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With most gyms still closed and people spending more time at home (and stress eating), weight gain during quarantine is normal. However, if you do find yourself putting on some weight and want to make a change, there are some routine changes you can start implementing to see results more quickly.
With that in mind, keep reading for the best way to prevent fat gain, according to experts!
One of the biggest culprits of weight gain is not actually what you eat--it's how often you move. Living a sedentary lifestyle is a big contributor to weight gain, and those pounds can add up.
According to Healthline, "A study in 464 people with obesity and excess weight found that their average daily sitting time was 6.2 hours on working days and 6 hours on non-working days. Work-related tasks were the largest contributor, followed by watching TV."
An inactive lifestyle can lead to weight gain and chronic diseases, so taking steps to become more active is important for your health overall.
With that in mind, incorporating more activity into your everyday life could make a huge difference when it comes to preventing unwanted weight gain.
According to WebMD, "To avoid weight gain, experts recommend adding 2,000 steps a day to your routine, doing strength training two to three times a week, and shaving 100 calories from your diet each day."
Most people are well aware that diet and exercise are crucial factors in any attempt to lose weight, but they might be less likely to recognize how their sedentary lifestyle is contributing to weight gain.
With that in mind, making some shifts in your regular routine--adding in breaks throughout the day for a quick (socially distant) walk around your neighborhood could be the key in warding off excess weight.
"Muscle is metabolically active, and to minimize naturally occurring muscle loss, you need to be physically active every day, including resistance training two to three times a week," exercise physiologist Felicia Stoler, RD, host of TLC's Honey We’re Killing the Kids told WebMD. "By being active, you can enjoy more calories without gaining weight--if you choose your calories wisely."
