Most of the time, overeating or being inactive is what causes weight gain. But this is a simplification. In reality, how your body stores weight has more to do with hormones and your sleep habits.The connectionHormones are chemical messengers that help control all the major functions in the body, such as metabolism, hunger, and the storage of fat. If your hormones are imbalanced, this can contribute to weight gain.The main hormone is insulin, which controls the blood sugar level. However, taking too much sugar or processed foods leads to the development of resistance to insulin. This condition promotes fat storage in the body, especially around the abdomen.There is another important factor related to the stress hormone, cortisol. Chronic stress increases the levels of this hormone, which can boost hunger and promote belly fat accumulation. The hunger hormones ghrelin and leptin are also crucial in regulating weight. Ghrelin stimulates hunger, while leptin sends signals about feeling full. Disrupted levels of such hormones lead you to feel hungrier and not know when you're full, making it cumbersome to manage your weightAnother important factor most people overlook while managing weight is sleep. Lousy sleep or inadequate sleep disturbs the body's hormonal system, which contributes to weight loss. Sleep deprivation will increase the ghrelin hormone and decrease leptin. This leads to a greater feeling of hunger and dissatisfaction when you eat. The body sensitivity to insulin decreases with sleep deprivation, meaning your body is processing sugar less effectively, which is a sure means of gaining weight.In addition, the lack of sleep also impairs decision making, thus increasing the likelihood that an individual may get some calorie-dense food. Such foods, when coupled with an imbalance of hormones, create a cycle that can lead to more difficult weight control.To overcome these underlying causes, start with maintaining the hormonal balance and sleeping well. Some simple tips to help you:1. Maintain healthy insulin: Eat healthy whole, unprocessed foods. Try to cut back on sugars and processed foods.2. Ensure sleep: The recommendation is for 6-8 hours of sleep a night. Sleep routine before bedtime, reduced exposure to screen-based devices during this time, and maintaining a cozy sleep environment are encouraged.3. Try to reduce stress by engaging in regular exercise, socializing with family and friends etc.Dr. Nidhi Malhotra, Additional Director – Diabetes & Endocrinology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida