Cultural beliefs and early dietary habits play a significant role in weight gain. Foods introduced during childhood can shape preferences and alter the gut microbiome over time, making it hard to give up familiar, yet unhealthy, habits. If those around you are consuming processed or unhealthy foods, this becomes the norm, making it even harder to break away from these patterns. Altered gut bacteria can intensify cravings, while increased stress levels can exacerbate emotional or stress-induced eating. Adding to this are adverse childhood events and trauma, which often leave long-lasting impacts. The gut, often referred to as the “second brain,” stores many of these emotional and physiological responses, further complicating efforts to achieve weight loss.