Unexplained weight gain can be frustrating and concerning. There are many potential causes, ranging from lifestyle factors like diet and exercise to underlying health conditions.
Common causes of unexplained weight gain include:
- Medications - Many prescription drugs like steroids, antidepressants, and seizure medications list weight gain as a common side effect.
- Aging - As we get older, our metabolisms naturally slow down, often making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Strength training can help counteract this.
- Lifestyle factors - Lack of exercise, increased calorie intake, poor sleep habits, and high stress levels can all contribute to weight gain over time. Evaluating lifestyle is an important first step.
Diagnosing the cause of unexplained weight gain requires a systematic approach, including:
- Tracking detailed food and exercise logs
- Evaluating medications
- Getting tested - bloodwork, hormones, etc.
- Considering mental health and stress levels
- Ruling out conditions like thyroid disorders or PCOS
Treatment varies based on the root cause but may include:
- Adjusting activity levels and diet
- Optimizing hormones with lifestyle changes or medications (Hormone Health Center can help)
- Tapering unnecessary medications under a doctor's supervision
- Managing underlying health conditions
The key is not to ignore unexplained weight gain and to partner with your healthcare provider to get to the root cause. Small consistent lifestyle and diet changes paired with targeted treatment of any underlying condition is often the most sustainable approach.