Unexplained weight gain can be caused by medical conditions, medications, lifestyle changes, and mood disorders. Hypothyroidism, hormonal changes, and medication for diabetes or birth control can lead to weight gain. Aging, mood disorders, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome can also be factors.
Unexplained weight gain can result from an underlying medical condition, taking certain prescription medicines, and unintentional lifestyle changes. Thyroid disorders and hormonal changes are common causes of unexplained weight gain. A decrease in physical activity and an increase in unhealthy food consumption is an obvious cause, but this in turn can occur due to mood disorders. Medications used to treat diabetes and prevent pregnancy can also lead to sudden weight gain.
Hypothyroidism, which is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to produce too little hormones, is a leading cause of unexplained weight gain. When the thyroid does not produce sufficient levels of hormones, it can result in a decrease in metabolic levels. Other symptoms of the condition include prematurely graying hair, dry itchy skin, acne, and heightened reactions to cold temperatures. Unexplained fatigue is another symptom of the disorder, as is weight gain that occurs primarily in the midsection of the body.
Steroids and some prescription drugs can lead to unexplained weight gain. Birth control pills have been known to cause sudden weight gain in some individuals. The cause is thought to be the hormonal changes these pills induce. Insulin used to treat conditions like diabetes can also lead to unexplained weight gain. The disease, as well as its treatment, tends to affect the body’s metabolic activity.
Changes in metabolic rate due to the aging process or conditions that directly affect hormone levels can cause sudden weight gain. Individuals who decrease their activity levels and don’t adjust their diet accordingly can see unwanted pounds added to their physique. Increased consumption of fats and carbohydrates can lead to extra weight for aging individuals or those with slower metabolisms.
Mood disorders can also lead to unhealthy eating habits. While these habits may prove to be temporary, individuals may not be fully aware of their behavior. Depression can cause people to use food as a coping mechanism to make them feel better or emotionally “full.” Anxiety is another related mood disorder that can lead people to overuse food to relieve fear and high levels of stress.
Natural changes that occur with age, such as menopause, can directly affect hormone levels and metabolic activity. Weight gain tends to occur in the midsection with these types of changes. Conditions not related to aging could also cause sudden weight gain. Polycystic ovary syndrome, which increases the amount of androgens beyond normal levels, is one such condition. Hormonal treatments can usually fix these problems, but the weight gain may take some time to go away.
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