Last Updated:  27 July 2016

Q. Sandra asked:  What causes unexplained weight gain?

A. Wow you didn’t hold back anything here.  Seeing that I have no detail… This attracted me to post this question because it is so vague and broad as how to answer to it.  I’ll take it as a personal challenge to answer it as briefly as possible.   Here goes, “I don’t believe in unexplained weight gain, I believe there’s a logical reason for weight gain.” Now that I’ve set this stage, let me explain. 

 Causes of weight gain   1) Congenital heart defects cause poor blood-fluid circulation, i.e., fluids in the feet, ankles and legs. 2) Cushing’s Syndrome – Is a hormonal disorder caused from prolonged exposure of body tissues to high levels of hormone cortisol (self induced Cushings symptoms from prednisone use). Symptoms include, but not limited to upper body obesity, rounded face, increased fat around the neck, thinning arms and legs. 3) Fitness – Fitness develops muscle cells that weigh more than fat cells. 4) Hypothyroidism – The Thyroid hormone is produced in the lower part of the neck and when the thyroid production falls below normal levels two of the symptoms cause modest weight gain. 5) Kidney failure – The kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and removing waste products, controlling blood pressure and production of red blood cells. Inability to regulate water and electrolyte balance, clear waste products, can cause generalized swelling. 6) Obesity – Excess body fat is “usually” caused by poor diet. 7) Medications – Most medications have side effects. Read signs and symptoms of your medications to determine if this is the cause of your weight gain. Consult your doctor. 8) Pregnancy – Use a pregnancy test to determine if this is the source of your weight gain.

I may not have covered all areas of weight gain cause, but these are the most common reasons for unexplained weight gain.  Believe it or not, most weight problems listed above “can be” controlled through proper diet and exercise.  I know you’ve heard this before, but it’s true.

If I could provide a few RECOMMENDATIONS:  Basic habit changes include:  Take daily walks to the store instead of driving a car, or walk your dog, or get a fitness membership, etc.  Eat less processed and consume more whole foods.  This includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.  Cut alcohol and sodium in half.  Cut red meat consumption and eat more poultry and fish.  “Quit drinking diet sodas!!!  Use the search engine at this site and type in “Aspartame the Silent Killer.”