Unexplained weight gain?

Question

I am 20 years old and have always been an active track and X-C runner and a very skinny build. I moved to go to another college about a year ago and suddenly started putting on weight, mostly around my stomach. I started eating breakfast (I never used to) and ate healthier meals, but no more. I rarely eat fast food or take out (I'm poor), I am a dog walker so I walk about 5-6 miles a day, I started doing pilates as well, I cut soda and candy almost completely out of my diet (I have 1 Mt. Dew for my 8 hour class on Saturdays). I keep gaining weight, it's very embarrassing and frustrating for me.

I've been to the doctor and had thyroid and blood tests done, everything appears to be normal. Can someone please explain this, I really don't eat a whole lot and as healthy as I can on a college student budget.

I do have a sweet tooth but am trying to completely cut soda and junk food out of my diet, but I do exercise as much as I am saying (I walk about 7-9 clients a day and they each get walked for 25 minutes each or else I get fired)

Nope, no contraceptives (I'm gay - best birth control ever!) and as stated, I did have blood and thyroid tests already and they came back normal. My mother had thyroid problems so that was one of the first things that I got tested.

Answer 1

This happened to me too. I ran for 10 years, but as soon as I stopped I gained weight without eating much. I personally think stress and the change in my metabolism had taken a toll. College is stressful. The walking is burning calories, but nothing like doing warm ups, speed drills and a long runs. You may be losing some of the muscle that all those years of running put on you, leading to a slower metabolism. Try running a few days a week. It can help bring your body back to where it liked to be and also help with some stress.

Good luck!!

Answer 2

ok first. cut the sugar out of your diet. .....switch to Diet sodas insted of regular and sugar free candy! Yes it may taste nasty but sugars are harder for your body to burn and can cause weight gain. Have you been stress eating?? staying up late eating munchies?? Binging on eating right before an exam?? These can be factors as well. Otherwise on a normal day count your calories and see how many you take in verses burning while exercising. Another tip, eat a light breakfast and a light lunch, save the heavier meals for dinner....dont snack to much and if you do stay ontop of vegtables and fruits, and do not eat anything after dinner especially nothing two hours prior going to sleep.

Answer 3

Are you taking pills (contraceotives, i mean) or something?
I personally gained a lot of waight while taking pills and i can not lose it now, although it's been a year since i took the last one. You might also want to check the level of the hormones in your blood or the function of your thyroid gland - the hyperfunction of it can cause the weight-problems. but do not go crazy with strickt diets - be aware of the jo-jo effect!
hope you ll find the source of your problems

Answer 4

Metabolism is a different-science for each person; lots of reasons occure for wieght gain. STRESS can cause stomach fat showing up;

Ok, no more soda's, candy is a no-no.

It may sound wierd, but go to weightwatchers, laugh, but they know thier business. Simply eating correctly will jump start a weak metabolism; the fact you admit you eat candy and drink soda is a red flag, you may be doing more eating and less excersizing than you wish to admit or recall,

good luck

Answer 5

Sudden weight gain ESPECIALLY in your belly is a sign of adrenal dysfunction (or pituitary not stimulating adrenals). Sweet tooth or salt cravings are also symptoms. You really should see an endocrinologist and have them check your cortisol levels and do an ACTH. This is a serious disorder so please have it ruled in/out ASAP. Good luck.