Common Causes Of Weight Gain

The prevalence of unintentional weight gain has been dramatically increasing for the last two decades, according to a study published by the "International Journal of Obesity" in July 2002. Furthermore, according to this study, the estimated average weight gain of an American adult is about 0.5kg to 1kg, or 1.1 to 2.2 pounds, per year. MedlinePlus reports that about 40 percent of Americans are overweight. This may be due to multiple factors, such as lifestyle, faulty diet, decreased physical activity and certain health conditions.

Increased Food Intake and Sedentary Lifestyle

Overconsumption of food, particularly fast food and sugar-sweetened soft drinks, coupled with decreased physical activity associated with sedentary lifestyle, is the most common cause of weight gain, according to a study published by "The American Journal of Nutrition" in February 2006. This combination causes an imbalance in the energy intake and energy expenditure of the human body, causing weight gain. However, according to this study, low food consumption in sedentary people can also lead to micronutrient depletion that may cause the body's metabolism to operate improperly. Thus the researchers strongly recommend that diet modification combined with attention to physical activity is required in order to combat excessive unintentional weight gain.

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome, a condition that results from chronic exposure to elevated levels of steroids, is a cause of unintentional weight gain. The majority of patients have a history of corticosteroid intake, with the minority having problems associated with endogenous overproduction of steroids, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Patients who have Cushing's syndrome usually develop moon face, obesity and buffalo hump. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and decreased immunity may also occur in these patients.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone, can cause unintentional weight gain. Causes of hypothyroidism include autoimmunity, a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland; congenital or birth defects; radiation treatments involving the neck; surgical removal of the thyroid gland; and drugs such as amiodarone, a medication used to control irregular heart rate, as well as medications used for hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland overproduces thyroid hormone. Medication that increases thyroid hormone to normal levels is usually necessary to correct this problem.

Depression

Depression may also lead to unintentional weight gain, notes MedlinePlus. Patients who are depressed may lack control in eating carbohydrate-rich food and resist engaging in physical activity. The treatment of depression requires regular or continuous intervention to maintain mood and control food intake.

Polycystic Ovaries

Another health problem that results in unintentional weight gain is polycystic ovaries, a condition in which there is an ovarian dysfunction resulting in an imbalance in the female sex hormones. Aside from weight gain, polycystic ovaries may also result in irregular menstrual cycles, skin changes and difficulty getting pregnant. Treatment may include weight loss and certain medications, such as birth pills; metformin, a medication usually used for the treatment of diabetes; and hormonal therapy.