There are some people who keep on gaining weight despite the fact that they have taken on a diet and have invested a considerable amount of time in the gym. We have always been told that a good diet coupled with exercise results in a good, healthy, and fit body. But how can we believe this advice if we have seen too many people struggle with obesity and uncontrolled weight gain even though they have consciously set themselves to eating healthy and taking on rigorous physical activities?
The truth is there is more to gaining weight than just ingestion of food and calories. Weight gain can be caused by a number of reasons, some medical-related and some genetically embedded in the genes.
Pregnancy As a Possible Reason for Gaining Weight
For some women, pregnancy may be the culprit behind their increasing weight. As the fetus develops inside the womb, women tend to eat more to support both themselves and the baby. Hence, the gaining of weight. However, while pregnancy weight gain may be normal, it should be monitored closely by a physician and should be kept at a certain level.
Typically, a pregnant woman’s weight gain may be assessed by a doctor based on the following factors: 1.) the number of babies inside the womb, 2.) the overall health of the woman, and 3.) the pre-pregnancy weight of the woman. Based on these factors, there is a range by which a pregnant woman may be assessed to be having a normal weight gain. If the gaining of weight is beyond what is expected, there may be an underlying problem behind it other than pregnancy.
Hypothyroidism and Weight Gain
Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce the right amount of thyroid hormone needed by the body, can be a reason behind an individual’s excessive weight gain. People suffering from this condition are likely to experience a dramatic increase in weight even though they adhere to a strict diet and exercise routine. This condition can lead to excessive accumulation of salt and water in the body tissues, leading to seemingly uncontrolled weight gain.
Weight Gain Can Be Due to Prescription Medications
Prescription medications can also lead to weight gain and obesity in some people. Some types of prescription drugs can dramatically change the manner by which food is stored in the body. It can also affect the insulin levels in the body. Moreover, they can increase a person’s appetite and encourage fluid retention within the body tissues. Some prescription medications that have higher chances of contributing to unwanted weight gain include antidepressants, steroids, antipsychotic drugs, and diabetes medications, to name a few.
Stress as a Factor to Weight Gain
Another possible reason for the accumulation of fats in the body is stress. Stress can slow down metabolism and give people a sense of hunger and fatigue. As a result, stressed people may tend to eat uncontrollably. Usually, stress can lead people to eat more food that is rich in carbohydrates as these types of food are known to provide the body with vital energy. More carbohydrates can lead to higher weight gain and obesity.
Depression and Weight Gain
People also have higher chances of gaining excessive weight when they are depressed. Depression can greatly affect the body’s biochemical processes, such as metabolism.
Typically, people suffering from depression may feel unexplained, intense sadness, and as a way to get away from this kind of feeling, they may resort to eating more. Additionally, they may take antidepressants, which are also a factor in excessive and uncontrollable weight gain.
