• Weight Management

5 Reasons for Unintentional Weight Gain

Weight gain usually happens due to changes in appetite and physical activity levels. However, when the cause of weight gain is unclear, it can be quite frustrating. Here are some potential reasons for unintentional weight gain and situations where it may be a cause for concern.

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Normal Weight Fluctuations vs. Rapid Weight Gain

If you weigh yourself regularly, you may notice fluctuations in your body weight. While this can be frustrating, know that weight fluctuations are a part of the body’s normal process of weight management. Factors contributing to these small changes in weight may include water retention or loss, hormonal fluctuations (such as menstruation), increased food intake, stress, and certain medications.

However, if weight gain happens rapidly, it should not be ignored. While rapid weight gain can occasionally be associated with lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking, reducing physical activity, etc.), it may also signal underlying health issues. Here are some potential reasons for your rapid weight gain as well as signs it may be time to seek medical attention.

Reason 1: Medication

While some medications may increase your appetite, others slow down your body's ability to burn calories or cause fluid retention. These effects can vary from person to person. 

If you experience rapid weight gain while taking any of the medications listed below, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before stopping the medication.

Diabetes medications 

Diabetes medications can sometimes lead to rapid weight gain as a side effect. This weight gain often happens because some of these drugs may increase appetite, cause fluid retention, or affect how the body stores fat. 

• Insulin promotes weight gain by increasing appetite and encouraging fat storage. Higher insulin levels can lead to more glucose being stored as fat. It may also increase hunger, potentially causing weight gain.

• Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide, glyburide) can cause weight gain by stimulating insulin secretion — which may lead to increased hunger and fat storage.

• Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone, rosiglitazone) may lead to weight gain through fluid retention and changes in fat distribution.

Corticosteroids 

Corticosteroids may increase appetite and cause higher food intake. They also promote fluid retention — which adds to body weight. Additionally, corticosteroids can cause changes in fat distribution. This results in the accumulation of fat in specific areas — like the abdomen and face.

• Prednisone is commonly used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. It may lead to increased appetite and fluid retention — which can result in weight gain.

• Hydrocortisone is used to treat various conditions (including adrenal insufficiency and inflammatory disorders). It may cause weight gain by increasing appetite and fat distribution.

• Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid used in various treatments. It’s known for causing significant weight gain due to its effects on metabolism and appetite.

Beta blockers  

Beta blockers may reduce metabolic rate and cause the body to burn fewer calories. Additionally, some beta blockers may affect appetite, fat distribution, and fluid retention.

• Propranolol is used for conditions like high blood pressure and anxiety. It can slow metabolism and promote weight gain.

• Atenolol is prescribed for hypertension and angina. It can lead to weight gain due to reduced metabolic rate as well as fluid retention.

Mood stabilizers 

Mood stabilizers may contribute to weight gain by increasing appetite and affecting how the body processes and stores fat. They can also lead to fluid retention and changes in fat distribution.

• Lithium is effective for managing bipolar disorder. It can lead to weight gain due to fluid retention and increased appetite.

• Valproate (valproic acid) is used to stabilize mood swings. It’s known for causing significant weight gain.

Antipsychotics 

Antipsychotics may increase appetite and alter metabolic processes. This affects how the body stores and uses fat. Changes in fat distribution are also common.

• Olanzapine is known to cause substantial weight gain due to its effects on appetite and metabolism.

• Risperidone can lead to weight gain by affecting appetite and insulin sensitivity.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants may contribute to weight gain by increasing appetite or altering metabolic processes. Some antidepressants are associated with significant changes in body weight due to these effects.

• Mirtazapine is often associated with weight gain due to its effects on appetite.

• Amitriptyline is an older antidepressant that can lead to weight gain through increased appetite and changes in metabolism.

Reason 2: Quitting Smoking

Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco smoke. It speeds up the body’s processing system by boosting metabolism. It also reduces appetite. When you stop smoking, your metabolic rate decreases — potentially leading to weight gain if caloric intake remains the same. That’s why it’s common for people to gain weight after quitting smoking. 

It’s also common for people to notice that their eating habits change after giving up nicotine. This may be because some people experience increased hunger as a withdrawal symptom. Smoking can sometimes be a coping mechanism for stress or boredom. Without it, individuals may turn to food for comfort or distraction.

While increased hunger can happen as a withdrawal symptom, research indicates that eating patterns typically normalize over time. Always remember to manage changes in appetite and maintain a balanced diet to mitigate weight gain after quitting smoking.

Reason 3: Stress

Stress is linked to several physiological and cognitive changes. A 2022 study suggests that stress may cause weight gain by:

• Impairing cognitive functions related to self-regulation and making it harder to control eating habits. This may lead to overeating or indulging in unhealthy foods as a way to cope with stress.

• Disrupting the balance of hormones that regulate hunger. For example, it can lower leptin levels (which signals satiety) and increase ghrelin levels (which stimulates appetite). This hormonal imbalance can lead to increased hunger and cravings for high-calorie foods.

• Making you seek comfort in food, often choosing items that are high in calories, fat, and sugar. This emotional eating can result in excessive caloric intake and contribute to weight gain.

• Leading to fatigue and decreased energy levels, reducing motivation for physical activity. With less exercise, there is less energy expenditure, which can contribute to weight gain.

• Causing poor sleep quality or insomnia due to its link to hormonal changes and increased appetite. 

Reason 4: Insomnia  

Circadian rhythm refers to the natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other physiological functions over a roughly 24-hour period. It affects appetite hormones, energy needs and expenditure, and food choices. 

