Unexplained weight gain can be frustrating and concerning. There are many potential causes, ranging from lifestyle factors like diet and exercise to underlying health conditions.
Some common causes include:
- Poor diet - Consuming excess calories, sugary foods, processed carbs, and unhealthy fats can easily lead to weight gain over time. Paying closer attention to what and how much you eat is key.
- Lack of exercise - Leading a sedentary lifestyle can cause metabolism to slow down and weight gain to creep up. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week to help maintain calorie balance. Even light activities like walking help.
- Stress - High stress levels stimulate the production of cortisol, which can increase appetite and drive fat storage around the midsection. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, social support, and adequate sleep is important.
- Medications - Some prescription drugs like corticosteroids, antidepressants and seizures medications list weight gain as a common side effect. Ask your doctor if alternatives are available.
- Thyroid issues - An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) slows metabolism, potentially leading to significant weight gain over time. Symptoms include fatigue, sensitivity to cold and constipation. Blood work from your doctor can confirm if your thyroid hormone levels are off.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) - This hormonal disorder disrupts ovulation and can drive weight gain along with irregular periods, excess hair growth, and infertility. Making dietary and lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms.
If you are experiencing
rapid, unexplained weight gain that persists despite efforts to exercise and eat healthy,
see your doctor. They can check for underlying issues with your thyroid, hormones or other medical conditions, and suggest targeted treatments to get to the bottom of stubborn weight issues.
At The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic, we specialize in customized medical weight loss plans to help patients achieve healthy, sustainable results. Our expert physicians and nutritionists perform comprehensive lab testing to uncover potential hormonal or metabolic imbalances driving weight gain. We then develop tailored nutrition and fitness programs, set achievable goals and provide ongoing support. Feel free to () to learn more!
I hope this overview on potential causes and solutions for unexplained weight gain gives you some ideas on where to start investigating further. Pay attention to any red flag symptoms, talk to your doctor, and don't hesitate to seek expert help getting your weight under control once and for all! Let me know if you have any other questions.