Unexplained Weight Gain
Unexplained weight gain can be frustrating and concerning. There are a variety of potential causes, ranging from lifestyle factors like diet and exercise to underlying medical conditions. Getting to the root cause typically requires a thoughtful evaluation of any recent changes and a review of your personal risk factors.
Some of the more common reasons for sudden or unintentional weight gain include:
- Diet - An increase in caloric intake, larger portion sizes, and greater consumption of high-calorie foods can easily lead to weight gain. Look closely at your eating habits to identify any changes.
- Decreased activity - If you've become less active due to injury, illness, or other lifestyle factors, you will burn fewer calories and this can translate to pounds added. Take an honest look at your current activity level.
- Sleep changes - Both lack of sleep and increased sleep can actually contribute to weight gain. Too little sleep impacts hormone regulation while longer sleep duration gives more opportunity to eat.
- Medications - Some prescription drugs, like steroids and antidepressants, list weight gain as a common side effect. Check with your doctor if you've started any new medications recently.
- Stress - Higher stress levels raise levels of the hormone cortisol, which can increase belly fat storage and appetite. Managing stress is key.
- Medical problems - Issues like thyroid dysfunction (hypo and hyperthyroidism), PCOS, Cushing's disease, and depression can all be accompanied by unexplained weight gain. See your doctor for evaluation.
If you have experienced significant, unintentional weight gain without an obvious cause like diet and exercise changes, make an appointment with your doctor. They can check for underlying medical issues, including inflammation, insulin resistance, food intolerances, and more. Thorough testing is often required to get to the root cause.
With an understanding of what's truly driving excess weight, you'll be equipped to create targeted lifestyle tweaks and treatment plans. Relief from frustrating, unexplained weight gain is possible once you address the specific triggers in your unique situation. Stay optimistic! Consistent work with your care team at Harmonize Health gets results.