Weight Gain: Common Causes and When to Worry

Weight gain is a common concern for many people, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. While some weight gain may be a natural part of aging or a result of lifestyle changes, sudden or excessive weight gain can be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. In this article, we will explore the common causes of weight gain and when it may be a cause for concern.

What Is Considered Weight Gain?

Understanding body mass index (BMI)

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is used to determine if a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal, while a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

How much weight gain is considered significant?

The amount of weight gain considered significant varies from person to person. Generally, a weight gain of 5% or more of your body weight within a month is considered significant. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, a weight gain of 7.5 pounds or more within a month would be considered significant.

What Causes Weight Gain?

Weight gain reasons vary from person to person. Common causes of sudden weight gain include:

Lifestyle changes

One of the most common causes of weight gain is lifestyle changes. This can include changes in diet, physical activity and sleep patterns. For example, if you start eating more calories than you burn, you may experience weight gain. Similarly, if you become less physically active, you may also gain weight.

Medications and physical factors

Certain medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can cause weight gain as a side effect. These medications can affect the body’s metabolism and increase appetite, leading to weight gain. If you are concerned about weight gain as a side effect of your medication, talk to your doctor about potential alternatives.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes can also contribute to weight gain. This is especially true for women during menopause, as the decrease in estrogen can lead to an increase in body fat. Additionally, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause hormonal imbalances that can lead to weight gain.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions can also cause weight gain. These include hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome and insulin resistance. These conditions affect the body’s metabolism and can lead to weight gain. If you suspect you may have a medical condition contributing to your weight gain, consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Emotional factors

Emotional factors, such as stress, depression and anxiety, can also contribute to weight gain. Many people turn to food for comfort during times of stress or emotional distress, leading to weight gain. Additionally, certain medications used to treat these conditions can also cause weight gain.

When Is Weight Gain Dangerous?

While some weight gain may be a natural part of life, there are certain instances where it may be a cause for concern. If you experience any of the following, it is important to consult with your doctor:

• Sudden or excessive weight gain without any lifestyle changes
• Difficulty losing weight despite efforts to do so
• Unexplained weight gain accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue or changes in appetite
• Rapid weight gain in a short period of time

How to Manage Weight Gain

Make lifestyle changes

If your weight gain is a result of lifestyle changes, the best way to manage it is to make healthy lifestyle changes. This can include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. Making small changes, such as choosing healthier food options and incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, can make a big difference in managing weight gain.

Medication

If you suspect your medication may be causing weight gain, talk to your doctor about potential alternatives. They may be able to prescribe a different medication that does not have weight gain as a side effect.

Hormonal changes

If you suspect hormonal imbalances may be contributing to your weight gain, consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. This may involve hormone therapy or other medical interventions.

Seek support for emotional factors

If emotional factors are contributing to your weight gain, seek support from a therapist or counselor. They can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and address any underlying emotional issues that may be causing weight gain.

Reshape Your Tomorrow

Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing procedure for individuals struggling with obesity. However, healthy weight management and bariatric surgery must go hand in hand, as it is crucial to make healthy lifestyle changes, particularly when it comes to post-bariatric surgery diet, to ensure long-term weight management and improved overall health.

Located in Las Vegas Nevada, the Surgical Weight Control Center can provide multiple surgical weight-loss options to help you meet your health goals. If you are interested in weight-loss surgery from the Surgical Weight Control Center, please contact us today at 702-313-8446 or register for a seminar.

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.