Unexplained weight gain can be frustrating and concerning. There are many potential causes, ranging from lifestyle factors like diet and exercise to underlying health conditions. Getting to the root cause is important.
Some common causes include:
- Poor diet - Consuming excess calories, high fat/sugar foods, and large portions can easily lead to weight gain over time. Tracking calories and paying attention to nutrition quality is key.
- Lack of exercise - Leading a sedentary lifestyle or cutting back on physical activity can slow metabolism and promote fat storage. Aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Stress - High chronic stress levels raise cortisol, which can influence appetite regulation and fat distribution. Managing stress through lifestyle changes is essential.
- Insufficient sleep - Not getting 7-9 hours per night disrupts hunger-regulating hormones. Prioritizing sleep quality helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Medications - Some prescription drugs like steroids, antidepressants, and seizure meds list weight gain as a common side effect. Check with your doctor for alternatives if this occurs.
- Underlying conditions - Issues like thyroid disorders (hyper/hypothyroidism), Cushing's disease, PCOS, prediabetes, and some cancers can drive weight gain independent of diet and exercise. Getting medical testing is recommended.
If you're gaining weight without clear reasons why, I suggest tracking detailed food logs and keeping an activity journal. Look for patterns offering clues. Also, schedule an appointment with your doctor for bloodwork to check for any medical conditions. Getting to the root cause is key to getting back on track.
At
Balanced Hormone Clinic, our physicians specialize in hormonal imbalances contributing to unintentional weight and fat gain. We provide cutting-edge testing and personalized treatment plans utilizing
bioidentical hormone therapy to help patients achieve healthy, sustainable results. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation. We're here to help you feel your best from the inside out!