Most people gain weight when they consume more calories than they burn every day through body functions and movements. However, weight gain isn’t always a result of excess calorie intake or poor exercise habits. When you gain weight without increasing your food consumption or without decreasing your physical activity, it is called unintentional weight gain. It can sometimes also signal an underlying health issue. When weight gain is caused by an ailment, people find it harder to lose it no matter how much they try. The following health conditions may cause unexplained weight gain:
1- Corticosteroids:
Corticosteroids are used to treat different medical conditions such as arthritis and asthma. Long-term use of steroid treatments can cause the appetite of some people to increase. The strength of the dose and the duration of the course are positively related to weight gain. Steroids affect those areas of the brain which deal with the feelings of satiety and hunger. In fact around 70% of people who are prescribed steroids report some weight gain as a side effect. It may also change where in the body the fat is stored, with many people reporting an increase in fat on the face and neck. Patients are recommended to be extra vigilant about their diet when they are on steroids.
2- Cushing’s Syndrome:
This rare medical condition is caused by the excess secretion of the hormone cortisol. It is mostly caused by the overuse of corticosteroids. A common symptom of the Cushing’s Syndrome is weight gain, particularly on the face, chest, and stomach. It happens because fat is redistributed to these areas. People who develop this syndrome also suffer from a slight hormonal imbalance, which leads to changes in how their metabolism works. So their bodies don’t process food like they should, which also leads to some weight gain.
3- Underactive Thyroid:
When you suffer from hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Since thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating your metabolism, hypothyroidism can cause unintentional weight gain. This is only further made worse by the fact that many of the people who have this condition are often fatigued and cannot excercise to lose the weight they are gaining. The best way to deal with it is to control the condition using the help of a doctor and some medication. Some other symptoms of hypothyroidism are infertility, heart disease, and joint pain.
4- Diabetes:
A common side effect for diabetics who take insulin is weight gain. Insulin stabilizes blood sugar levels. Longtime sufferers of diabetes sometimes end up eating more than they need to prevent hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. When your blood sugar is low, your body singles you to eat more to get an energy boost. This often leads to excessive food consumption and results in weight gain. When you take insulin, glucose is able to enter your cells, which is the goal of the medication, but if you are not eating healthy or excxercising, this could cause some otherwise unexplained weight gain as well.
5- Aging:
As people age, they begin to lose muscles. This is because people become less physically active with growing age. Muscles burn calories so a loss of muscle mass often leads to weight gain. This loss in muscle will also cause a loss in insulin sensitivity so your body will begin producing more insulin, which will then make it harder for you to lose weight. You should try to stay active for a better muscle mass composition. It is best to make some lifestyle changes if you are noticing unexplained weight gain, this will involve excercise and changes in diet.
6- Fluid Retention:
Excessive buildup of fluid inside the body causes it to become swollen. It occurs in the circulatory system or within cavities and tissues. Water retention can cause swelling in the feet, ankles, hands, and legs. This translates into weight gain. Even though some kinds of fluid retention are common, severe fluid retention may indicate serious issues such as kidney or heart problems.
7- Mood Disorders:
Many psychologists have explained that mood disorders such as anxiety and depression can also lead to weight gain. This is mainly because people often use eating as a coping mechanism to deal with them and do not have the energy to excercise. Studies have shown that people who have these disorders are much more likely to become obese. In fact, an increase in appetite and fatigue are both common symptoms of depression. It is best to get in touch with a mental health professional when dealing with these disorders.
If you think your weight gain is unintentional, consult your doctor. You can find and book an appointment with a top Nutritionist in Karachi, Faisalabad and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.
