Excess weight is a common problem worldwide. Most people struggle with extra pounds they gain by eating more than they expend. However, some experience sudden weight gain that can’t be explained.
This article focuses on sudden and unintentional weight gain, providing potential causes and how to treat those threatening our health.
Sudden weight gain is when a person gains weight unintentionally or without being aware of eating and drinking more than usual. This weight gain is typically higher than what the person puts on during their normal weight fluctuations (up to six pounds daily, on average).
Various factors can cause sudden weight gain, from lifestyle changes to underlying health conditions.
Aging comes with a decrease in muscle mass, resulting in slower metabolism. When our muscles decrease, they burn fewer calories. If we continue to eat like we used to, excess calories result in fat accumulation and weight gain. Aging also brings about other lifestyle changes that may indirectly cause weight gain, such as disrupted sleep and mood swings.
Periodic hormonal fluctuations are normal. Some life phases, however, bring about sudden and more significant hormonal changes that cause various physiological symptoms, including excess weight. Women typically experience the most dramatic hormonal weight gain during perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen production declines. Other hormonal imbalances, such as high cortisol, high leptin, low thyroid hormones, and low testosterone can also lead to weight gain.
The underactive thyroid gland produces fewer thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which regulate metabolism. A slower metabolism leads to fewer calories burned at rest, increased blood sugar levels, higher cholesterol levels, and more fat accumulation.
Many women in their reproductive years suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. It is a hormonal disorder causing an overgrowth of ovarian cysts. It is accompanied by other symptoms, such as insulin resistance, which often lead to weight gain.
Note: Find out how to reverse insulin resistance with effective weight loss strategies.
Fluid retention is the buildup of excess water and fluids, usually in the legs and the abdomen. It can result from temporary bloating due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle or swelling associated with more severe medical conditions. Excess fluids accumulate in the body and may present as weight gain if the heart doesn’t pump enough blood, the kidneys don’t properly remove excess fluids, or a damaged liver leaks fluid into the abdomen.
Cortisol is a hormone that helps us respond to perceived danger. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, the sleep-wake cycle, inflammation, and other bodily processes. Stress, medications (e.g., corticosteroids), and medical conditions, such as Cushing syndrome and pituitary gland tumors, increase cortisol production. Chronically elevated cortisol levels disrupt other hormones associated with weight, including insulin, sleep hormones, and more.
Depressed people are typically inert and find movement difficult. This can result in reduced physical activity and calorie burn. They may also turn to emotional or late-night eating for comfort, leading to rapid weight gain.
Lack of sleep disrupts the hunger hormones leptin and ghrelin, which signal when we are full and when we are hungry. Also, people who sleep less, especially at night, tend to crave more high-calorie foods to compensate for the energy deficit caused by tiredness. Only one night of sleep deprivation can increase appetite and lead to weight gain.
Some medications can cause unintentional weight gain by increasing hunger, causing fluid retention, or slowing metabolism in some patients. The medications include:
Dietary supplements are often used to improve metabolism and help patients lose weight. However, some supplements, such as creatine and protein, can cause water retention, increased muscle mass, and weight gain. Athletes typically take them for these effects, but some patients may be confused by the sudden and unintentional increase in body mass.
Note: Find out what are the best metabolism booster supplements and how they work.
Diet is typically the primary factor influencing our weight. Consuming poor-quality foods and beverages, overeating, and eating late at night are some of the quickest ways to gain extra pounds. Even if a person seems to eat and drink the same amount, they may gain weight if they replace low-calorie meals with high-calorie ones. Such dietary habits also disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, potentially leading to hormonal issues and, consequently, weight gain.
Note: Learn how hormones and gut health are related and why it is important to maintain a healthy gut microbiota.
Vitamin, mineral, and protein deficiencies sometimes lead to weight gain. The vitamins and minerals whose lack disrupts energy metabolism and potentially results in excess weight include:
Proteins help regulate fluid balance and build muscles. Protein deficiencies can cause fluid retention and muscle loss, leading to more fat storage and weight gain.
Note: Explore the link between weight regulation and B complex vitamins: thiamin (vitamin B1), biotin (vitamin B7), cobalamin (vitamin B12).
Many athletes quickly gain weight after they retire because their bodies burn fewer calories due to reduced physical activity. When individuals continue to consume the same amount of calories without adjusting their diet to match their decreased activity levels, even if the reduction is as minimal as skipping a daily walk, weight gain often occurs. This is because the body requires fewer calories to maintain its current weight when it is less active, and any excess calories are stored as fat.
Some smokers who quit smoking complain of putting more weight. Quitting smoking can cause metabolic changes and lead to more eating as a substitute for smoking. However, the health benefits of leaving cigarettes behind far outweigh the risks of temporary weight gain.
Sudden weight gain can be reversed using different strategies, depending on the cause. Paying attention to one’s diet and physical activity may be enough. If that doesn’t yield results, a combination of lifestyle changes and medical intervention is required.
Some people gain weight quickly when they segue from a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to sugary, processed, and calorie-dense treats. They may not be aware of consuming more foods than usual, but it’s the calorie count that matters in accumulating pounds. If you notice your clothes are tighter and the number on the scale has increased, eliminate unhealthy snacks and beverages from your diet, eat more salads and fruits, and avoid eating after 7 or 8 pm.
If you are content with your nutrition, try increasing your weekly physical activity. Combine strength workouts with cardio exercise and daily walks to burn more calories and reduce weight. This will also help improve other health parameters, such as blood flow, insulin sensitivity, muscle strength, hormonal activity, and more.
Many patients who experience sudden weight gain have a hormonal imbalance, which hinders their weight loss efforts through a balanced diet and exercise. Hormone therapy is the most effective strategy in helping them. Depending on the type of hormonal imbalance, doctors prescribe birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and testosterone therapy.
Patients with underlying medical conditions often lose weight after starting the prescribed therapy. Thyroid hormones are not approved for weight loss, but they can help patients with hypothyroidism in this respect. Diuretics help treat fluid retention in patients with heart, kidney, or liver failure, resulting in decreased swelling, bloating, and weight.
Supplements that may help support weight loss include:
Note: Read our articles on the best appetite suppressants and weight-loss products to help you manage cravings and slim down.
Sudden weight gain is often a sign of a health concern that requires medical attention. If the pounds don’t come off after improving your diet, physical activity levels, and sleep patterns, visit your healthcare provider for an examination.
If your sudden weight gain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as hair loss, hormonal acne, palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, and changes in vision, don’t wait to ask for medical advice.
Sudden and unintentional weight gain can be a temporary, benevolent condition that you can resolve with a more disciplined approach toward your lifestyle habits. Track your progress and how you feel to determine if your new body image reflects a potential health concern.
Any weight gain, sudden or gradual, can be a reason for medical concern. If you struggle to lose weight through conventional methods, such as healthier nutrition and regular exercise, contact our medical professionals at Vibrant Vitality Clinic. They will help you improve your health and physical appearance.
4325 E Indian School Rd, Suite 130
Phoenix, AZ 85018
United States
(480) 422-2058
info@vibrantvitalityclinic.com
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
