If you're one of the average Americans that consumed nearly 7000 calories on Christmas Day (according to an ABC News Report), or consumed excess calories during the holidays in general, you are probably anxious to get that excess paunch off.

If you were fairly good during the holidays, but are confused about why you have excess weight to start with, you may be relieved to know that there are more reasons why you gain weight than just over eating.

While the excess consumption of foods in general (quantity), and the quality of foods you eat have a great impact on your waistline, there are other imbalances that cause you to gain weight, or prevent you from easily losing it.

Weakened thyroid function, for instance, is one reason. Thyroid disorders are often confusing. You may have many thyroid-related symptoms, but are told your thyroid is "fine." Thyroid health is determined medically based on a few lab numbers that are either abnormal or "within reference range." These are not good indicators of a healthy-functioning thyroid, but are better at revealing a thyroid that is in medical crisis. So, one day your "numbers" show your thyroid is great, the next day it's not, because of the drop of 1/10th? What about a thyroid that's function is diminishing day by day over time? Not "diseased" yet, but not healthy either! This is true of other endocrine disorders such as sex hormone imbalances, adrenal health, liver health, digestion, sugar handling mechanisms, and many other systems involved in healthy weight management.

Emotional/mental, physiological and other stresses can cause you to gain weight, either because of emotional eating or cortisol release.

There are different types of body fat, some good, some bad. Fat can harbor a variety of toxins, heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses, plus the plethora of environmental toxins found in our foods, air and water. Good fat is needed for healthy brain and hormone functioning as well as tissue health.

Certain deficiencies contribute to unhealthy weight. Essential fatty acids, minerals and protein - as well as the ability to metabolize them - have a tremendous impact on healthy weight. Unfortunately, many people try to make up the deficiencies by taking lousy supplements that are made from chemicals, in the hopes that it will suffice. Most times it doesn't. They are lured by marketing claims and desperation. I've never heard a company yet not declare they're the best! How can they all be the best?

Sleep, exercise, water intake, medications, menopause, certain medical conditions, environmental toxins, happy home life, umami (the sensation of satisfaction on the tongue), life contentedness or achievement, etc., all have impact on healthy weight.

There are multiple underlying factors contributing to weight gain and the inability to lose weight. Learn more at my upcoming health class, The Real Reasons WHY You Gain Weight, Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at Vital Health in Coeur d'Alene. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 35 years of experience. She is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about her, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.