There are many, many components that affect weight management. Here are a few surprising reasons why we gain weight or have trouble with weight loss, in addition to the calories in/calories out theory.

Not enough good fat in our diet. Essential fatty acids, otherwise known as the omega-3 and omega-6 good fats, which we find in flaxseeds, fish, nuts and seeds, actually are essential. The healthy fats fuel the body’s metabolic rate. The higher our rate of metabolism, the more calories we burn doing standard daily activities.

Indigestion. When you don’t properly break down the food you consume, that food will get stored as fat. Poor digestion is a substantial factor in weight gain, especially for people who follow a conscious diet.

Allergies to certain foods. Allergies cause internal side effects that may directly and indirectly cause weight gain. Inflammation and bloating in the digestive track does not prompt fat production, but it will fatten your belly.

Insulin resistance. A little known health issue that might affect 25% of the population, insulin resistance causes the body to produce too much insulin in order for the insulin to be effective. Since the production of insulin signals the body to burn available glucose instead of fat, an excessive amount of insulin will trigger the body to hold on to fat, even when the fat might otherwise be used for energy.