Gaining too much weight is never a pleasant experience. However, it's usually comforting to know that with a few lifestyle changes, we can reverse our unhealthy tendencies and bring our weight back down to normal. Of course, that is provided there is an obvious reason for the weight gain. If your weight gain cannot be explained, then you likely won't know how to reverse the effects. More importantly, unexplained weight gain is typically an indicator of a more serious underlying problem. As such, it is important to understand the mechanism behind the weight gain so that you can properly treat it.
Common Causes of Weight Gain
As we grow older, our metabolism starts to slow. This may result in your body's inability to easily break down
unhealthy food. If you find yourself gaining weight while maintaining a diet you've been on for years, this is most likely the cause. Such a scenario is not really considered unexplained weight gain. Other identifiable causes of weight gain include:
- Overeating
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Recent childbirth
- Appetite changes
- High fat diet
- High carbohydrate diet
- Quitting smoking
- Reaction to prior diet
Emotional Disorders and Unexplained Weight Gain
If you don't fit into one of the above categories, you are likely experiencing unexplained weight gain. Such a scenario typically indicates that you are suffering from either an emotional or physical disorder. Emotional disorders such as
depression and
anxiety can commonly result in stress eating or "medication through food." As such, stressful situations may actually be the cause of your weight gain. Furthermore, depression is known to negatively affect the function of numerous body systems, including digestion. To avoid unexplained weight gain as a product of a mental condition, The Midwest Center offers it's
Attacking Anxiety & Depression Program to victims of stress, anxiety or depression to help alleviate these mental states and provide victims with a plan to manage their stress.
Physical Disorders and Unexplained Weight Gain
In cases where stress or depression are not related to weight gain, an underlying physical disorder is likely. There are quite a few ailments that include weight gain as a symptom. To receive a proper diagnosis, it is imperative that you seek the guidance of a knowledge medical professional. Some of the most common include:
- Metabolic syndrome
- Cancer
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Pituitary conditions (such as hypothyroidism or thyroid cancer)
- Diabetes
- Dysthymia
- Klinefelter Syndrome
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Medications Related to Weight Gain
For some, prescription drugs cause unexplained weight gain. Many medications alter metabolism in some way, often leading to weight gain. Some drugs associated with weight gain include:
- Clozapine
- Cyproterone
- Haloperidol
- Insulin
- Olnazapine
- Oral contraceptives
- Pizotifen
- Ramipril
- Steroids
Seek professional help if you find yourself gaining weight inexplicably. Even if stress, depression or anxiety aren't the cause of your unexplained weight gain, they can quickly become symptoms. The
Attacking Anxiety & Depression Program exists to help people overcome their issues with stress & anxiety by viewing these mental conditions in a different light and using their weaknesses to help them recover.
