Accidental weight gain: causes, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition

What is accidental weight gain?

Unintentional weight gain occurs when you gain weight even though you don't increase your intake of food or fluids. This happens periodically, continuously, or rapidly.

In most cases, weight gain is harmless, but the symptoms associated with rapid weight gain can signal a medical emergency.

How common is accidental weight gain?

Accidental weight gain can affect a patient at any age. This can be controlled by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of unintentional weight gain?

Common symptoms of accidental weight gain are:

• discomfort in the stomach
• abdominal pain
• bloating
• flatulence (gas)
• constipation
• visible swelling in the stomach or other parts of the body
• swollen extremities (arms, legs, soles of the feet, hands)

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• fever
• skin sensitivity
• hard to breathe
• difficulty breathing
• swollen soles of the feet
• heart palpitations
• sweating
• changes in vision
• rapid weight gain
• constipation
• excess weight gain of unknown cause
• hair loss
• feeling cold more often than usual

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above, or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always best to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.

Cause

What causes unintentional weight gain?

• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, most women gain weight as the baby grows. This extra weight consists of the baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood supply, enlarged uterus.
• Hormonal changes: between the ages of 45 and 55, women enter menopause. After menopause occurs, estrogen becomes so low that it is not enough to cause menstruation. This decrease in estrogen can cause women in menopause to gain weight around the abdomen and waist area. In addition to menopausal hormonal changes, women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also gain weight. Not only in women, hormonal changes in the middle years can cause metabolism to slow down, resulting in weight gain in both men and women.
• Other medical conditions: hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, increased production of cortisol (stress hormone)
• Medication: corticosteroids, anti-depressants, anti-psychotic drugs, birth control pills
• Menstruation: women can experience water retention and bloating around their menstrual periods. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause some women to gain weight. This form of weight gain will go away when that month's menstrual period is over. However, this weight gain often returns in the following month when menstrual periods resume, and sometimes during ovulation.
• Fluid retention: also known as edema, fluid retention makes the body, hands, feet, face, or stomach appear swollen. People who have heart failure, kidney failure, or those who use certain medications can experience this type of weight gain.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for accidental weight gain?

There are many factors that put you at risk of gaining accidental weight, including:

• Diabetes, diabetes risk, or have a family history of diabetes
• Age: metabolism slows down with age. This can lead to weight gain if you eat too much, eat the wrong foods, or don't get enough exercise.
• Smoking: if you stop smoking, you may gain weight. Most people who quit smoking gain 2 to 5 kg in the first 6 months after quitting. Some gained as much as 11 to 14 kg. This weight gain is not only due to eating more.
• Woman

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is accidental weight gain diagnosed?

The doctor will ask several questions regarding your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history to find the cause. The doctor may also take a blood sample to test for infection. He or she may also check your blood and hormone levels.

Imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or CT scan (computed tomography scan) may be needed. This test helps determine if there is a fracture, abnormal growth, rupture, or inflammation.

What are the treatments for accidental weight gain?

Treatment depends on what caused the accidental weight gain.

Your doctor may recommend a diet and exercise program or refer you to a dietitian. Weight gain caused by stress or feelings of sadness may need counseling. If the weight gain is due to a physical illness, treatment (if any) for the underlying cause will be prescribed.

If the cause is a hormonal imbalance, your doctor may prescribe medication to balance your hormone levels. The type of drug used depends on which hormone is problematic. These medications are often used for the long term.

If the cause is medication, your doctor will likely recommend alternative treatments.

In severe cases, if the cause is organ failure, you may need an organ transplant. In this case, the surgeon will remove the problematic organ and replace it with a donor organ. After the transplant, you will have to use drugs to prevent your body from rejecting the donor organ. Unexplained swelling and weight gain are signs that your body may be rejecting the donor organ.

In some cases, other surgery may be required. Cysts, tumors, something broken, and a fracture may all require surgery for repair or removal. The type of surgery required depends on the nature of the condition.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat accidental weight gain?

The following lifestyle changes and home remedies can help you deal with accidental weight gain:

A healthy diet and exercise program can help control your weight. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about how to make a healthy diet and set realistic weight goals.

Do not stop using drugs that may cause weight gain without first consulting your doctor.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.