About three-fourths of adults in the United States weigh more than they should, but determining the root cause can help them reverse their weight gain. Numerous health conditions, such as thyroid disease and other hormone imbalances, can contribute to unplanned weight gain.
If the weight on your scale is creeping upward, see the family medicine experts at Associated Physicians Group, PLC, to discover a lasting solution.
Common reasons for unexplained weight gain include:
Imbalances of estrogen, testosterone, or other sex hormones can contribute to weight gain, particularly when you’re over 40. Hormone replacement therapy at Associated Physicians Group PLC may be an option if you struggle with hormonal imbalances and carry excess weight.
Some medications, including certain forms of birth control, mental health medications, some diabetes medications, corticosteroids, and other medicines, may contribute to unexplained weight gain. See your Associated Physicians Group PLC provider to determine if any prescribed drugs cause you to pack on unwanted pounds.
Lack of sleep is a common problem, as about 1 in 3 American adults fail to get recommended hours of sleep. However, studies show that sleeping fewer than 7 hours each night is linked to weight gain and obesity. Set a regular sleep schedule; reduce stress; exercise regularly; and avoid alcohol, smoking, caffeine, large meals, and blue light exposure before bed to sleep soundly.
Ongoing stress alters cortisol and other hormone levels and can increase your appetite, junk food cravings, and desire to eat for reasons other than hunger. If you’re chronically stressed, lighten up a busy schedule, exercise daily, spend time outdoors, and try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, tai chi, or massage.
Staying active is an excellent way to increase calorie expenditure and maintain lean body mass, enhancing metabolism and making it easier to maintain a healthy body weight. Exercise daily, or at least most days of the week, for at least 30 minutes at a time.
Poor diet is a common contributor to weight gain. Examples of foods and drinks to limit or avoid include alcohol, fried foods, sweets, sugar-sweetened drinks, white bread and other refined grains, processed meats, and other highly processed options. Choose fresh lean meats, poultry, fish, or seafood and an abundance of plant-based foods to fight excess weight gain.
While quitting smoking is highly important for your overall health and well-being, doing so may cause you to feel hungrier than usual and gain some weight initially. However, an increased appetite caused by smoking cessation often subsides within a few weeks.
Some medical concerns can contribute to rapid weight gain. Examples of such conditions include hypothyroidism, Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), heart failure, ovarian cancer, tumors, cirrhosis, kidney problems, and acromegaly. Sore joints caused by Arthritis can lead to decreased physical activity, which can affect your weight.
Schedule an evaluation at Associated Physicians Group PLC to rule out these or similar health problems.
Hypothyroidism, a type of thyroid disease characterized by weight gain, affects nearly 12% of the population — especially women and people over 60. It causes low levels of thyroid hormone, which can decrease the body’s metabolism and pack on pounds.
Thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism, is a common cause of unwanted weight gain. Symptoms of this condition include:
Treating hypothyroidism is often as simple as taking daily medication, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and routinely monitoring your thyroid hormone levels via lab testing.
Contact us today at Associated Physicians Group, PLC, by calling the office or using the online booking feature.
