Conditions That Can Cause Weight Gain
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- May 2, 2019
- 3 min read
Hypothyroidism
When thyroid stop making hormones this could lead to weight gain. In addition you may have thin hair, dry skin, fatigue, depression and constipation. Blood test can confirm if thyroid is working or not. Artificial hormones can make you feel better.
Depression
Depression has been linked to weight gain due to either high level of cortisol hormones or even due to low level of exercise. Consult your doctor when you are depressed as certain medications could treat this condition and help you to feel better.
Insomnia
People who dont get enough sleep as less than 8 hours have high level of cortisol and insulin in addition it increases hunger toward high fat and sugar food.
Menopause
Low level of estrogen in menopausal women has been linked to belly fat. Other causes like sleep problems, depression and hot flashes prevent from healthy eating. Consult your doctor to find ways to help your symptoms.
Cushing’s Disease
Too much cortisol level could be liked to belly fat and neck fat. You might bruise more and notice weaker, thinner limbs, a round face, and big purple stretch marks. Your doctor will try to figure out the cause, and then treat it with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or drugs to lower cortisol.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
You may skip periods, sprout more hair on your face or body, or get acne. Also, cysts may grow on your ovaries. Too much male androgen hormone causes it. Weight gain could occur due to insulin resistance.
Congestive Heart Failure
It occurs when the heart fail to pump enough blood. Sudden weight gain -- 2-3 pounds in a day or more than 5 pounds a week -- could mean it’s getting worse. You also might have swollen feet and ankles, a faster pulse, heavy breathing, high blood pressure, memory loss, and confusion. Once you track these symptoms you may consult your doctor and he/she can manage and find treatment.
Sleep Apnea
If you’re a noisy snorer or feel drowsy during the day, it could be a sign you may have this serious condition. Your airway regularly cuts off breathing for a few seconds in your sleep. Being overweight or obese is one cause of sleep apnea, but it can also be a symptom. The condition could make you more likely to have liver problems, heart failure, and high blood pressure. Your doctor might suggest a CPAP breathing machine or other treatments.
Edema
This condition happens when your body is holding too much water, usually in your arms and legs. A limb might look swollen and feel tight and hard to move. Diuretics, also called water pills, can help get rid of it if it doesn’t get better on its own. But you and your doctor should work to manage the underlying cause, like heart, kidney, liver, and lung diseases, which can be quite serious.
Metabolic Syndrome
It is a group of conditions that increasse risk of heart failure, diabetes and stroke. It is characterized by high level of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. Extra pounds around your waist could be the only symptom. You doctor can help you by appropriate diet, exercise and medicine.
Diabetes
You can treat diabetes by appropriate diet, exercise and insulin. Insulin is important hormone as it helps your body to store energy. But it also makes it easier for your body to store the energy, which often can lead to weight gain. Worry about low blood sugar may make you tempted for high sugary food.
Steroids
Your doctor might call them corticosteroids. You can use them to treat asthma, some types of arthritis, and other conditions. High dose and long use of steroids has been linked to weight gain as they increase appetite and lead to overeating.
Common Medications
One drug might make you hungry. Another might slow your body’s calorie burn or change the way your body absorbs nutrients. Some just make your body hang on to more water. Sometimes, scientists don’t know for sure why a drug causes weight gain. Common examples are birth control pills, antipsychotics, antidepressants, epilepsy drugs, and beta-blockers (for high blood pressure).
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