What's
With the Weight Gain?
If you started taking in more calories than usual or
cutting back on exercise, you wouldn't be surprised if the numbers on the scale
crept higher. But what if you're doing everything the same as you always do,
and your weight still goes up? It's time to delve a little deeper into what
else might be going on.
Lack
of Sleep
There are two issues at work with sleep and weight gain.
First, if you're up late, the odds are greater that you're doing some
late-night snacking, which means more calories. The other reason involves
what's going on in your body when you're sleep-deprived. Changes in hormone
levels increase hunger and appetite and also make you feel not as 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. And of course, we may reach for high-calorie
comfort foods in times of stress as well. This combination is a perfect
breeding ground for weight gain
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. Realize 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 -- to 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. That can lead to serious problems. Check with your doctor first
Drugs
That May Cause Weight Gain
Several other 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. Work with your doctor to find a
medication that treats your symptoms and lessens side effectsDon't Jump to
Blame the Pill.Contrary to popular belief, combination birth control
pills (estrogen and progestin) aren't proven to cause lasting weight gain. It
is thought that some women taking the combination pill may experience some
weight gain related to fluid retention, but this is usually short-term. 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
Don't
Blame Menopause
Most women do gain some weight around the time of
menopause, but hormones probably aren't the only cause. Aging slows your
metabolism, so you burn fewer calories. And changes in lifestyle (such as
exercising less) play a role. But where you gain weight may be related to
menopause, with fat accumulating around your waist more than your hips and
thighs.
Cushing's
Syndrome
Weight gain is a common symptom of Cushing's syndrome, a
condition in which you are exposed to too much of the stress hormone cortisol,
which in turn causes weight gain and other abnormalities. You can get Cushing's
syndrome if you take steroids for asthma, arthritis, or lupus. It can also
happen when your adrenal glands make too much cortisol, or it could be related
to a tumor. The weight gain may be most prominent around the face, neck, upper
back, or waist
Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a common hormonal problem in women of
childbearing age. Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries.
The condition leads to hormone imbalances that affect a woman's menstrual cycle
and can lead to extra body hair and acne. Women with this condition are
resistant to insulin (the hormone that controls blood sugar), so it may cause
weight gain. The weight tends to collect around the belly, putting these women
at greater risk for heart disease
Quitting
Smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for
your health. When you quit, you may gain some weight, but perhaps less than you
think. On average, people who stop smoking gain less than 10 pounds. You should
stop feeling hungrier after several weeks, which will make it easier to help
lose any weight you gained. And remember this. It’s a lot easier to lose a
stone than to lose a 3 pound tumour.
Rule
1: If You Do Gain Weight ...
Don't stop taking any medications without first
consulting your doctor. Recognize the importance of the drug you're taking. It
may be critical to your health. Also, something else may be causing you to gain
weight. Your doctor can help you figure out what's going on.
Rule
2: If You Do Gain Weight ...
Don't compare yourself to other people taking the same
drug. Not all people experience the same side effects on the same drug. Even if
a drug caused someone else to lose weight, the same might not be true for you
Rule
3: If You Do Gain Weight ...
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-sodium diet in the meantime.
Rule
4: If You Do Gain Weight ...
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
Rule
5: If You Do Gain Weight ...
Learn if the weight gain is from a decrease in metabolism
-- from either a medical condition or medication. And if so, take the time to
participate in metabolism-raising activities. Get moving!
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