Unexpected weight gain is a sudden or rapid gain when one is not trying to gain weight. Some types of weight gain are related to a natural process, not a disease. However, sudden weight gain can become problematic and must be addressed. In most cases, putting more calories into the body can lead to unwanted weight gain.
Unexpected weight gain occurs when you gain weight without increasing your intake of food or fluids or decreasing your activity. It is often caused by fluid retention, abnormal growth, constipation, or pregnancy.
Similarly, weight gain can also be a symptom of several disorders that affect several body systems, including the endocrine, cardiac, urinary, neurological, and respiratory systems. In particular, sudden and rapid weight gain can indicate dangerous fluid retention levels in the body because of heart or kidney disease.
Because most weight gain is a symptom of caloric intake over caloric need, you must focus on proper nutrition, learning portion control and developing a consistent but varied diet.
Many health conditions can cause sudden weight gain in both males and females. Here is a list of conditions that might be a reason for your weight gain.
One of the most common causes of rapid weight gain in females is pregnancy. However, many women eat more to support the baby's growth and gain weight as the baby grows. This additional weight consists of the baby, the placenta, the amniotic fluid, the increased blood flow, and the enlarged uterus.
Certain medications can make people gain weight quickly. Medicines that can make people gain weight quickly include some drugs that treat:
Changes in sleeping patterns may affect eating habits and mood, leading people to overeat and put on weight. Sleep-deprived people consume more carbohydrates than necessary to meet their energy needs, leading to weight gain.
People with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) quickly gain weight around the waist. PCOS causes the ovaries to produce abnormally high levels of male sex hormones.
Other signs of PCOS include:
The menstrual cycle is also linked to intermittent weight gain. Women may experience water retention and bloat around the time of their period. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause weight gain. Usually, this is a weight gain of a few pounds.
This type of weight gain disappears when the menstrual period ends. It often reappears the following month after the menstrual period starts again and sometimes during ovulation.A thyroid disorder called hypothyroidism can slow down your metabolism, which can cause weight gain. Thyroid problems can also cause the body to keep fluids because of the effects of hypothyroidism on the kidneys.
Sudden or unexplained weight gain and swelling can be a sign of ovarian cancer. Other signs of ovarian cancer include:
Weight gain is a common symptom of Cushing syndrome, a condition in which you are exposed to too much cortisol, the stress hormone, which leads to weight gain and other abnormalities. It can happen when the adrenal glands make too much cortisol, and it could be related to a tumor. Weight gain across the forehead, throat, upper back, or waist can be the most noticeable.
People respond to stress, anxiety, and depressive moods differently. Some people can lose weight, while others can gain weight. Some people turn to food as a coping mechanism, and it can lead to a vicious cycle. Weight gain because of depression can make you feel more depressed, which can lead to more weight gain.
If you know you are an emotional eater, finding other forms of distraction can help, such as:
Rapid and unexplained weight gain can result from fluid retention, leading to swelling, also known as Edema. This can make your limbs, hands, feet, face, or abdomen appear swollen. People with heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or those who take certain medications can experience this type of weight gain.
Rapid weight gain or swelling in particular body areas can be caused by fluid retention and can be a sign of heart failure. If blood flows slowly to and from the heart, it affects the function of other vital organs in the body. As a result, fluid builds up in the tissues, causing weight gain and swelling.
With swelling, people can encounter weight gain in the body parts such as;
During the diagnosis, the doctor might ask several questions about your signs, lifestyle, and medical history. A blood sample can also be taken to check hormone levels, kidney and liver function, and other health markers that can indicate medical problems.
An imaging test such as an ultrasound, plain X-ray, MRI, or CT scan may be necessary.
There are several ways to treat sudden weight gain. The best treatment depends on the cause of your unintended weight gain. If a hormonal imbalance is the cause, your doctor may prescribe medication to balance your hormone levels.
If your medication causes the problem, your doctor will recommend alternative treatments.
People who experience rapid and involuntary weight gain without an apparent cause should see the doctor.
The physician will inquire about the patient's medical history and any signs. They may perform a physical exam and blood tests. If needed, they may also refer the person to an endocrinologist, a specialist in treating sudden weight gain conditions.
Regular intake of green tea can help you lose weight and maintain it. Green tea is a rich source of catechins and caffeine, which play an important role in weight loss.
The combination of lemon juice and honey is a popular weight-loss remedy. The vitamin C in lemons aids fat oxidation, and honey exhibits lipid-lowering properties.
Black pepper contains a compound called piperine, which gives it its spicy flavour. Piperine has fat-reducing and lipid-lowering activities that can help you lose weight.
A parsley and lemon juice mixture is one of the best weight-loss remedies. Both parsley and lemon juice are rich sources of vitamin C, which helps with digestion and the oxidation of fats.
Cranberry juice is very low in calories and is an excellent substitute for other juices. It is also a rich source of antioxidants that help flush toxins from your body and stimulate your metabolism, which can help you lose weight.
Curry leaves lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, helping you lose weight naturally. They also aid digestion, making it the perfect remedy for weight loss.
Cinnamon has been used for years to combat obesity and reduce weight. These properties can be attributed to its metabolic activities, which also help treat heart disease and diabetes.
Ginger promotes a feeling of fullness and reduces hunger pangs. It also improves thermogenesis, which helps burn extra fat and helps you lose weight naturally.
The presence of medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil makes it an effective remedy for weight loss. The oil exhibits powerful effects on your metabolism, which is one of the significant ways it helps you lose weight naturally.
Typically a sudden increase of more than 5% of your current body weight in a short period, could be considered as unexpected weight gain
Yes, depending on the cause of weight gain, lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, regular exercise, stress management, and medical treatment help in reversing the unexpected weight gain
Adopting to balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, high calories and whole grains, along with regular physical activity and adequate sleep helps gain weight naturally
Iron-deficient people experience low energy levels and sudden weight gain due to an underactive thyroid gland.
If someone had gone for a brisk walk instead of taking an afternoon nap, they would have used more energy during the walk. However, afternoon sleeping itself is not the cause of weight gain
The weight gain associated with ovarian cancer is not unique to this type of cancer
