Unexplained Weight Gain

Typically, nobody likes gaining weight, especially when it is unexplained weight gain. A number of factors should be considered when determining the cause of the additional weight. Sometimes it's as simple as pinpointing a change in eating habits. However, in other instances it's harder to diagnose and more serious in nature.

Reasons for Unexplained Weight Gain

Take note of the amount of weight gain. If it's just a pound or two, there's really no need to worry. However, if the unexplained weight gain is significant and sudden, it's time to account for various aspects in your daily life.

Eating Habits

Have your dining habits changed? Are you currently indulging more on fast-food entrees instead of well-thought-out home-cooked meals? Are you working more, and eating while you work. This can result in eating more than you normally would. Determine if your snacking habits have changed. If you've gone from eating mainly celery and carrot sticks to candy bars and pork rinds, this could be the source of your weight gain.

It's a good idea to journal all the foods you eat each day for an entire week to help determine if your eating habits are contributing to your unexplained weight gain.

Medication Changes

It's a proven fact that various medications can cause weight gain. If you weren't aware of these possible side effects, this could be the cause of your unexplained girth. Many oral contraceptives and anti-depressants can cause your metabolism to change enough to allow your body to gain weight. Check with your doctor or pharmacist, if you've recently changed any of your medications, to learn if weight gain is a possible side effect.

Mood Swings

Has your mood changed recently? If you're depressed, comfort eating is often a result. You may not have noticed it if snacks and "comfort foods" have become a staple in your diet to help you feel better. This extra eating or change in habits can have a huge effect on your weight. Additionally, experts agree that stress causes your body to produce more fat and to use far fewer calories than when you are not under a degree of stress. This, alone, may cause you to have unexplained weight gain.

More Serious Issues

Once you've taken into account the various aspects of your life listed above and not discovered any reasons, you may want to consider a more serious diagnosis. There are a number of diseases and disorders that first show up with simple symptoms such as unexplained weight gain. These include, but are not limited to:

• Anemia
• Low Thyroid Levels
• Diabetes
• Alcohol or drug abuse or withdrawal
• Kidney Disease or Liver Disease
• Cancer, such as lung cancer, leukemia or lymphoma
• Coronary Artery Disease or Heart Failure
• Tuberculosis or HIV
• Asthma or COPD
• Anxiety or Depression
• Malnutrition
• Addison's Disease or Cushing's Disease
• Adrenal Gland Problems
• Lung Diseases
• Hear Problems
• Infection

The best thing to do is to contact your physician if you experience unexplained weight gain. Such a simple symptom can become a complex diagnosis.

Rid Yourself of Weight Gain

If through self-evaluation you have discovered that your eating habits or moods contribute to your weight gain, you can do something about it. Keep track of your intake and attempt to eat healthier. Exercise at least four times each week for at least 30 minutes each session. Alternate between cardio- and strength-training exercises. Keep track of your weight daily. This will help you keep on top of your progress. Set goals that are realistic and achievable.

Focus on the Positive

Don't diagnose yourself with something fatal until you've fully researched the causes of your unexplained weight gain. It's important to consider all possible scenarios before settling on one conclusion. The reasons may be serious, or they may be simply a result of slipping into unhealthy habits.

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