Insomnia may contribute to weight gain since it disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Just like stress, insufficient sleep can also lower leptin levels (a hormone that stimulates fullness) and increase ghrelin levels (a hormone that stimulates hunger). This causes increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods. 

Chronic insomnia can also increase cortisol, which is a stress hormone that may lead to fat accumulation (especially around the abdomen). Lack of sleep can also reduce overall physical activity and energy expenditure. People may experience decreased motivation for exercise and increased fatigue. These factors may potentially contribute to weight gain.

Reason 5: Underlying Health Conditions

Gaining two to three pounds in a day or more than five pounds in a week is considered rapid weight gain. This can be a sign of an underlying health issue. The American Heart Association recommends seeking medical attention if you experience this amount of weight gain without changes in diet, activity level, and lifestyle.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that happens during reproductive years. It causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. Individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome may have menstrual irregularity, excess hair growth, acne, and infertility. 

One of the hormonal abnormalities of PCOS is insulin resistance — which can lead to weight gain. People with PCOS also face an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels. While there is no cure for PCOS, managing the condition through lifestyle and dietary changes — such as regular exercise and a healthy diet — can help lower weight and improve insulin sensitivity. If you suspect that you may have PCOS, be sure to promptly reach out to a healthcare provider.

Heart failure

Heart failure can cause rapid weight gain or swelling in certain body areas due to fluid retention. According to the American Heart Association, a weight increase of more than two to three pounds over 24 hours or five pounds in a week could indicate heart failure. 

When blood flow is impaired, fluid can accumulate in tissues. This leads to swelling in the stomach, ankles, legs, and feet. In addition to weight gain, symptoms of heart failure may include fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), frequent coughing, breathlessness when resting, dizziness, confusion, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping. Anyone experiencing these symptoms alongside rapid weight gain should seek medical attention immediately.

Kidney problems

The kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste products and fluids from the body. If they are damaged, fluid retention may occur. This results in rapid weight gain.

Sudden weight gain or swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet may signal kidney disease (such as kidney failure or nephrotic syndrome). Other symptoms of kidney problems may include fatigue, trouble sleeping, dry or itchy skin, bloody or foamy urine, frequent urination, puffy eyes, loss of appetite, and muscle cramps. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a healthcare provider.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a progressive liver condition where scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This can lead to abdominal fluid buildup (ascites), resulting in weight gain, breathing difficulties, swollen ankles, abdominal pain, and hernias. If experiencing rapid weight gain along with these symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor.

Thyroid disorder

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones — which can slow down metabolism. Symptoms include weight gain, constant fatigue, depression, feeling cold, dry skin and hair, stiff joints, aching muscles, and constipation. Seek medical help if you experience these symptoms along with rapid weight gain. 

Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body produces excess cortisol — often due to medications (like glucocorticoids) used for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or asthma. Symptoms include weight gain (particularly in the abdomen, neck, face, and upper back, thin arms and legs), as well as easy bruising, fatigue, muscle weakness, irregular menstrual cycles, and erectile dysfunction. If caused by medication, discussing treatment options with a healthcare professional is important.

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a condition where the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. Symptoms include enlargement and swelling of the feet, hands, lips, tongue, and nose. Acromegaly may also cause coarse or thick skin. Other symptoms of acromegaly may include bone changes (in the jaw and teeth), aching joints, and vision problems. A deeper voice, skin tags, excessive sweating, obstructive sleep apnea, and snoring may also be signals of acromegaly. Treatment may involve surgery or radiation therapy to remove a benign tumor on the pituitary gland. If your weight gain comes with these symptoms, be sure to see a healthcare professional.

Ovarian cancer

In rare cases, rapid weight gain may be linked to ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of a woman developing ovarian cancer is approximately one in 87.

Ovarian cancer originates in the ovaries and may not present symptoms in the early stages. As it progresses, symptoms may include weight gain along with abdominal or pelvic pain, difficulty sleeping, frequent or urgent urination, loss of appetite or feeling full quickly. Unusual menstrual cycles and indigestion are also common symptoms of ovarian cancer. Early detection improves prognosis. If you experience abnormal pelvic pain,  you should consult a healthcare professional immediately.

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Preventive Measures and Solutions

If you believe your weight gain is due to lifestyle changes and factors — and not due to an underlying health condition — you can apply some tips to manage and prevent weight gain. 

These may include: 

Following a balanced diet:

• Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods — such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats

• Avoid excessive consumption of sugary beverages, processed foods, and high-fat snacks

Getting involved in regular physical activity:

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week

• Incorporate a mix of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises

Practicing healthy sleep habits:

• Get seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a restful sleep environment

Managing stress:

• Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga — or deep breathing exercises.

• Engage in hobbies and activities that reduce stress

Monitoring weight:

• Regularly track your weight and body measurements to stay aware of changes

• Make adjustments to your diet and exercise routine as needed

When to Seek Help

If your weight gain is gradual and happens over an extended period, it may be chronic. Chronic weight gain is often managed through a combination of lifestyle changes above, but sometimes medical or psychological interventions may be a necessity.

How Can LifeMD Help?

Weight gain — whether it’s rapid or gradual — may be frustrating and concerning. If you noticed that your weight gain is chronic, LifeMD may be able to help you manage it.

Through LifeMD’s Weight Management Program, you may be eligible for GLP-1 medications that are clinically proven to help you lose weight. If you qualify, board-certified healthcare professionals can prescribe GLP-1 medications as well as give you the support you need on your weight management journey. 

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

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