Sudden weight gain - a symptom of 1 of 4 diseases that cannot be ignored
Sudden and unexplained weight gain can be disconcerting, especially if you have a healthy diet and exercise routine. And before you look for a solution, it’s important to identify the source of the problem. Here are four conditions where sudden weight gain can be a symptom:
1. Thyroid disorders
If your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, you may have Hashimoto's disease or hypothyroidism. Among the many associated symptoms, unexplained weight gain and lack of energy are the most common.
This condition can be dangerous if left untreated for a long time. Once diagnosed, you will be prescribed medication to help compensate for the underactive thyroid. Once the appropriate dosage is determined, your weight may return to normal.
2. Insomnia
Healthy adults should get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Most of us know that staying up too late can increase hunger and cravings, eventually leading to those midnight cravings. But there's more to it than that.
In a recent study by Swedish researchers, just one night of sleep deprivation caused changes in the body that promoted fat storage. The study suggests that poor sleep alone can lead to weight gain by “degrading proteins that are the main components of muscle.”
3. Depression
In many cases, depression can be accompanied by changes in body weight—sometimes weight loss and sometimes weight gain.
In the second scenario, it is possible that the depressed person spends more time in bed and as a result, gradually decreases in physical activity. It is also possible that the person develops a coping mechanism related to eating to deal with mood problems, such as eating unhealthy, high-calorie snacks.
Belinda Needham, a lecturer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, also points out that increased production of the hormone cortisol. As a result of mood disorders, higher cortisol levels can also lead to weight gain.
4. Cushing's disease
“Cushing’s disease typically presents with poor vitality and complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol,” says Dr. Reshmi Srinath, an instructor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Excessive weight gain accompanied by red stretch marks around the abdomen is a strong indicator. Dr. Srinath also notes that the patient has gained weight only in the trunk and neck area, while the arms and legs remain thin. If these signs are present, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
