contrast, sleeping more could alter these hormones and bring them back to balance.

Can lack of sleep cause weight gain?

A poor night's sleep can leave you feeling foggy and drowsy throughout the day. Sleep deprivation has also been associated with higher risks of weight gain and obesity in recent years.

Do you weigh more if you haven't slept?

Weight gain associated with short sleep

Short sleep — usually defined as fewer than 7 hours — is linked to a higher body mass index (BMI) and weight gain. One analysis of 20 studies including 300,000 people found a 41% increased obesity risk among adults who slept fewer than 7 hours per night.

Why can't you lose weight if you don't sleep?

This may not only be unhealthy, but could also be counterproductive to maintaining or losing weight. How? Sleep deprivation causes an increase in appetite, often for unhealthy food choices, and decreases a person's metabolism, which means an increase in fat storage and weight gain.

Can lack of sleep cause belly fat?

The Mayo Clinic reports on a randomized controlled crossover study that showed lack of enough sleep led to a nine percent increase in overall belly fat and an 11 percent spike in abdominal visceral fat. Not all fat is “bad” fat and, after all, we all need fat on our bodies to be healthy and protect ourselves.

Does Sleep Deprivation Lead to Weight Gain?

Am I fat because I don't sleep?

That same study shows those who are sleep deprived tend to eat more calories and hormonal changes drive people to pick options that aren't as healthy such as excess carbohydrates. Another common cause of both weight gain and poor sleep is stress. An increase in cortisol levels caused by stress can increase appetite.

What is cortisol belly?

Cortisol belly is weight gain in the abdominal area, sometimes referred to as abdominal obesity, caused by an excess of the stress hormone cortisol. It can happen to anyone experiencing prolonged stress. 1. Other factors can also contribute to fat accumulation in the abdomen.

Does drinking water help you lose weight?

Water is more than just a thirst-quencher. It offers various benefits that can aid in weight loss. These include boosting metabolism, suppressing appetite, aiding in detoxification and enhancing exercise performance.

Why do I gain weight when I eat less?

If you're asking yourself, “Why am I gaining weight when I barely eat,” several factors may be at play. Your body may be holding onto fat stores if your eating habits are inconsistent or restricted. Or, your weight gain may be the effect of a sedentary lifestyle, medical condition, or long-term stress.

How many hours of sleep do adults need for weight loss?

Other recent studies have yielded similar results. Among 245 women enrolled in a 6-month weight-loss program, better subjective sleep quality increased the likelihood of successful weight loss by 33%, as did sleeping more than 7 hours per night.

How to flush out water weight?

  1. Exercise Regularly. Daily exercise provides several health benefits, including preventing water retention. ...
  2. Drink More Water. Drinking water to reduce water weight sounds counterintuitive, but it helps. ...
  3. Manage Salt Intake. ...
  4. Cut Carbs. ...
  5. Focus on Certain Foods and Herbs. ...
  6. Try Supplements. ...
  7. Up Your Caffeine Intake.

Why am I heavier than I look?

While it's a myth that muscle weighs more than fat—after all, a pound is a pound—it is denser, which means it takes up less space in the body. This may explain why you look slimmer but the scale hasn't budged. Water weight could also be a factor, according to strength and conditioning coach Brandon Mentore.

What happens to your metabolism when you don't sleep?

Poor sleep can lower your metabolism, making it harder to burn calories. Establishing healthy sleep habits can support your weight loss efforts. Regular physical activity and avoiding heavy meals before bed can improve sleep quality and weight management.

What causes rapid weight gain?

Fluid retention in the body: If you experience rapid weight gain, this signals underlying conditions that impact the heart, liver, and kidneys, as well as an adrenal problem, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism. Poor sleep: Not getting enough quality sleep leads to weight gain.

How does lack of sleep cause obesity?

Effects of lack of sleep:

A hormone imbalance in the body that promotes overeating and weight gain. Leptin and ghrelin are hormones that regulate appetite, and when you aren't getting sufficient sleep, the production of these hormones is altered in a way that creates increased feelings of hunger.

How to lose belly fat?

8 Ways to Lose Belly Fat and Live a Healthier Life
  1. Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
  2. Think eating plan, not diet. ...
  3. Keep moving. ...
  4. Lift weights. ...
  5. Become a label reader. ...
  6. Move away from processed foods. ...
  7. Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
  8. Hang out with health-focused friends.

How do I speed up my metabolism?

5 ways to boost metabolism
  1. Exercise more. Add interval training to your cardio routine and burn more calories in less time. ...
  2. Weight train. By adding muscle mass to your body, you can burn more calories at rest. ...
  3. Don't skip meals, especially breakfast. ...
  4. Eat fat-burning foods. ...
  5. Get a good night's sleep every night.

Why am I gaining weight on 1500 calories a day?

Your body composition may be another reason why you are still gaining weight while in a calorie deficit. If you have a higher body fat percentage and lower muscle mass, then you are probably burning fewer calories than if you had more muscle mass.

What is the 30/30/30 rule for weight loss?

The 30/30/30 is a weight loss method that involves eating 30 g of protein within the first 30 minutes of your day and following it with 30 minutes of light exercise. This morning routine is rooted in sound science, and it could be a good way to increase your capacity to burn fat while keeping lean muscle.

Which drink reduces belly fat?

The article highlights five homemade morning drinks that assist in losing belly fat by enhancing metabolism and promoting fat burning. These beverages include honey-infused lemon water, jeera water, buttermilk or chaas, cinnamon tea, and green tea.

How do you flush cortisol out of your body?

Stressed? 10 Ways To Lower Your Cortisol Levels
  1. Eat a whole-food, plant-based diet. ...
  2. If needed, add supplements. ...
  3. Take deep breaths. ...
  4. Reduce your caffeine intake. ...
  5. Get adequate sleep. ...
  6. Exercise regularly. ...
  7. Write in a journal. ...
  8. Indulge in hobbies.

What is a cortisol face?

The buildup of fat deposits in the side of your skull can make your face so round that you can't see your ears from the front. The medical term for moon face is moon facies. Some people call it cortisol face. Using steroid medication like prednisone for a long time is often the cause.

What is a PCOS belly?

PCOS belly occurs when you develop excess fat or weight gain around your abdomen. This symptom often occurs due to an underlying diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance due to PCOS can influence your weight, causing you to gain unwanted weight.

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