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Contents
  • Your Medications
  • Lack of Sleep
  • Stress and Cortisol
  • Your Gut Microbiome

5 Surprising Factors That May Be Making You Gain Weight

5 Surprising Factors That May Be Making You Gain Weight

What's Behind the Scale Creep?

Weight gain isn't always just about diet and exercise. Some unexpected factors could be tipping the scales without you realizing it.
Contents
  • Your Medications
  • Lack of Sleep
  • Stress and Cortisol
  • Your Gut Microbiome

Your Medications

Certain common medications can cause weight gain as a side effect. These include some antidepressants, antipsychotics, diabetes medications, and steroids. If you've noticed unexplained weight gain, check with your doctor about your prescriptions.

Lack of Sleep

Not getting enough shut-eye can lead to weight gain. Sleep deprivation messes with hunger hormones and may increase cravings for high-calorie foods. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to help maintain a healthy weight.
Weight gain can be caused by various factors including medications, lack of sleep, and more, impacting overall weight management.

Stress and Cortisol

Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can increase appetite and lead to overeating. High cortisol is also linked to increased abdominal fat. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, like exercise or meditation, may help control weight.

Your Gut Microbiome

The trillions of bacteria in your gut influence metabolism and weight. An imbalanced microbiome may contribute to weight gain. Eating a varied diet rich in fiber and fermented foods can promote a healthy gut.

FAQs

Can quitting smoking cause weight gain?

Yes, the average weight gain is about 5-10 pounds.

Does birth control cause weight gain?

Most research shows no significant weight gain from birth control pills.

Can hypothyroidism lead to weight gain?

Yes, an underactive thyroid can slow metabolism and cause weight gain.

Do genetics play a role in weight?

Yes, genes influence body weight by 40-70%.

The Bottom Line

Weight management involves more than just calories in vs. calories out - many factors influence body weight.
Discuss any concerns about unexplained weight gain with Doctronic to identify potential causes and solutions.
Additional References
  1. Leslie WS, et al. Weight gain as an adverse effect of some commonly prescribed drugs: a systematic review. QJM. 2007;100(7):395-404.
  2. McHill AW, Wright KP Jr. Role of sleep and circadian disruption on energy expenditure and in metabolic predisposition to human obesity and metabolic disease. Obes Rev. 2017;18 Suppl 1:15-24.
  3. Maruvada P, et al. The Human Microbiome and Obesity: Moving beyond Associations. Cell Host Microbe. 2017;22(5):589-599.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.