Understanding Underlying Causes Of Weight Gain

By Jennifer R. ScottReviewed by a board-certified physician

I like this blog post from VeryWell.com. It answers a lot of the questions I get in my emails. Many of us don't understand what's happening to our bodies. They don't know why they keep adding weight? Answering this question is "key" to losing your fat. When you're adding weight, you're adding body fat and you have to correct the problem before you end up with serious health problems. Excess body fat will slow down body functions.

Most people who aren't overweight think that the root cause of overweight and obesity is deceptively simple. If you take in more calories than you use, you'll gain weight. And if you eat less, you lose weight. But in reality, there are several underlying weight gain causes that can contribute to your weight beyond just calories consumed and calories burned.

Normal Weight Gain in Daily Life

Some weight gain is a normal part of life, particularly for women.

Weight gain occurs with pregnancy, and many breastfeeding mothers maintain a certain amount of weight while nursing. In addition, most women experience a periodic weight gain each month before and during menstruation. While much of this weight gain is typically referred to as water weight, many women get used to rising and falling numbers on the scale. Rapid weight gain that can't be attributed to either of these normal causes may be a sign of dangerous fluid retention, and anyone experiencing it should notify their doctor.

Aging also contributes to natural weight gain in many adults. While it's unclear whether or not aging actually causes weight gain, it is clear that most of us gain at least a small amount of weight as we get older. So why does it happen? As we age, our body composition changes, we often lose muscle mass, metabolism slows, and our lifestyles change. Each of these factors can contribute to weight gain unless we reduce the amount of food we eat and get enough exercise to maintain our weight.

Other Possible Causes of Weight Gain 

You may also gain weight because of other reasons that are not a part of everyone's daily life. These are some underlying weight gain causes to consider if you start to add pounds or inches.

• Significant alcohol use. Booze calories add up quickly. And when we drink we often indulge in empty calories that can contribute to weight gain.

• The use of certain drugs such as corticosteroids, cyproheptadine, lithium, tranquilizers, phenothiazines, some antidepressants, and medicines that increase fluid retention and cause edema. If you've started a new prescription and notice weight gain, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that the weight change is normal
• Emotional factors, such as guilt and anxiety can contribute to changes in your weight. Some people lose weight during divorce, job change or other difficult transitions but other people gain weight during times of stress
• Quitting smoking often leads to weight gain in some people. Why? It may be that smoking was the way that you managed anxiety or nerves. Without cigarettes, some people turn to food.

Medical Causes of Weight Gain

If you notice that you're putting on weight and there is no apparent lifestyle cause, it is possible that something more serious is at play. Weight gain can be a symptom or the result of certain medical conditions. These can include:

• Certain endocrine diseases, such as Cushing syndrome and hypothyroidism
• Heart disorders
• Lung disorders
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Depression

It's important to talk to your doctor today if you have unexplained weight gain and any of the following symptoms:

• Constipation
• Hair loss
• Sensitivity to cold
• Swollen feet and shortness of breath
• Uncontrollable hunger accompanied by palpitations, tremor, and sweating
• Vision changes

If you suspect that there is a medical issue that is causing your weight gain (or weight loss) don't be afraid to speak to your health care provider.  The good news is that weight gain, regardless of its cause, can often be managed with consistent lifestyle and dietary changes and an increase in physical activity. Your physician can help you determine whether or not these underlying causes may be leading to weight gain in your own personal situation.

He or she may also be able to refer you to experts including a registered dietitian, physical therapist, behavioral health experts for additional help. 

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