Tag: Fat retention

According to Harvard Health, up to one-third of Americans do not get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night, a key factor linked to weight gain and the reason many people find themselves asking, "Why am I holding onto body fat?".

According to a study published in the *Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics*, regularly skipping meals can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and impact metabolism negatively. While the idea of a 'starvation mode' that forces your body to retain fat is a widespread diet myth, the reality is more complex and depends on the duration and severity of the caloric restriction.

According to a 2016 study on contestants from the TV show The Biggest Loser, extreme calorie restriction caused a significant and lasting metabolic slowdown. This reveals a surprising truth: while a calorie deficit is necessary for weight loss, going to an extreme can cause your body to adapt, making it harder to burn fat and potentially causing your body to hold onto fat if you're not eating enough in the long run.