Worried about weight gain? Are you gaining weight but can’t figure out why? The chances are that there might be an underlying condition. Most cases where women gain weight have to do with consuming more calories than they should. It can be in the form of junk food, an unhealthy lifestyle, or something more serious. However, if watching your diet and exercising regularly is not proving to be sufficient, then you might need to look elsewhere.
Reasons Why Women Might Gain Weight
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the conditions that might be causing you to become thicker than you would have liked to be.
1. Menstruation
Yes, period weight is a thing! It is not as much ‘weight-gain’ as it is water retention. This is why you feel bloated around the time of the month. Fluctuating levels of progesterone and estrogen may cause you to gain a few kilos. Although it might be disappointing to look at, the extra weight subsides after a few days. The weight tends to come back every month along with the menstrual cycle. Sometimes, it may come uninvited during ovulation too.
2. Insomnia
Even though it seems unlikely, lack of sleep can significantly contribute to weight gain. Any kind of changes in the sleep cycles can affect mood and eating patterns. Research done in 2013 found that sleep-deprived people eat more carbohydrates than they need to.
3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Around one in ten females in India suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. It is a common endocrinal disorder among women who are in reproductive age. In layman’s terms, a lady has one or more cysts in her ovaries, which can cause hormonal problems, among others. The lady can also put on weight around their area easily. The cure for PCOS has not been discovered yet. However, lifestyle changes play a huge role. Eating a healthy diet and working out regularly can help to manage the symptoms better.
4. Underactive thyroid
An underactive thyroid is also commonly known as hypothyroidism. It happens when the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones that help in regulating different body functions. Although it can affect men as well as women, older women are more susceptible to it. When there are not enough thyroid hormones in the body, the metabolism tends to slow down. This can lead to undesirable weight gain. There is no cure for the disorder yet. But healthy lifestyle changes and medicine can take care of the issue.
Underactive thyroid
5. Diabetes
Diabetes is such a common problem nowadays, especially in India, where over 30 million people are diagnosed with the problem. Weight gain is a common side effect for patients who take insulin. In the case of hypoglycemia, some people consume more than others, so the blood sugar level does not drop. Excess snacking can add to the calories and cause weight gain. Awareness is crucial for managing diseases like diabetes. Since it is a life-long issue, it is better to have proper knowledge, so that you can apply it accordingly.
6. Steroids
Most of us know steroids as something people at the gym use to bulk up. But it is also used to treat several conditions like arthritis and asthma. Some people who take corticosteroids (steroids) noticed an increase in their appetite over time.
Experts say that if you take a high dose of corticosteroids for a long time, then it will make you gain weight. This means that people who take steroids for medicinal purposes have to be extra careful with what they eat. It is also essential to know that you should never stop steroid intake abruptly.
7. Stress and Mood Swings
Issues like depression, stress, and anxiety affect us all at some point. All of us have different ways to cope with and react to the said issues. Some people feel that their appetite dies away while others cope by eating more. For many people, it turns into a vicious cycle that is hard to break free.
When it comes to disorders such as depression, weight gain is a common occurrence. If you know that food is a medium for you to cope with issues, then try to choose healthy alternatives. You can also try to distract yourself by going on walks, calling a friend, etc.
8. Medicine
Not many are aware that certain medications can also cause weight gain. The Obesity Action Coalition suggests that medicine can make a person put on several pounds in a matter of a month or two. It is mostly a side-effect that patients struggle with.
Medicines for seizures, high blood pressure, and diabetes often cause weight gain. But the diseases/ disorders are such that you cannot stop taking medicines. You can consult your physician and make some lifestyle changes to avoid gaining weight.
It’s hard to have a condition and gain weight because of it or due to the medicine prescribed. Our society has such a superficial standard for beauty when it comes to women. Any woman who is not skinny does not fit in the ‘pretty’ category. But that is not true at all.
In most cases, managing our weight depends on us. But what matters more than losing those kilos is that you love yourself and you are okay with who you are. Self-acceptance leads to confidence and self-love, which are things we all need. However, staying in a healthy BMI weight range will help you avoid health conditions and help you lead a healthy and happy life.
Also Read: Best Aerobic Exercises and Their Benefits
