What is unexplained weight gain?
Unexplained weight gain refers to gaining weight without an clear cause. There are many potential reasons for unexplained weight gain to occur:
- Hormonal imbalances - Issues with hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid and insulin can cause changes in appetite, fluid retention, and fat storage that lead to weight gain. Getting hormone levels tested can help identify imbalances.
- Medications - Some prescription drugs like steroids, antidepressants and seizures medications can cause increased appetite and water retention as side effects.
- Stress - High stress levels raise cortisol production which can increase belly fat storage and drive cravings for sugary, fatty comfort foods. Managing stress is key.
- Poor sleep - Not getting enough sleep distorts hunger signals and disrupts metabolism-regulating hormones, which can promote overeating and weight gain over time. Prioritizing 7-9 hours per night is best.
- Inactivity - Lack of regular exercise leads to muscle loss and slower metabolism. Just 30-60 minutes of moderate activity daily makes a big difference.
- Age - As we age, bodies naturally lose muscle mass. Staying active helps counteract this. Weight gain is also common during major life stages like pregnancy and menopause.
If you are gaining weight without clear lifestyle factors to blame, have your physician check for potential medical issues like thyroid disorders or diseases, PCOS, Cushing's syndrome, chronic inflammation and more. They can help rule out problems and advise on needed treatment.
At Balance Health Clinic, we specialize in getting to the root causes of stubborn weight gain issues. Our naturopathic doctors use cutting-edge testing to pinpoint hormonal imbalances and other factors interfering with healthy metabolism and weight. We create fully customized treatment plans to help patients lose weight by addressing underlying problems.
With options like hormone therapy, supplements, diet changes and lifestyle recommendations, Balance Health Clinic can help you finally shed those extra hard-to-lose pounds. We find solutions when other weight loss gimmicks and fad diets fail.
Visit ]() for a free consultation with our hormone balance experts today!