Surprising Reasons You're Gaining Weight

What’s with the Weight Gain?

If you’re consuming more calories than usual or have cut back on exercise, it’s not surprising that you’re gaining weight.  But what if you’re eating right and exercising and you’re still gaining weight?  Now is the time to check out what’s going on.

Lack of Sleep

There are two things going on regarding sleep and weight gain.  The first, if you’re staying up late, are you taking in more calories with late-night snacking?  Another reason might be why you’re sleep-deprived?  Changes in hormones increase your hunger, or appetite, and make you feel less full after eating.

Stress

If you’re stressed a lot, your body goes into survival mode and releases the stress hormone, cortisol, that causes an increase in appetite.  While we may be tempted to reach for that high-calorie snack for comfort, it is the perfect breeding ground for weight gain. 

Anti-Depressants

If you’re on anti-depressants, the unfortunate side effect is weight gain.  Talk with your doctor about making changes to your treatment plan if you suspect it may be causing your weight gain.  Just don’t stop taking on your own.  Some people may gain weight after beginning drug treatment because they are feeling better due to a better appetite.  But depression also leads to weight gain.

Steroids

Anti-inflammatory steroid medications like prednisone also cause weight gain.  Fluid retention and an increased appetite are the main reasons, but some people may see temporary changes where the body holds fat, like the face, belly and back of neck while taking steroids.  If you have been taking steroids for more than a week, don’t stop completely, as it may lead to serious health problems, without checking with your doctor.

Drugs That May Cause Weight Gain

There are other prescribe medications that cause weight gain, like anti-psychotic drugs that treat disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, as well as those that are used to treat migraines, seizures, high blood pressure and diabetes.  It is important to work with your doctor to find the right medication that treats your symptoms as well as lessen your side effects.

Don’t Blame The Pill

It has not been proven that the birth control pill, which contains estrogen and progestin, causes weight gain.  Yet some women experience fluid retention related to weight gain, it is usually short term.  If you’re concerned, talk with your doctor.

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck, is not making enough thyroid hormone, you may be feeling tired, weak, cold or gaining weight.  If you don’t get enough thyroid hormone, your metabolism slows down and weight gain is possible.  Even if the thyroid is functioning at the lower end of normal range, you still might gain weight.  Your doctor can treat hypothyroidism with medication to reverse the weight gain.

Don’t Blame Menopause

While some women experience weight gain around menopause, hormones may not be the only cause.  As you age, it slows your metabolism, and you burn less calories.  Changes in your lifestyle, like less exercising, may also play a role.  Weight gain related to menopause is fat accumulating around your waist more than your hips or thighs.

Cushing’s Syndrome

If you have Cushing’s syndrome, gaining weight is common as you are exposed to too much stress hormone, cortisol, which can cause weight gain or other abnormalities.  You can also get Cushing’s syndrome if your take steroids for asthma, arthritis or lupus.  Weight gain can also happen if your adrenal glands make too much cortisol, or have a tumor.  Weight gain is most visible around the face, neck, upper back and waist.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common problem among women of child-bearing age.  With this condition small cysts can grow on the ovaries which leads to hormonal imbalances that may affect the woman’s menstrual cycle leading to extra body hair or acne.  Women with PCOS are also resistant to insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar, which also causes weight gain.

Quitting Smoking

This is probably one of the best things you can do for your health.  But when you do quit, you may experience weight gain, but it may be less than you think, as people on the average gain less than 10 pounds when they stop smoking.  After you have quit smoking, you should stop feeling hungrier several weeks after and allow you to lose any weight gained.

Rule #1:  If You Do Gain Weight

It is important not to stop taking any medications without consulting your doctor first.  Recognize the drug you are taking as it may be vital to your health.  There may be something else causing your weight gain and talking with your doctor may help you figure out the cause.

Rule #2:  If You Do Gain Weight

It is also not best to compare yourself to other people who take the same drug as not everyone experience the same side effects on a given day.  If the drug allowed someone else to lose weight, may not be the same for you.

Rule #3:  If You Do Gain Weight

It is important to remember that if weight gain is the result of water retention, it is not permanent weight or fat.  When you’re finished taking the drug and your condition is under control, the puffiness from any fluid retention may subside.  It may be helpful to stick with a lower-sodium diet in the meantime.

Rule #4:  If You Do Gain Weight

It is important to ask your doctor about any other drugs you can take.  In most cases, your doctor can change your medication with lesser side effects. 

Rule #5:  If You Do Gain Weight

Also learn if the weight gain is caused by a decrease in metabolism from a medical condition or medication.  If this the cause, participate in activities that get you moving and raise your metabolism.