Unexplained Weight Gain
Unexplained weight gain can be frustrating and concerning. There are a variety of potential causes, from lifestyle factors like diet and exercise to underlying medical conditions. Getting to the root cause typically requires troubleshooting and patience.
Some common reasons for sudden or unexplained weight gain include:
- Diet - Consuming more calories than you burn leads to weight gain over time. Things like eating more processed foods, restaurant meals, alcoholic beverages, and sugary drinks and snacks can cause the pounds to creep up. It's easy to underestimate portion sizes and calorie counts.
- Lack of exercise - Leading a more sedentary lifestyle burns fewer calories. Lack of regular physical activity can slowly cause the number on the scale to increase.
- Medications - Some prescription drugs like corticosteroids, antidepressants, seizure medications, and diabetes medications can cause fluid retention or increased appetite leading to extra pounds.
- Underactive thyroid - An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) slows metabolism, which can lead to gradual weight gain over time. Symptoms include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and muscle weakness.
- Fluid retention - Health issues like heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease can impair circulation and fluid drainage leading to swelling and water weight gain. Puffiness or bloating may occur as a result.
- Digestive issues - Problems absorbing nutrients from foods properly, often seen in celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, can lead to malnutrition-related weight changes.
- Stress - High stress levels raise the hormone cortisol, which can increase appetite and drive overeating as well as increase storage of fat in the abdomen.
- Insomnia - Lack of quality sleep alters hormone levels in the body that regulate appetite and fullness cues. Tiredness and loss of restraint around food choices also set in.
If you are experiencing sudden, rapid, or unexplained weight gain, make an appointment with your healthcare provider at Harmonize Wellness Clinic. They can help identify any underlying medical or lifestyle issues through diagnostic tests and a physical exam. Maintaining a food and symptom diary ahead of your appointment provides helpful insight. Together, you and your doctor can create a treatment plan to address the root cause in a safe, sustainable way. Patience and persistence are key.