Food allergies and sensitivities could result in cumulative stress on the body over time.  Food allergy causes the immune system to synthesize and release reactive chemical agents that can negatively influence cells.  As a result, the immune, endocrine and nervous systems can all be affected.  This increased physiological stress can create the conditions conducive to gaining weight while negatively affecting the ability to lose weight.

The primary causes for the increased incidence of food allergy is excessive, regular consumption of a limited number of foods and the increased level of preservatives, artificial colorings, flavorings, sweeteners, stabilizers, and hydrogenated oils.  Also, insecticides and indiscriminate use of antibiotics in farming are other possible causes.
 
Inadequate digestion of food due to hypochlorhydria and/or pancreatic enzyme deficiency is also thought to be causes of food allergies.  When proteins are not digested to amino acids, dipeptides, or short-chain polypeptides, they become antigens that create an immune response.  “Leaky gut” syndrome and chronic immune hypersensitivity often result.  If neglected, symptoms such as obesity, migraine, eczema, arthritis, colitis, ear infections, gall bladder disease, hyperactivity, asthma, and other pathological conditions can result.  A rotation diet can be followed to prevent new allergies from developing.