Inexplicable weight gain means the accumulation of kilograms in conditions where the same intake of food or liquids is maintained and the level of physical activity does not change. Among the causes are fluid retention, pregnancy, constipation or some tumors. Unexplained weight gain can be periodic, continuous or rapid.
About
Most people get fat because they consume a larger amount of food and drinks with a higher caloric content than they can metabolize through the physical movement performed daily and through the functions of the body. But, in certain cases, weight gain can be determined by a health problem. Many of the cases are not dangerous, but certain symptoms that accompany rapid weight gain can signal a medical emergency.
Unexplained weight gain can be periodic when regular weight fluctuations occur. An example is the period of the menstrual cycle. The inexplicable weight gain that is periodic, but long-term, may be the result of pregnancy, which lasts 9 months. On the other hand, the inexplicable rapid weight gain may be the consequence of the adverse effects of the drugs.
Causes
Pregnancy
It is the most common cause of unexplained weight gain. Many women intentionally feed themselves in larger quantities to help the development of the fetus. During pregnancy, most women accumulate kilograms as a result of the growth of the fetus – this excess weight is represented by the fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood flow and the increase in the size of the uterus.
Hormonal changes
Between 45 and 55 years old, women enter the menopause stage. In the fertile stage, estrogen – the hormone responsible for menstruation and ovulation – begins to decrease. Once menopause is established, estrogen is too low to induce menstruation. Hormonal changes occurring between 45 and 65 years of age cause the metabolism to slow down, which has the effect of weight gain, with the accumulation of kilograms, especially around the waist and on the hips.
In addition to the hormonal changes induced by menopause, women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also gain weight. PCOS is a common condition that affects the functioning of the ovaries. Symptoms include irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, excessive hair growth and weight gain. The exact cause of PCOS is not known, but it is believed to be related to hormonal functioning, including excess insulin or testosterone.
The hormonal changes that occur in the second age can also slow down the metabolism, which favors weight gain. Other conditions that influence hormonal levels can cause weight gain in both sexes. These are:
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing syndrome
- Increased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone)
- Hypoactive thyroid
Hypoactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which have a basic role in regulating metabolism. Although the manifestations of hypoactive thyroid can appear at any age and regardless of sex, they are most frequently found in elderly women. When there are insufficient thyroid hormones, the body’s metabolism slows down, which causes weight gain, experts say. The condition is usually treated with hormone replacement therapy (tablets called levothyroxine).
Cushing syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is very rare – it affects 1 person in 50,000 – and is caused by increased levels of the hormone cortisol. The disease can develop as an adverse effect of long-term administration of steroid treatment (iatogenic Cushing’s syndrome) or as a consequence of a tumor (endogenous Cushing’s syndrome).
Weight gain is a frequent effect – it is visible, especially in the areas of the chest, face and stomach, cortisol is responsible for the redistribution of fat in these areas. Depending on the cause, the specific treatment involves reducing or completely giving up the administration of steroids or surgical intervention to remove the tumor.
Menstruation
Periodic weight gain is often caused by the menstrual cycle. During this period, women suffer from water retention or bloating. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause weight gain. Normally, the increase is a few kilograms, which disappears when the menstrual period ends in the respective month. They reappear the following month, at the beginning of the menstrual period and, sometimes, during ovulation.
Fluid retention
Unexplained weight gain can be the result of fluid retention (retention of water in the body). Also called edema, the condition causes swelling of the tongue, hands, feet, face, and abdomen. People with heart failure, kidney disease or those following a certain drug treatment are at risk of gaining weight. If no other symptoms are present, talk to your doctor about rapid weight gain and fluid retention.
Stress and mood disorders
Stress causes increased production of cortisol – the stress hormone. Food can be a means of compensation, experts say. However, a vicious circle can appear – the weight gain caused by depression can accentuate the depression, which causes the accumulation of other kilograms. People who eat emotionally must find other forms of compensation, such as physical activity, a hobby, phone conversations with a friend, walks or relaxing baths.
Lack of sleep
Some studies show that people who sleep less than 7 hours a night are more prone to being overweight compared to those who benefit from 9 or more hours of sleep. The exact reason is not known, but one of the theories claims that sleep-deprived people have low levels of leptin, the substance that induces the feeling of satiety, and increased levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger.
Medication
Unexplained weight gain can be caused by certain medications, including:
- Corticosteroids
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Birth
- Insulin
Weight gain is a common effect among those taking insulin to control diabetes because insulin regulates blood sugar levels. Some people who have suffered from diabetes for a long time tend to eat more to prevent low blood sugar – hypoglycemia.
Also, corticosteroids are used to treat many conditions, including asthma or arthritis. Long-term use of corticosteroid tablets seems to increase appetite in some people, which leads to weight gain. The higher the dose of steroids, the greater the chances of gaining more kilograms, experts say. The mechanism is as follows: steroids induce the feeling of hunger by influencing the areas in the brain responsible for the feeling of hunger and satiety. Therefore, rigorous control of food during the period in which you are undergoing treatment with steroids prevents excessive hunger. Abrupt reduction or discontinuation of steroid treatment is not recommended. Thus, if you are worried about being overweight, talk to your doctor, who will help you control your weight.
When to go to the doctor
Symptoms of unexplained weight gain differ from person to person, depending on the cause. Associated symptoms can be abdominal discomfort or pain and bloating. Edema (swelling) may also appear in the abdomen, in other areas of the body or the extremities (arms, legs, soles, hands).
Go to the doctor urgently if the following symptoms appear:
- Fever
- Skin sensitivity
- Breathing difficulties
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen feet
- palpitations
- Sweating
- Visual disturbances
- Rapid weight gain
When these symptoms accompany inexplicable weight gain, it can be a serious condition.
Investigations
- The doctor will ask you a series of questions regarding your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history. Also, the specialist will recommend blood tests to check hormone levels and kidney function status, as well as other markers that can highlight health problems. The following investigations may also be necessary: ultrasound, radiography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or computed tomography (CT).
Treatment
- There are several methods for treating unexplained weight gain. The best method depends on the cause that triggered the problem. For example, when the cause is a hormonal imbalance, the doctor will prescribe medication to balance the hormonal levels. This medication depends on the type of hormones affected and is usually administered long-term. If the medication is the cause of the problem, the doctor will recommend another type of treatment.
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