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As Holistic Mind-Body-Soul Therapists, we look for the root causes of health on the physical, mental and spiritual levels. Using our own unique healing methodology, we assist our clients back to health and wellbeing.
Weight gain is often seen purely as a result of nutritional/lifestyle choices or medical conditions. However, as holistic therapists, we believe that the underlying causes go beyond just physical factors. Emotional conflicts and spiritual disconnections can also contribute to weight gain, influencing how the body stores and releases energy.
Our goal with this article is to explore the physical, emotional, and spiritual factors that contribute to weight gain. Whether you’re someone dealing with this issue, a concerned loved one, or someone interested in holistic wellbeing, this guide aims to uncover the deeper layers behind weight gain and provide insight into its holistic resolution.
Weight gain is a health issue that affects individuals physically, emotionally, and socially. It refers to the accumulation of excess body fat, often accompanied by noticeable changes in weight on the scale. While weight gain is a natural and healthy process in certain stages of life—such as pregnancy or recovery from illness—unintended or excessive weight gain can be a cause for concern.
The effects of weight gain vary widely and can impact many aspects of an individual’s life. Physically, it may lead to reduced energy levels, joint pain, and the development of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension. Emotionally, it can affect self-esteem and confidence, while socially, it may lead to feelings of isolation due to stigma or judgement.
Weight gain typically presents itself as a gradual increase in body weight over time, but it can also occur suddenly, depending on the underlying causes. Individuals may notice changes in how their clothes fit, an increase in body fat percentage, or visible fat accumulation in specific areas such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs. It can also present with accompanying symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty losing weight despite effort, and changes in appetite or cravings.
The causes of weight gain are multi-faceted and interconnected, ranging from lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise to more complex underlying issues such as hormonal imbalances, emotional conflicts, and spiritual disconnection. By understanding these root causes holistically, we can better address the challenges associated with weight gain and create meaningful pathways to health and well-being.
Nutritional imbalances can disrupt the body’s ability to metabolise food efficiently, leading to fat storage and weight gain. Key nutrients play specific roles in energy production, hormone regulation, and appetite control.
Magnesium is essential for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those involved in metabolism. Without enough magnesium, the body may struggle to regulate blood sugar, leading to low energy and increased fat storage.
Zinc is crucial for regulating appetite and supporting thyroid function. Low zinc levels can impair fat-burning processes and increase hunger signals. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and help regulate hormones involved in fat storage. Deficiency can lead to increased inflammation, which contributes to weight gain.
For example, a diet heavy in processed foods and low in fresh vegetables and healthy fats can create deficiencies, making it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
Hormones are key regulators of metabolism, hunger, and fat storage. When they are out of balance, they can lead to unexplained weight gain.
When the body becomes less sensitive to insulin, excess glucose is stored as fat. This is often triggered by high sugar and refined carbohydrate consumption. On the other hand, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows metabolism, making it difficult to burn calories efficiently.
Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which encourage fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. A person experiencing persistent stress might notice weight gain even if they maintain their diet and exercise routine due to cortisol’s effects on fat storage.
The gut microbiome, composed of trillions of microorganisms, plays a significant role in metabolism, digestion, and energy regulation. An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to weight gain.
An overgrowth of harmful bacteria or insufficient diversity in the microbiome can increase cravings for sugar and fatty foods, impair nutrient absorption, and slow metabolism. When the gut lining is compromised, it can trigger inflammation and hormonal imbalances that encourage fat storage.
A healthy gut is responsible for converting about 20% of thyroid hormones (T4 into active T3). Disruption in this process can reduce metabolic efficiency.
A person consuming a diet low in fibre and high in processed foods may experience gut dysbiosis, leading to bloating, inflammation, and gradual weight gain.
Stress has a profound impact on the body, triggering mechanisms that contribute to weight gain. Elevated cortisol levels (our stress hormone) cause the body to prioritise fat storage, especially around the abdomen. This is an evolutionary mechanism to store energy during perceived threats.
Stress often leads to cravings for high-calorie, “comfort” foods, which can contribute to excess calorie intake and emotional eating. A professional working in a high-pressure environment might eat sugary snacks or fast food to cope with long hours and stress, leading to weight gain over time.
A lack of physical activity decreases calorie expenditure, allowing excess calories to be stored as fat. Moreover, sitting for long periods has additional negative effects.
Prolonged inactivity reduces basal metabolic rate (BMR), meaning the body burns fewer calories even at rest. Reduced activity leads to loss of muscle mass, which is more metabolically active than fat, further slowing calorie burn. Someone working a desk job and not engaging in regular exercise might notice gradual weight gain due to reduced activity and metabolism.
