Unexplained weight gain

Unexplained weight gain can be frustrating and concerning. There are many potential causes to explore if you notice your weight increasing without clear explanation.

What Is Unexplained Weight Gain?

Unexplained weight gain refers to fat accumulation and added pounds that occur even if your eating and exercise habits remain consistent. This differs from expected weight fluctuations related to lifestyle factors.

Some common causes include:

• Hormonal changes - Thyroid disorders, menopause, and other hormone issues can slow metabolism.


• Medications - Steroids, antidepressants, and other drugs may have weight gain as a side effect.


• Aging - As we get older, body composition tends to shift leading to more fat and less muscle which burns fewer calories.


• Stress - High stress hormones signal the body to store more fat especially around the abdomen.


• Insulin resistance - Cells become insensitive to insulin, a hormone needed to process sugars and carbs efficiently for energy.

When To See Your Doctor

See your doctor if you have unintentional weight gain of:

• 5% or more of your body weight over 6 to 12 months


• More than 20 pounds if you were not trying to gain weight

They can help uncover any underlying medical conditions and offer appropriate treatment options.

Blood tests can check for thyroid dysfunction, prediabetes, Cushing's disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and other issues. Your doctor may adjust current prescriptions or order imaging tests to investigate further.

If hormone imbalances are interfering with your weight, the experts at Vitality Hormone Center can help diagnose the root cause and customize treatment ranging from lifestyle changes to bioidentical hormones. Contact us today for your free consultation. We're here to listen and help you achieve optimal health!

What You Can Do

Alongside medical care, focus on healthy lifestyle strategies proven to reduce unexplained weight gain:

• Keep a food journal to identify any problem foods or mindless eating patterns triggering weight gain


• Incorporate strength training to boost metabolism by building calorie-burning muscle


• Address sleep deficiency and chronic stress which disrupt hormone regulation


• Drink more water since dehydration and salt imbalance can mimic excess body fat


• Trial an elimination diet to pinpoint food intolerances that lead to inflammation

Be patient yet proactive. It may take some trial and error under medical supervision to tackle the underlying source and shift your body toward healthy weight regulation again. But identifying and addressing the root problem is worth it!