5 Common Causes of Unexplained Weight Gain

If you’re eating well and working out regularly but still aren’t seeing results, there could be an underlying cause for your weight issues. Many factors can contribute to weight gain from certain medications to health conditions. 

Most of us can shed kilos by eating better and exercising, but it’s not that simple for some people. Join us as we look at some of the most common causes of weight gain.  

Hypothyroidism 

Hypothyroidism (also known as Hashimoto’s disease) is an autoimmune disease that impairs your thyroid function. It can cause a wide range of health problems, including chronic tiredness, sensitivity to the cold, slowed heart rate, muscles weakness and weight gain. 

Your thyroid plays an important role in regulating how quickly your body processes food, so people with hypothyroidism tend to have slower metabolisms. It’s possible to diagnose hypothyroidism via a blood test and it can be treated with medication. 

PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that primarily affects women. It triggers a hormonal imbalance, often leading to fertility issues. Other symptoms of PCOS include facial hair growth, acne, headaches, and sudden weight gain. 

PCOS can be treated with hormonal birth control pills, progestin therapy, and lifestyle changes. It’s usually diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, physical exams, and ultrasounds. 

Medications​

In some cases, medications and weight gain go hand in hand. This is because certain types of medications stimulate your appetite while slowing your metabolism. Reactions to medications can vary between individuals, so a medication that causes one person to gain weight may not have the same effect in someone else. 

These are just some of the medications that can cause weight gain:

• Antidepressants 

• Steroids 

• Medicines for diabetes, such as insulin. 

If you think your medication may be causing you to gain weight, speak to your doctor. 

Depression

Weight issues and depression are closely linked. Some people may lose weight when depressed, but weight gain is also common. The reasons for this are complex, although fatigue can contribute to weight gain in people with depression. 

Feeling exhausted all the time can make everyday tasks that you once found enjoyable (such as exercising) extremely difficult. If you think you may be experiencing depression, please speak with a doctor, Beyond Blue, Lifeline Australia, or another mental health resource. 

If you’re sick of struggling to lose weight without seeing results, help is available. No matter what’s causing your weight issues, reaching out to a health professional will help you better understand your body. 

Want to know more about nutrition to lead a healthy lifestyle? Call us on 1300 616 180 today to find out more about our 10967NAT Diploma of Nutrition.