Weight, to gain

Christopher Hobbs:

“People who have trouble gaining weight often have a deficiency of the digestive system or a fast metabolic rate.”

Etiologic and Other Factors Contributing to Weight Gain

1. Lifestyle Factors:
   • Poor dietary choices, such as consuming calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods.
   • Sedentary behavior or lack of physical activity.
   • Excessive alcohol consumption.
2. Medical Conditions:
   • Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid function can slow metabolism.
   • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Can lead to hormonal imbalances and weight gain.
   • Cushing’s Syndrome: Elevated cortisol levels can promote fat accumulation.
   • Insulin resistance or prediabetes.
3. Medications:
   • Certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, and hormonal treatments can cause weight gain.
4. Psychological Factors:
   • Emotional eating or stress-induced eating.
   • Depression or anxiety disorders affecting appetite regulation.
5. Genetic or Hormonal Influences:
   • Family history of obesity.
   • Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, menopause, or aging.

Signs to Seek Professional Help

You should consider consulting a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if you experience:

• Rapid, unexplained weight gain despite no significant lifestyle changes.
• Symptoms of an underlying medical condition (e.g., fatigue, hair loss, irregular periods, swelling, or mood changes).
• Difficulty maintaining a healthy weight despite dietary and exercise efforts.
• Weight gain associated with emotional distress, binge eating, or other disordered eating patterns.
• Obesity that leads to or worsens conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or joint pain.