It may be getting harder to lose weight

If you’re finding it hard to change the scales – despite eating well and exercising – you’re not alone.

A new study of American adults has found they heavier than they used to be, even if they follow the same diet.

The study, published in the journal Obesity Research and Clinical Practise found that in 2006, American adults had a higher BMI than an adult in 1988, even if they had the same diet and activity levels.

Comparing exercise data between 1988 and 2006, the 2006 subject was five per cent heavier. The study also compared people with the same diets in 1971 and 2008, and discovered that the later subject was on average 10 per cent heavier.

Not fantastic news for younger adults trying to lose weight. “Our study results suggest that if you are 25, you’d have to eat even less and exercise more than those older, to prevent gaining weight,” study co-author Jennifer Kuk told Time.

Gallery: 10 ways to fire up your metabolism

While the study doesn’t identify a particular reason behind this change,
Kuk suggests three theories: a rise in prescription drugs, which can lead to weight gain. Gut bacteria may have changed over time, making people more susceptible to gaining weight and lastly, people are exposed to more environmental chemicals that may cause weight gain.

More: A surprising way to eat less

These environmental chemicals, sometimes known as obesogens, is an emerging field in health. Obesogens are chemical compounds found in everyday items (such as tinned food, some air fresheners and even vinyl) which work in three ways: by increasing the storage capacity of fat cells; reducing the number of calories burned during rest periods and changing the way our body regulates feelings of fullness and hunger.

While the obesogen theory is still in its early stages, there are things you can do to avoid them: opt for organic fruit and vegetables, buy cosmetic products that do not contain endocrine disruptors and avoid canned, packaged and processed foods.

Related:

Beat cravings all day long
Diet and exercise mistakes that can age you