The holidays are almost here, which means more time with family, delicious meals, gift giving and for some, a few extra inches to the waistline. Food and drink can be some of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season, but unfortunately, it may also lead to weight gain, and it can be difficult to shed extra pounds gained in November and December. But there are ways to combat this issue.

The causes
The extra glass of eggnog or late-night turkey sandwich can definitely add some extra poundage, but they're not the only holiday catalysts for weight gain, according to the Boston Globe. There may be some psychological issues at play as well.

While the holidays may mean more time off of work, it can also lead to stress, whether it stems from spending more time with the in-laws or financial strain from gift buying. It's not uncommon to cope with stress by eating, and it's unlikely that your comfort meals will include very many leafy greens this time of year.

Others may feel that the holidays are a good time to eat more than usual, since it's a once-or-twice-a-year event, or that because they're eating and drinking more than usual, then skipping the gym is OK, too. In reality, such thinking only exacerbates the problem, reports the news outlet.

What can be done
While it may not seem like an extra pound this year at the holidays is a big problem, if you've been adding one or two pounds over the course of 10 years, it could add up to significant weight gain, according to The Huffington Post.

Nutritionists say that skipping calorie-heavy drinks like eggnog can be a good way to curb extra weight gain. Those who are attending holiday parties may want to have a snack before they show up, as this can help them avoid filling up on unhealthy snacks and treats before the big meal.

Individuals who are unable to get rid of the extra weight even after returning to their diet or gym routine may want to consider plastic surgery to help them get back down to size. Liposuction is a surgery commonly used to target stubborn fat deposits around the waist, stomach, thighs and buttocks. A tummy tuck can help reduce the appearance of sagging skin after weight loss.