Weight gain can be perplexing, especially when it occurs without any significant changes to your diet or daily routine. If you experience a change in your weight even when you are still going about your usual activities, then other factors may be contributing to it. In this blog, we will outline five potential reasons for weight gain so that you can understand the factors that may be contributing to the changes.
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Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones play a crucial role in the regulation of many activities in the body, including metabolism and fat storage. This means that any shift in the hormonal balance can result in weight gain irrespective of the diet that is consumed.
Common Hormonal Culprits:
- Thyroid Hormones: Hypothyroidism is a state in which the thyroid gland is not very active, and this results in slow metabolism and, therefore, weight gain.
- Cortisol: Known as the stress hormone, cortisol is responsible for fat deposition and increased fat mass, particularly around the belly.
- Insulin: Insulin resistance is associated with PCOS or type 2 diabetes, which makes the body store more fat.
Action Step: If you feel that hormonal changes are the reason for your weight gain, then you should consult Dr Nilakshi Deka, an endocrinologist in Guwahati. She will suggest the tests that are required to diagnose hormonal imbalances and advise on the right course of action.
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Sleep Deprivation
Sleep is an essential aspect of health, and if you are not getting enough sleep, it will reflect on your weight. Research has indicated that individuals who sleep for fewer hours are more likely to put on weight than those who sleep for the recommended hours.
How Sleep Affects Weight:
- Appetite Regulation: Lack of sleep affects the levels of ghrelin and leptin hormones, which regulate hunger and result in increased hunger and food cravings, particularly for high-energy foods.
- Metabolism: Lack of sleep also affects metabolism, which makes it easier to gain weight.
- Energy Levels: Sleep deprivation slows down your energy levels, making it harder to exercise and burn calories.
Action Step: Ensure that you get 7-9 hours of good quality sleep every night. If you have trouble sleeping, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
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Medications
Some medications have weight gain as one of the side effects. If you have recently started a new medication and noticed weight gain, it could be a side effect.
Medications That May Cause Weight Gain:
- Antidepressants: Certain types of antidepressants, especially SSRIs, can cause weight gain for some people.
- Steroids: Steroids, such as corticosteroids used to treat inflammation, can lead to fluid retention and increased appetite, causing weight gain.
- Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers, which are commonly prescribed to patients suffering from high blood pressure, can cause a slowdown of metabolism and lead to weight gain.
Action Step: If you think that the medication you are taking is the reason for weight gain, you should speak to your doctor. Your doctor might adjust your medication or suggest alternatives.
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Stress
Stress is another factor that is often overlooked when it comes to weight gain. It leads to the production of hormones, such as cortisol, that in the long run cause weight gain.
How Stress Contributes to Weight Gain:
- Emotional Eating: For many individuals, stress is managed by consuming comfort foods that are typically sweet and fatty in nature to cope with stress.
- Fat Storage: Stress causes the body to store fat, particularly around the belly, due to its ‘fight or flight’ response.
- Metabolic Slowdown: Stress also impacts metabolism and, therefore, slows the rate of calorie utilisation.
Action Step: To reduce stress, practice meditation, yoga, or deep breathing every day. One should also consult a mental health specialist to get valuable advice to manage stress.
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Ageing
Our bodies naturally change as we grow older, which may lead to weight gain. Being aware of these changes will enable us to control weight proactively.
Ageing and Weight Gain:
- Muscle Mass Loss: As we age, a person starts to lose muscle mass, which also leads to slowing down the metabolic process, causing weight gain.
- Hormonal Changes: Age-related hormonal changes such as low testosterone in men and oestrogen in women cause weight gain.
- Lifestyle Changes: As one age, people tend to be involved in less physical activity and thus gain weight.
Action Step: Strength training exercises should be done to retain muscles and increase metabolism. Change your eating habits and consume more protein to gain more muscle mass and lose fat.
When to Consult an Endocrinologist?
If you have gained some weight without any obvious cause, then it is advisable to consult an endocrinologist in Guwahati like Dr Nilakshi Deka. She specialises in diagnosing and treating hormonal imbalances leading to weight gain. It is important to note that early intervention can assist you in achieving your weight loss goals and enhancing your health.
It can be quite frustrating to experience sudden weight gain with no obvious explanation, but knowing the possible reasons is the first step towards solving the problem. It could be hormonal fluctuations, lack of sleep, certain medications, stress, or the natural ageing process, but there are things you can do to take back control of your weight.
If you are worried about weight gain, it is advisable to seek medical advice from an endocrinologist. They can help you determine the cause of the problem and how to manage your weight. Lifestyle changes and early consultations can go a long way in helping you lose weight.
