Besides what we eat and how much activity we participate in, there are several other surprising factors that can drastically impact our weight, like sleep, stress, and even what kinds of medications we're taking.
"Sleep deprivation is linked to higher levels of stress, both of which are closely associated with weight gain," Dr. Machineni said.
When we get enough sleep of good quality, though, our perception of our health improves and our quality of life is better, he said. "This allows better focus and ability to participate in weight loss strategies."
For help with achieving better quality sleep, Dr. Machineni recommends his patients check out Harvard Medicine's Twelve Simple Tips to Improve Your Sleep, which include tips like cutting out caffeine, getting into a routine, and perhaps most surprisingly, lightening up on evening meals.
Dr. Machineni also recommends de-stressing at the end of your day with yoga or stretching. "This doesn't always cause weight loss, but a sense of well-being helps people engage in diet or exercise plans much better," he said.