Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Doctor Explains Why Some Gain Weight Eating Little
Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a doctor who studied at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, explained why some people gain weight even when they eat very little.
He said it's not just about how much you eat, but how your body burns the food.
Some people have a faster metabolism, which means they burn more calories even when resting.
Others have a slower metabolism, which means they burn fewer calories.
Muscle burns more calories than fat, so people with more muscle burn more calories all day.
Things like crash dieting, muscle loss with age, and hormonal imbalances can slow down metabolism.
Dr. Sethi said the goal should be to help your body burn better by building muscle, managing stress, sleeping well, and moving more every day.
Dr. Saurabh Sethi explained why some people gain weight despite eating little.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) varies among individuals due to genetics, thyroid function, hormones, or muscle mass.
Muscle burns 3-5 times more calories than fat, even at rest.
Factors like crash dieting, muscle loss, and hormonal imbalances can slow down metabolism.
People who gain weight despite eating little often have slowed metabolism, low muscle mass, hormonal imbalance, high cortisol, poor sleep, or post-diet metabolic adaptation.
- Who
- Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford
- What
- Explained why some people gain weight despite eating little
- When
- Wednesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Instagram post
- Why
- To educate about the role of metabolism and other factors in weight management
- Expert
- Dr. Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH (AIIMS, Harvard, Stanford)
- Key Factor
- Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
- Muscle vs. Fat
- Muscle burns 3-5x more calories than fat
- Weight Gain Factors
- Slowed metabolism, low muscle mass, hormonal imbalance, high cortisol, poor sleep, post-diet metabolic adaptation
- Weight Maintenance Factors
- Higher metabolic rate, better insulin sensitivity, more muscle, more daily movement