Why Are You Gaining Weight?

This is a question I would guess virtually every woman has asked herself at some point or other from teenagers right through to post Menopause. I don’t claim to have all the answers but some of these might make a difference for you.

Why me?

If you ate more food than usual or exercised less, you would expect to gain weight. But what if you are doing the same things as always, and your weight still increases? It is time to look more closely at other possible reasons.

It might not be menopause

Many women gain some weight during menopause. Lower amounts of oestrogen and progesterone, a slower body, and less muscle cause this.

Your genes, not enough sleep, and a less active life also add to weight gain, with fat gathering around your middle instead of your hips and legs.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

This is a common hormone issue and most women with PCOS grow many small sacs on their ovaries. This causes hormone problems that change your monthly cycle and can lead to more body hair and pimples.

If you have it then you do not use insulin (the hormone that manages blood sugar) well, which can cause weight gain.

The weight usually gathers around the stomach, making you more likely to have heart problems as well as weight gain.

Not enough sleep

There are two reasons sleep affects weight gain. First, if you stay up late, you are more likely to snack late at night, meaning more calories.

The other reason is what happens in your body when you do not get enough sleep. Changes in hormone levels make you feel hungrier and want to eat more, and also make you feel less full after eating.

Stress

When life’s demands get too intense, our bodies go into survival mode. Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” is secreted, which causes an increase in appetite.

Then of course, you are tempted to reach for high-calorie comfort foods in times of stress as well. This combination is perfect for weight gain so check your snacking habits.

Medications that may cause weight gain

Several prescription drugs are linked to weight gain. The list includes antipsychotic drugs (used to treat disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), along with medications to treat migraines, seizures, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Discuss this with your doctor to see if there is an alternative  medication that treats your symptoms and lessens side effects.

Antidepressants

An unfortunate side effect from some antidepressants is weight gain. Talk to your doctor about making changes to your treatment plan if you think your antidepressant is causing weight gain. But never stop or change your medication on your own.

Realise that some people experience weight gain after beginning drug treatment simply because they’re feeling better, which leads to a better appetite. Also, depression itself can cause changes in weight.

Steroids

Anti-inflammatory steroid medications like prednisone are notorious for causing weight gain. Fluid retention and increased appetite are the main reasons.

Some people may also see a temporary change in where their body holds fat while taking steroids in places like the face, the belly, or the back of the neck.

If you’ve taken steroids for more than a week, don’t stop them abruptly as that can lead to serious problems. Check with your doctor first.

Don’t blame the Pill

Contrary to popular belief, combination birth control pills (oestrogen and progestin) aren’t proven to cause lasting weight gain.

It is thought that some women taking the combination pill may experience some short term weight gain related to fluid retention.

If you’re still concerned about possible weight gain, talk to your doctor.

Hypothyroidism

If your thyroid (the butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck) is not making enough thyroid hormone, you’re probably feeling tired, weak, and cold, and gaining weight.

Without enough thyroid hormone, your metabolism slows, making weight gain more likely. Even a thyroid functioning at the lower end of the normal range might cause weight gain.

Treating hypothyroidism with medication may reverse some of the weight gain but your thyroid is supported by progesterone so check if supplementing will also help.

Cushing’s Syndrome

Weight gain is a common symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. This condition occurs when there is too much of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, which leads to weight gain and other problems.

You can develop Cushing’s syndrome if you take steroids for asthma, arthritis, or lupus and it can also happen if your adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, or due to a tumour.

The weight gain often appears mainly around the face, neck, upper back, or waist.

Quitting smoking

Quitting smoking is very good for your health and, contrary to the popular belief, when you stop smoking you may gain some weight, but usually not as much as you expect.

On average, people who quit smoking gain less than 10 pounds. After a few weeks, you should feel less hungry, making it easier to lose any weight you gained.

What to do if you do gain weight 

1. Do not stop taking any medications without talking to your doctor first. It is important to understand that your medication might be vital for your health.

There may also be another reason for your weight gain, and your doctor can help you identify it.

2. Do not compare your weight changes with anyone else on the same medication. Everyone reacts differently to medications and just because someone else lost weight on the same drug does not mean you will.

Find out if your weight gain is due to a slower metabolism caused by a medical issue or medication. If it is, consider engaging in activities that can boost your metabolism and get as active as you can.

3. Remember that if the weight gain is just from water retention, it’s not permanent weight or fat. Once you’re done taking the drug or your condition is under control, the puffiness from fluid retention may ease.

Stick to a lower salt diet in the meantime.

4. Check with your doctor about another drug you can take. In many cases, your doctor can switch you to another medication that might not have the same side effects.

5. Learn if the weight gain is from a decrease in metabolism whether from either a medical condition or medication.

If that’s the case then boost your metabolism-raising activities and get moving as much as you can.

Last word

Of course hormone balance is vital if you are wanting to lose weight, and as we have seen, there are so many reasons that might be holding back your weight loss and finding the right diet that works for you – and one you can stick – with is also a key element.

This one might be new to you but it’s proven and can be maintained lifelong for the most effective results.

Go Hybrid: The Real ‘Balanced Diet’