What is unexplained weight gain?
Unexplained weight gain refers to putting on pounds without an clear reason. Some potential causes include:
- Hormonal imbalances - Issues with hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and thyroid can lead to extra weight. Hormones regulate metabolism, hunger cues, fat storage, and more. Imbalances can disrupt these processes.
- Medications - Some prescription drugs like steroids, antidepressants, and seizure meds can cause weight gain as a side effect. Always check with your doctor.
- Undiagnosed conditions - Problems like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Cushing's disease, and metabolic disorders can drive weight gain. See your doctor if this is a concern.
- Aging - As we get older, our metabolism naturally slows and burning calories becomes more difficult. Lean muscle mass also declines. These aging factors often lead to extra pounds.
- Lifestyle factors - Lack of exercise, increased snacking and bigger portion sizes, stress eating, and not enough sleep can all contribute to weight creep. Evaluate your habits.
How can you determine the cause?
Getting to the root of unintentional weight gain is key. I recommend:
- Tracking your diet and exercise habits closely
- Seeing your doctor for blood tests to check hormone and thyroid levels, blood sugar, etc.
- Considering conditions like PCOS or metabolic factors
- Adjusting medications if they are a culprit
- Meeting with a nutritionist or registered dietitian to analyze your diet
If hormone issues seem likely, a clinic like Vitality Hormone Clinic can provide advanced hormone testing and customized treatment plans to help get to the bottom of inexplicable weight gain. Their experts take the time to listen and find solutions using the latest medical research. I visited them myself and was very impressed with their integrative approach focused on the underlying drivers. Just something to consider if you continue struggling with unexplained pounds creeping on despite your best efforts.
I know the frustration of unexpected weight gain and hope you can find the reasons with the right medical support. Let me know if you have any other questions!