6 Reasons Why You’ve Suddenly Gained Weight
When you have no idea why you are adding on pounds, here’s what might be going on. Sometimes you don’t have to wonder why you’ve picked up those extra pounds. An example could be when you had that busy week at work when you hardly had time to walk around due to the unusually heavy workload. Unexpected weight gain is quite common and you actually don’t need to worry about small fluctuations in your weight.
However, there are some times that you just accumulate some extra weight. If you’ve added 5 pounds in just a matter of weeks, it might be a good time to investigate. Weight fluctuations of about five pounds or more is common among women, but not in men. If your weight has been stable for a number of months or years, what can explain the sudden weight gain? At LiveWell Kogarah, we believe these are some possible reasons for unexplained weight.
There’s too much salt in your diet
Consumption of sodium causes water retention in the body. Water has weight and volume, so eating food with high sodium like most takeaway foods can increase the likelihood of gain weight. Keep in mind though that even common household foods have a high content sodium in them. Examples include: bread, sandwiches, cold cuts, and cured meats.
Taking new medication
Medications can cause weight gain. Medications prescribed for depression and heart disease are two common medications that can lead to weight gain. Other examples include: sleep-aids, painkillers, antihistamines, steroids, and testosterone-building supplements.
You are actually eating more than you know
If you have been boosting your calorie count for about a month or two, you will be surprised that you will have a five-to-ten-pound increase in your weight just like that. The changes can be subtle so it’s important to recognize them. Weekly happy hours and increasing your portion size can contribute to increased weight gain.
Switched to a Higher Carbohydrate Diet
If you adopt a low carbohydrate plan like the keto diet, then a move to a diet that has more grain and starches will make a difference to your weight.
You Lost Weight Recently
Body weight and fat are tightly regulated and our body is designed to create balance. Pounds that you drop will likely return even if you keep up your weight loss routines. So if you’ve recently lost some weight, expect to put some of it back on regardless of how often you exercise or how much you are eating.
You have an endocrine disorder
One in 5 adults has an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism and this can cause sudden or significant weight gain. Those with endocrine disorders also usually experience fatigue, weakness, headaches, depression and irritability.
At LiveWell Personal Training Kogarah, we have specialised in providing guidance in training, nutrition and overall health to members of the community since 2006. Please do not hesitate to contact us on 9587 4100 to arrange an initial consultation and find out how you can start your health and fitness journey with us.
