Weight gain isn’t just a reflection of diet and exercise. There are plenty of medical conditions that can cause you to gain weight. Here are eight possible reasons that you might be experiencing weight gain and how to treat them.
1. Hormonal Imbalance
Since hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, hormonal imbalance in the body can cause you to gain some unexplained weight. In men, low levels of testosterone can induce weight gain.
For this, many go for TRT or Testosterone Replacement Therapy, especially for men over 40, for weight loss, increased sex drive, and better sleep. In women, low or too much presence of estrogen can trigger hormonal weight gain. Other hormones, such as insulin, leptin, and cortisol, also play a significant role.
2. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid doesn’t create enough thyroid hormone in your bloodstream. This slows down the metabolism process or how efficiently your body burns food, which can result in weight gain.
Other common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, feeling cold, dry skin, constipation, and aching muscles. Individuals with hypothyroidism are advised to cut down calories from their diet and follow a plant-based diet. Besides, regular exercising can help maintain a healthy body weight.
3. Insomnia
Did you know those sleepless nights can trigger weight gain? Recent studies have shown that poor sleeping patterns can cause an increase in BMI or Body Mass Index. This could lead to other health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease.
Experts recommend people follow a regular bedtime and wake-up time to ensure that they take at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
4. Kidney Problems
Kidney failure or nephrotic syndrome could cause sudden weight gain or swell in the body. During this condition, damaged kidneys might not be able to remove waste and fluids properly from the body, and the body may retain fluid which automatically results in weight gain.
Other prominent symptoms of kidney issues include fatigue, loss of appetite, foamy urine, itchiness, headaches, and muscle cramps.
5. Cushing’s syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body secretes excess cortisol (a stress hormone) for a long period of time. This condition is rare, and in most cases, it is commonly a side effect associated with the consumption of glucocorticoids, a type of drug that is used to treat asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
This syndrome can cause you to gain weight in the abdomen, neck, face, and upper back areas of the body.
6. Suddenly Quitting Smoking
For a few months, many people gain weight after they quit smoking cigarettes. Research suggests people gain 2.25 to 4.5 kilograms after they quit smoking. Now, the possible reasons for weight gain could be the effect of nicotine withdrawal in the body and slower metabolism.
Nicotine improves the metabolism rate in your body, which also helps to increase the number of calories your body uses. Moreover, smoking reduces appetite. Hence, when you suddenly quit smoking cigarettes, you may feel the urge to eat more and more, causing weight gain.
7. Depression
Depression can lead to cases of both weight gain and weight loss. Shedding light on weight gain, studies show that individuals with depressive symptoms are more likely to experience an increased BMI index compared to individuals with no history of depression.
Depression can cause a person to lose interest in activities, making them less physically active. They also tend to consume a fat-rich diet and take certain antidepressants, which might cause them to gain some pounds.
8. Medications
As per the Obesity Action Coalition, there are a few medications that can trigger rapid weight gain in people and that up to several pounds a month as a potential side effect. Medications that induce weight gain might include drugs that are used to treat seizures, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, depression, and other psychiatric disorders.
Hence, if you are taking medications for a medical condition and are also experiencing sudden weight gain, consult your doctor. They will examine your condition and will give you a detailed analysis of the entire situation.
Final Thoughts
If your weight gain is a result of a common condition, don’t stress out and incorporate some lifestyle changes. Eat less, and move more to maintain healthy body weight. Make sure you count your daily calorie intake and calorie burn. It is best to avoid cutting down on snacking and beverages.
What worked for your weight loss? Share with us in the comment section.
I knew about several of these reasons. I did not know that poor sleep could lead to a person experiencing weight gain.