Certain medications and health conditions can interfere with metabolism, appetite regulation, and fat storage. Drugs such as antidepressants, corticosteroids, and medications for diabetes or high blood pressure can contribute to weight gain.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, and Cushing’s syndrome are common conditions linked to weight gain.
A person taking antidepressants may experience increased appetite and fat storage as a side effect, despite maintaining their usual lifestyle.
Poor sleep patterns can disrupt the balance of hunger-regulating hormones, leading to overeating. Leptin signals fullness, while ghrelin stimulates hunger. Sleep deprivation lowers leptin levels and raises ghrelin levels, causing increased appetite.
Lack of sleep elevates cortisol, leading to fat storage.
Someone consistently sleeping fewer than six hours a night might find themselves snacking late at night or overeating the next day due to hormonal shifts.
If you are new to understanding the mind-body-soul connection and how our thoughts and emotions impact our physical health, then please read the following article we have created: Understanding the Mind-Body-Soul Connection and how it impacts health.
To provide a quick summary, the mental wellbeing of an individual plays a crucial role in the manifestation and progression of physical symptoms as the mind cannot be separated from the body. Mind, body and soul are one and the same system.
Understanding the emotional themes associated with weight gain is vital for getting to the deeper holistic root cause of the issue. This can often be due to significant life events at any life stage, even going all the way back to being in the womb. These experiences are stored energetically in the body and subconscious mind.
Here’s a general overview of the themes:
The experience of feeling too slow often stems from internalised perceptions of inadequacy or failing to keep up with life’s demands. This feeling may arise from comparing oneself to others or being pushed to keep up with societal expectations, leading to frustration and self-doubt. It often stems from moments where the individual felt left behind or criticised for not acting quickly enough.
A person might carry memories of being told they were “lazy” or “not smart enough” during childhood. These formative experiences, such as struggling to complete tasks in school or being chastised for making mistakes, can leave a lasting impression. The individual might feel overwhelmed by life’s pace, believing they are incapable of catching up. This can manifest as procrastination, fear of taking on new challenges, or a sense of helplessness when faced with demanding situations.
The fear of lack reflects a deep-seated belief that there isn’t enough—whether it be love, security, or resources. This feeling often arises from experiences of deprivation, such as growing up in financial insecurity or enduring neglect. It leaves the individual with a subconscious need to hoard or overcompensate.
Someone who experienced emotional neglect as a child, perhaps feeling unloved or unseen by their caregivers, may grow up constantly seeking reassurance and stability. This can manifest as difficulty letting go of relationships or possessions, even when they no longer serve their wellbeing. Similarly, a history of food insecurity or strict dieting could lead to anxiety about scarcity, making it hard to resist overeating or stockpiling.
Feeling that a specific part of the body is unattractive stems from internalised shame, often rooted in criticism or comparisons during formative years. Society’s focus on beauty standards can amplify these feelings, making the individual hyper-aware of perceived flaws.
A person might remember a moment when someone commented on their appearance in a hurtful way—such as being teased for their size, their skin, or a specific feature like their thighs or stomach. These experiences can leave them feeling exposed and vulnerable, avoiding situations where they might be judged. They might wear oversized clothing, shy away from intimacy, or even avoid activities like swimming or dancing, fearing that others will notice and judge their “flaw.”
Being on the wrong track reflects a sense of misalignment in life. It’s the feeling of walking a path that doesn’t resonate with your true self, whether due to societal pressures, family expectations, or personal fears. This can create a deep sense of dissatisfaction and longing for change, accompanied by the frustration of not knowing how to make it happen.
This feeling may stem from a time when someone felt forced to choose a path that wasn’t theirs, such as pursuing a career to please their family or staying in a relationship out of obligation. The individual might feel trapped, as though every step they take pulls them further from their authentic self. This misalignment can manifest as chronic dissatisfaction, a sense of purposelessness, or even physical exhaustion from carrying the weight of unmet desires.
Fear-disgust arises from situations that feel both threatening and intolerable. This combination of fear and revulsion often creates a powerful emotional block, leaving the individual feeling stuck and unable to take action. It can be linked to past experiences of trauma, rejection, or betrayal.
Someone who grew up in a hostile or toxic environment may feel this conflict when faced with similar dynamics in adulthood. For example, being trapped in a demeaning job or a controlling relationship can evoke these feelings, creating a sense of helplessness. The individual may avoid confronting the situation, instead enduring it while feeling overwhelmed by the emotional toll.
Feeling abandoned or isolated reflects a deep yearning for connection, safety, and belonging. It arises when an individual experiences rejection, neglect, or loss, leaving them with a sense of being unworthy or unloved. This feeling is often rooted in early-life experiences, such as a caregiver’s emotional unavailability or a significant loss.
