Sudden weight gain impacts physical and mental health. There are various reasons for sudden weight gain, such as unhealthy eating habits, restricted physical activity, and high-calorie consumption. However, causes of sudden weight gain may also include an underlying medical condition that requires immediate attention. Let us examine the reasons for sudden weight gain in women and the general causes of sudden weight gain in both men and women.
What is the Reason for Sudden Weight Gain in Women?
Most often it is observed that women are plagued with sudden weight gain issues as the changing hormones in their body cause the weight to fluctuate as well. Certain medical conditions also lead to this problem in women. Sudden weight gain female reasons include:
Hypothyroidism
Although this problem can affect both men and women, females seem to suffer from it more as compared to men. Hypothyroidism is one of the major reasons for sudden weight gain and you may observe packing on kilos if your thyroid, which is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, stops making enough hormones.
Menopause
Menopause is another reason for sudden weight gain female as less estrogen during menopause can put more fat around your belly leading to sudden weight gain in stomach and thighs. However, it is not just hormones that are linked to sudden weight gain during menopause. Hot flashes, anxiety, and sleep problems are all related to the end of a woman’s fertility, which can get in the way of healthy eating and exercise. Talking to a doctor can help you deal with your symptoms better.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Women suffering from PCOS often suffer from problems like irregular periods, intense hair on the face or body, severe acne, etc. Too much male androgen hormone causes this issue and cysts may also grow on the ovaries. Often women suffering from PCOS also experience weight gain because they are less sensitive to insulin, a hormone that helps your body turn blood sugar into energy.
General Causes for Sudden Weight Gain
Apart from medical conditions, there are other reasons for sudden weight gain in both men and women. These may include:
Medications
There are a few specific types of medications that can lead to sudden weight gain in many people. These medications may include antidepressants, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, antihypertensives taken for hypertension, and antihyperglycemics taken for diabetics.
Slower Metabolism
Metabolism is the process through which the body converts what you eat and drink into energy that is used throughout your body. A slower metabolism can result in you gaining weight. Metabolism is affected by factors like age, gender, genetics, hormonal factors, diet muscle mass, and activity levels.
Lifestyle Reasons for Sudden Weight Gain
Lifestyle often plays a significant role in your gaining or losing weight. For example, a person eating a healthy balanced diet, who avoids smoking and alcohol, and ensures that he gets a good night’s sleep while also remaining physically active will have a healthy body as compared to someone who does not believe in maintaining a consistent and healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Sudden weight gain is not just physically difficult to deal with and it can negatively affect your mental health as well. This is why it is important to consult a medical professional and understand the underlying cause of this problem. If you are gaining weight due to an underlying medical condition, then the right treatment can help you deal with the changes in your body in the best manner possible.
