Sudden weight gain is common problem faced by many women. What are the common causes of this problem and how can you get rid of those extra pounds? This article provides you with the answer.
Reasons behind sudden weight gain in women
Sometimes, women might start to experience sudden weight gain. Weight gain during pregnancy is common, but it is progressive weight gain. Also, periodic weight gain can occur with menstruation. But, what if you experience sudden weight gain? Well, you are sure to get worried. There are various reasons of sudden increase in body weight and the same can vary from person to person. Let us understand the most common causes of this problem, experienced by number of women.Causes of Sudden Weight Gain
OvereatingSudden increase in your body weight is usually because you take in more calories than those required, or used by your body. Further, these unused calories lead to fat storage. Taking in more calories, when you are on low-level activities will lead to stuffing of unused calories. One of the primary causes of sudden weight gain in women is overeating, that too unhealthy food. When overeating is not supported by necessary exercises, it will lead to increased weight.
Lifestyle
Sudden weight gain is often lifestyle related problem. Again, stuffing unhealthy food items is the basic cause. Further, improper meal timings, eating late night and sleeping soon after eating food, adds to the problem. Snacking fried or packaged foods instead of healthy meal, skipping meals, consuming aerated drinks, all contributes to the weight gain issue. Though, there can be certain medical conditions causing sudden weight gain in women, eating and exercising habit must be reviewed first. Moreover, lack of sleep is another possible cause of weight gain. Making minor changes in your lifestyle can be really helpful in this case. Following meal timings and eating balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and avoiding intake of food items that are high in fats is very essential.
Hypothyroidism
A common health condition that is one of the frequent causes of sudden weight gain in ladies is hypothyroidism. If there is deficiency of thyroid hormone in your body, it will lead to reduced metabolism of food. As result, there will be loss of appetite, followed by modest weight gain. Protein deposits in your body cause fat accumulation and fluid retention leading to weight gain. Weight gain being the most common symptom of hypothyroidism, other symptoms are swelling of face, puffy eyes, fatigue, lethargy, decreased sweating, poor memory and weakness. Remember that women of any age can be affected by hypothyroidism.
Cushing’s Syndrome
One of the common causes of sudden weight gain in ladies is excess of the hormone cortisol in their body. In this health condition, known as Cushing’s syndrome, face, abdomen and upper back are the areas where fat accumulates and rest of the body remains slender. Along with weight gain, other common symptoms of this disorder are weakness, thin skin, high blood pressure, glucose intolerance and irregular menstrual cycle. Many researchers have established the relation between hormones and weight gain in women.
Stress
Stress can be major reason for sudden increase in body weight. It can influence eating habits of woman to great extent, leading to excessive eating and thus causing weight gain. Anxiety, stress, depression and other emotional factors can also cause weight gain. There are many phases in woman’s life linked to emotional issues. Dealing with stress or depression can often slow down their metabolism. In such situations people usually eat foods high in carbohydrates, which give calming effect, as these trigger an increase in serotonin.
Medications
Medications are the next probable cause of sudden weight gain experienced by ladies. Many drugs and medicines are known to have various side effects on health, weight gain being one of the common among them. Antidepressants, steroids, diabetic medications, birth control pills, corticosteroids and other hormonal pills cause fluid retention and increased appetite, leading to weight gain.
Sudden weight gain, definitely, does not happen without reason. As soon as you experience sudden increase in weight, you can get it properly diagnosed by an experienced doctor. In any case, it is essential that you review your lifestyle. Eating habits, alcohol consumption and job stress. If you’re busy schedule does not allow you to indulge in an exercise program, you can still go for jog or walk everyday for weight control. Healthy diet is what you need to have, excluding all the junk food. Adopt healthy lifestyle and keep those extra pounds away!
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purpose only. Do not use the information presented herein as substitute for medical practitioner’s advice.
Sudden Weight Gain - Causes of Sudden Weight Gain in Women | Health and Fitness
