Medical Conditions That May Cause Weight Gain

If you are not able figure out the reason of your sudden weight gain, medical condition could be the underlying cause.

There are several conditions that can cause weight gain or hinder your weight-loss efforts. It is very common for health conditions or medications to cause weight gain. Some of the health conditions affect metabolic mechanism, to cause weight gain.

It is frustrating to see extra pounds on the scale despite adhering to a healthy lifestyle. You should visit your health practitioner to get a clue of what’s making you gain weight. You need to understand that there are factors that sometimes justify a doctor’s assistance.

Stress
When you are in stress, you are more likely to spend sleepless nights and gain weight. When you are strangled in life’s demands and can’t find a way out, your body goes into survival mode. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is secreted, which causes an increase in appetite. For comfort, you reach out for high-calorie foods in times of stress. The combination of stress, sleeplessness and high-calorie foods paves the way for weight gain.

Menopause

During menopause and pre-menopause, there are many changes in a woman’s body. These changes often increase appetite and ageing metabolism becomes the breeding ground for weight gain. And, body composition during this phase (40s and 50s) is an inroad to get rid of extra weight off.

Thyroid conditions

If you suffer from thyroid-related conditions, you are more likely to put on weight. Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the gland is impaired and sufficient hormone is not produced, makes one feel tired or weak. As a result, metabolism slows, making weight gain more likely. Management of the condition may help reverse some of the weight gained.

Cushing's syndrome

Cushing syndrome, a condition of excess production of the hormone cortisol, could be the reason you’re gaining weight. In the condition, the weight gain is most prominent around the face, neck, upper back or waist.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common hormonal condition in women. It is more common in women of childbearing age. In the condition, women grow many small cysts on their ovaries. The condition affects a woman's menstrual cycle and she may become resistant to insulin, which may cause weight gain.

Syndrome X

Syndrome X, also referred to as insulin resistance or hyperinsulinemia (high insulin levels), leads to weight gain. It is a cluster of health conditions thought to be rooted in insulin resistance.

When to Ask for Medical Assistance

When you think that you have trouble managing your weight and it could be because of the medical condition or medication, you must talk to your health care provider and work it out with him.

Don't give up thinking you cannot get fit because the underlying reason for the increase in weight is a medical condition or medication. It may be difficult to lose weight gained, but you can work it out with your doctor.

Read more articles on Weight Gain.