What causes unexplained weight gain?

Question

Age 29, female, 5'9", 155lbs. I am very unhappy with the "gut" I now have. My eating habits have not changed over the past five years. I exercise once in a while (always have). Nothing has changed. I figured that when I gained 10 lbs in my former job that it was likely due to stress, but I quit in April this year and gained even more going from 143 - 155+. I was 155 the last time I got weighed but I have a feeling I may weigh even more now. I'm not pregnant because there have been absolutely NO signs or symptoms. What would cause me to blow out of all my clothes?

Answer 1

Stress, like you pointed out, is a big factor. Also depression causes people many people to gain weight. Not necessarily because you eat more, I don't know why, it just happens. Check and see if you're slightly depressed.
Metabolism is slowing down as we grow older, no matter if we want it or not. 29 is about when it hit me too. Before 28, I could pig out all I want and not gain a pound, but now it's all different. I kept gaining all last year till recently, now it stopped. I hope I can make it turm back. What I did is I bought myself bathroom sclales so that I can face the reality every morning. They are quite inexpensive. I also re-examined my statement that I my eating habits didn't change. They did. I noticed that I got too easy on myself about snacking late. I didn't have that habit before, back in the days when I actually looked skinny. That's ought to stop.
Another thing, but I'm sure you'd think of that - did you change your birth control method lately? One pill that I tried made me gain steadily.
But yeah, I'm basically in the same place as you are - wondering what makes me gain weight and how can I change it.
Oh, yeah, one answer pointed out that you might need a thorough blood test to check for diabetis or other physical disorders that might be contributing to that. I had that done, for other reasons, actually, but it turn out that I'm healthy.

Answer 2

I wish I knew. I am eating well balanced meals; in small servings. I don't have much of an appetite so don't snack very often, drink lots of water. They checked my thyroid and it is okay. I take lots of medications. I have MS and have had a variety of symptoms but I have good mobility. I take Copaxone injections. I am 5'5" and have always been slender. I am 65 but don't buy the idea that it's all because of metabolism changing when you get older. My normal weight has been 130-135. In the past year I have gained more than 20 pounds and it keeps going up. I am on a regular exercise program and am extremely frustrated about my weight gain. Any ideas for speeding up my metabolism?? I do have a lot of stress that is hard to understand also because I don't have a lot of responsibility and my finances are in order.. I take Xanex, Lexapro, Zolpidem, Atenalol, Losartan. I don't know if the combination of these medications are causing it. I now weight 158 so that is a huge gain. Maureen

Answer 3

As we age, our metabolisms slow, so you might be gaining weight even if everything else is the same.

One other possibility is that you are developing adult onset diabetes. There is a $50 blood test that will tell you whether this is the case; it's much more accurate than the fasting test that some doctors still employ. One doctor told me that sudden weight gain is a symptom of diabetes, perhaps only because he wanted to test me as I was overweight. I don't see sudden weight gain listed as a symptom below.... Interesting.

This A1C test IMO actually is one that everybody should get if they are overweight every few years, but especially if you have any symptoms of diabetes, such as unexpected weight gain, according to my doctors. I'm told and have read that this test is much more accurate than fasting tests, but I'm not a doctor.

All overweight individuals would be well advised to cut out the carbs and begin an exercising program, such as walking.

If you were to do so, you will be very happy with the results within a year.

"Guts" supposedly are the most dangerous way to carry fat.

Good luck!

Answer 4

For the best answers, search on this site https://smarturl.im/aD1Qj

Weight gain may occur even when an individual maintains the same amount of daily calories and activity levels. Here are just a few examples of the causes of unexplained weight gain, including natural weight gain. And of course, if your scales continue to zoom upwards you'll want to visit with your doctor just to ensure that all is well. