1. Check Your Thyroid Gland
A primary medical issue that can lead to excessive weight gain is hypothyroidism. This occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce the necessary amount of enzyme. Because of this deficiency, the metabolism slows and weight gain ensues. There are estimates that as many as ten percent of women suffer to some degree from this disease. Some of the symptoms of this disease include, but are not limited to, dry hair, lethargy, weight gain, weakness and muscle cramps.
2. Cushing's syndrome
Have you experienced a sudden weight gain in the face, neck or stomach, and does the skin bruise easily? You may have Cushing's syndrome, which occurs when the adrenal gland starts to produce an excess amount of cortisol. To have this disease properly diagnosed, visit a physician and ask for a cortisol level test or a similar test to determine if you are afflicted with Cushing's syndrome.
3. Depression and Your Weight
Depression is a condition that is tough enough to live through on its own, but it can also result in excess weight gain due to inactivity and excessive eating. If the depression is mild enough, some people do no recognize it as such, and they think the weight gain is the result of something else. However, in reality there are millions that suffer through depression and the weight gain that comes with it without ever seeking help or a diagnosis because of a myriad of factors. If you feel that you may be depressed, see a doctor or therapist for treatment of the disease.
4. Prescription for Weight Gain
Some medications taken to alleviate depression have the unwanted side effect of weight gain. Popular mood medications like Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac and Celexa all can have a varying impact on a person's weight. Usually the primary disease classes that contain drugs that cause weight gain are anti-convulsants, anti-anxiety mood stabilizers and antidepressants. If you are on these medications and notice weight gain, please consult the doctor who prescribed them.
5. Check Yourself
You can manage weight gain caused by a medical condition with the proper diagnosis, treatment and diet. The first thing a person can do is to alter what and how much they eat. While this will not totally alleviate the problem, it can assist you to manage the condition while you are undergoing treatment. You can also alter your activity level and exercise more often. Just because this is a medical problem, it does not remove all responsibility from the individual to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Member Comments