For instance, someone who experienced the divorce of their parents or the death of a loved one during childhood might carry a lingering fear of being left alone. This can show up as difficulty trusting others, avoiding close relationships, or a tendency to withdraw when facing conflict. The individual might also internalise these feelings, believing they are inherently unlovable or unworthy of connection.
Spirituality offers a profound lens through which to understand weight gain and its deeper significance. Embracing spirituality or connecting with your higher self can be one of the most transformative steps toward healing. From a spiritual perspective, weight gain is often viewed as a manifestation of disconnection—whether from oneself, others, or a higher power such as God, the Universe, or the Divine. This disconnection creates an energetic imbalance that can reflect as physical symptoms in the body.
Like any health condition, weight gain can serve as a teacher, offering insights and opportunities for spiritual growth. It invites individuals to reflect on aspects of their lives where they may feel unaligned, unfulfilled, or disconnected. This process often involves cultivating virtues such as self-love, self-acceptance, and patience, while learning to feel safe, abundant, and connected.
For many, weight gain serves as a reminder to develop a deeper sense of peace and security within their environment. It encourages alignment with one’s purpose, the embracing of self-worth, and a celebration of the body as it is—a sacred vessel carrying the soul’s essence. This shift in perspective can unlock transformative healing, allowing individuals to let go of limiting beliefs and reconnect with their spiritual truth.
There is no separation between the body, mind, and soul; they are interconnected and serve as reflections of each other. From this perspective, the body becomes a messenger, expressing the soul’s needs and revealing areas where balance is needed. For example, weight gain might symbolise a need for greater grounding, a desire for protection, or a call to embrace feelings of abundance and self-confidence.
When individuals view the body as a physical representation of their spiritual journey, they can begin to understand that it is not their enemy but their guide. This understanding fosters compassion for oneself, helping to replace judgement with curiosity and self-awareness.
When you adopt the perspective that the body is a reflection of the soul, it becomes easier to approach weight gain with compassion and curiosity rather than frustration or shame. This perspective invites you to ask questions such as:
As you begin to explore these questions, you may find that the healing process starts not in resisting the body’s signals but in listening to them. The journey is not just about weight loss or physical change but about embracing your whole self—body, mind, and soul—and living in alignment with your spiritual truth.
Weight gain is a multifaceted issue that often cannot be addressed through physical interventions alone. By exploring the emotional and spiritual themes intertwined with the physical aspects of health, it becomes clear that a holistic approach is essential. This approach integrates emotional healing strategies, naturopathic treatments, nutritional support, and spiritual practices, creating a comprehensive pathway to wellbeing.
This interconnected “triad of well-being” forms the foundation for understanding and resolving the root causes of weight gain. It goes beyond surface-level solutions, addressing the deeper imbalances that may be contributing to your challenges.
For those who have struggled with weight gain, feel stuck despite their efforts, or are seeking answers they haven’t yet found, we encourage you to embrace a holistic perspective. Doing so not only holds the potential to transform your physical health but can also create profound changes in your emotional and spiritual life, unlocking a more empowered and fulfilling future.
As holistic mind-body-soul therapists, we understand the powerful connection between your mind, body, and soul.
Nutritional deficiencies, unresolved negative emotions and limiting beliefs often rooted in childhood experiences, a disconnection to a higher power, may have built up in your being, and they are now affecting your health and happiness.
Your soul is your inner truth and strength, and it flows through your mind and body. When you disconnect from your truth or ignore its messages, it can manifest as pain, discomfort, or ill health. It’s your soul’s way of getting your attention! It’s sending you a message.
With years of experience, in Naturopathy, Nutritional Therapy, Medical Intuition and Mental and Spiritual Wellbeing modalities, we’ve developed a unique approach, Higher Healing, that focuses on healing all aspects of your being:
Through this approach, we’ll work together to uncover the holistic root cause(s) of your health, specific to you and your life story, clearing any blockages hindering your wellbeing. We help awaken the incredible healing power within you.
Ready to learn more about aligning your mind, body, and soul? Book a Discovery Call so we can have a friendly conversation on how we can support you.
Let’s work together to unlock the innate healing power within you to lead a healthier, happier, more empowered life!
HEALTH DISCLAIMER – While energy-based healing is not intended to substitute conventional medical treatment, it frequently serves as a supportive adjunct. Holistic body-mind therapy has demonstrated efficacy for numerous individuals, who haven’t found success through other modalities. It is, however, imperative to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional regarding any physical or mental health concerns. Please read the MEDICAL DISCLAIMER at the bottom of this page.
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