It’s normal to experience fluctuations in your weight from time to time. However, if you gain weight over a short period of time and for no apparent reason, chances are there might be an underlying health condition that you’re not aware of.
While it could be a minor issue that needs not to be considered, in some cases, it can point toward serious health issues. Thus, you must know the cause of your frequent weight gain. In this article, we’ve enlisted six possible causes of unintentional weight gain. Read on.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Over time, this condition can cause a number of health problems, such as joint pain, infertility, and obesity. Weight gain has to be the most common side effect of hypothyroidism, and managing it can be a real challenge. It could be due to the effects of medication, removal of the thyroid gland, treatment of hyperthyroidism, goiter thyroid cancer, etc. To tackle weight gain, many patients rely on thyroid hormone replacement medications which can be helpful in the short run.
Depression
Depression can be another possible cause of why some people experience sudden weight gain. Common symptoms of anxiety and depression include persistent sadness, constant fatigue, hopelessness, and mood swings. These symptoms are triggered by excessive secretion of cortisol in your body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can suppress your immune system and cause you to gain some pounds. Many antidepressants used to treat depression can also result in weight gain. If you think you have anxiety or depression, it is advised to consult a psychologist and seek treatment.
Hormonal Changes
Many times, a hormonal imbalance triggers weight gain. For instance, excessive secretion of cortisol and low thyroid hormones can result in obesity. In men, low testosterone levels can cause weight gain along with other side effects such as low energy levels, low muscle mass, and infertility issues. And before you take any treatment for it, it is advised to test your levels of testosterone from a reputable lab. Low testosterone levels are also found in women, which can cause facial hair and a deepening voice. Hence, you must ensure that your body contains balanced hormones, which are also better for the functioning of your entire body
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing starts and repeatedly stops while you sleep. People with different types of sleep apnea have symptoms such as morning headaches, poorly rested bodies, gasping for air while sleeping, and tiredness. Due to poor sleep, you lose the courage to work out, which in turn can cause weight gain. Besides, some hormonal imbalances linked with sleep apnea can alter your appetite patterns which can affect your metabolism, and you end up gaining weight.
Medications
In many cases, unintentional weight gain could also be due to long-term consumption of certain medications. Research has shown that some medications can cause people to gain weight up to several pounds in a month as a side effect.
In most cases, the medications that can result in rapid weight gain include treatment of medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, seizures, high blood pressure, depression, and psychiatric disorders. However, don’t make a quick decision of not continuing with the medications as it could result in severe side effects. If you’re genuinely worried about your weight gain, make sure to consult your primary doctor first and get proper guidance on how you can manage your weight.
Heart Failure
Swelling in particular areas of your body can be a cause of fluid retention and an indication of heart failure. As per the American Heart Association, if you’re gaining weight more than 2-3 pounds (lb) in 24 hours or 5 lb in a week, chances are you might become a victim of heart failure. However, keep a note that many people gain weight by a few pounds over a day, and it returns back to normal without any additional symptoms. That’s completely normal and could be due to normal bloating.
To Wrap It All Up
Fluctuations in weight gain can happen due to a myriad of reasons. Some people gain weight when they make changes to their lifestyle, while some gain as they age. While weight gain is commonly a normal process, in rare cases, it could indicate a more serious health condition. Thus, you should not take this condition lightly and consult your primary doctor to get to the root of the problem and develop a treatment plan accordingly.
