When you don't sleep enough, your body's systems are altered in ways that lead to weight gain over time, not immediate extra weight.
Sleep deprivation has long been linked to an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese. Researchers found that getting less than seven hours of sleep resulted in weight changes and may lead to weight gain, either by increasing food intake or decreasing energy burned.
Not getting enough sleep is linked to higher rates of obesity. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep most nights. People who consistently log six or fewer hours tend to have a higher body mass index (BMI). And even just a few nights of short sleep can result in short-term weight fluctuations.
Getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night may hinder weight loss by disrupting hormones that regulate hunger and fullness. Poor sleep can increase cravings for high-calorie foods and reduce motivation for physical activity. Aim for 7--9 hours of quality sleep to support metabolism and energy balance.
If you're regularly sleeping less than 6 hours per night, you run an increased risk of cardiac issues, slower metabolism, even some cancers and early dementia. Adequate sleep is crucial for our bodies; Dr. Hammond talks about the risks associated with sleep deprivation.
According to a new study, some people who function normally on just 6 hours of sleep harbor an altered version of a particular gene, the second gene so far linked to short sleep.
Most of the time, it's better to get two hours of sleep over none. Even short naps can boost your alertness and mood. You may feel groggy after the two hours, so give yourself enough time to fully wake up before you need to be “on.”
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
This stress hormone signals your body to conserve energy to fuel your waking hours. Translation: You're more apt to hang on to fat. Researchers found that when dieters cut back on sleep over a 14-day period, the amount of weight they lost from fat dropped by 55%, even though their calories stayed equal.
That is, eating fewer calories than your body needs so that it burns fat for energy instead. [1] However, this strategy isn't always effective. Restrictive eating and dieting can actually lead to weight gain.
Fluid retention
The amount of fluid in your body changes throughout the day. It's totally normal for your weight to change up to four pounds in a single day, based on your fluid levels. Fluid retention, or edema, is when a lot of fluid builds up in the body. This can cause a sudden weight gain of 15 or more pounds.
It's particularly important to see a doctor if you're experiencing any kind of sleep problem that's preventing you from getting the sleep your body needs.
Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones, raises cortisol, and causes insulin resistance—pushing calories into fat instead of fueling energy or repairing muscle. In short: the less you sleep, the more your body stores fat—even on the same diet.
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.
Females tend to gain the most weight during two key periods: emerging adulthood (late teens to mid-20s) when life changes often disrupt habits, and midlife (around ages 45-55) during menopause due to hormonal shifts that decrease muscle and increase abdominal fat, although the rate of gain slows in later decades. While the 20s see significant overall gain, menopause brings distinct body composition changes and fat redistribution, not just scale weight.
If you want to lose weight, experts say you need to get enough sleep. Specifically, researchers have reported that women who sleep 5 hours or less per night generally weigh more than women who sleep 7 hours per night.
The 2-2-2 Method is based on three key components: water intake, nutrient-dense fruit and vegetable intake, and regular exercise. Below, we discuss the purpose of each to highlight how they can help you lose weight and improve your health.
Popular Japanese weight loss "tricks" focus on mindful eating, smaller portions, and increased daily movement, like the Hara Hachi Bu principle (eating until 80% full), using small dishes for portion control, incorporating green tea and fermented foods for gut health, and practicing mindful walking or interval walking, rather than a single magic solution. While some online trends like the pink salt water drink exist, they often combine these healthier Japanese lifestyle habits with marketing, emphasizing portion awareness, gentle activity, and a balanced diet.
During this process, you might notice your body feels a bit softer or "jiggly." This can happen because your skin and tissues are adjusting to the shrinking fat cells, and sometimes your body retains a little extra water as it adapts. It's all part of the transition to a leaner, stronger version of you!
According to fitness coach Raj Ganpath, losing 10 kg in 2-3 months is possible but highly unsustainable. He explains that to achieve this, you need a daily calorie deficit of about 1,300, which is extremely difficult to maintain.
Some of the ways she's lost weight include walking, eating more protein, and medication to help with how her body processes food. Clarkson started some of these changes to her diet and exercise routines when she moved to New York City, where she hosts "The Kelly Clarkson Show."
When comparing fasting in the night vs morning, evidence gravitates toward skipping dinner rather than breakfast. While some research studies agree that you can lose weight when skipping breakfast, there can be health risks such as elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease [9][10].
Most experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep for adults. If you haven't deposited enough time in your sleep bank for the night, Behar suggests heading back to bed—with one exception. If your alarm is set to wake you in 90 minutes or less, stay up, he advises.
The National Sleep Foundation provides general guidelines for how much sleep women need at different stages of life: Teenagers (14–17 years): 8–10 hours per night. Adults (18–64 years): 7–9 hours per night. Older adults (65+ years): 7–8 hours per night.