While many people struggle with keeping weight off, others have a hard time holding on to the pounds. While this may sound like a lucky break, continuous weight loss can be a symptom of a myriad of health problems and lead to headaches, dizziness, lack of energy and even anemia or malnutrition in some cases. Stopping weight loss may require medical assistance if home remedies don't seem to work.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor first to rule out medical problems. Irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, ulcerative colitis and other gastrointestinal conditions can cause unintentional weight loss. Other health issues that can lead to weight loss (even if you're eating normally) include cancer, diabetes, kidney failure and hyperthyroidism. Even depression and chronic fatigue syndrome can affect your weight. If you have a medical condition, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication to help you deal with it.
Step 2
Consider switching medications. Certain prescription drugs can cause weight loss as a side effect. To correct the problem, your doctor may switch you to an alternative. For example, most antidepressants cause weight gain, so if you have been prescribed one of the few that causes weight loss, ask your doctor to switch you to a different one. Other medications that cause weight loss include ACE inhibitors, sedatives, NSAIDs, diuretics and thryroid hormone supplements.
Step 3
Lower your exercise intensity. If you're an avid exerciser, keep your workouts but take it easier. Instead of running, go for walks, and instead of aerobic classes, take yoga. You will keep your fitness level but reduce the speed at which you burn fat (and thus lose weight).
Step 4
Eat even if you're not hungry. Avoid skipping meals. If you can't stomach eating large portions, eat smaller meals frequently. If you've been eating small amounts for a while, it can take some time until your body adjusts to the idea of eating much and frequently. Take it slow, and increase portion size a couple of tablespoons (or equivalent) at a time.
Step 5
Eat foods that are calorie-dense but healthy. This includes nuts, dairy products and vegetable fats such as olive oil and avocados. Avoid animal fats such as red meats and butter. Make sure the largest part of your meal consists of calorie dense foods rather than vegetables or fruits, which are generally low in calories and high in fiber.
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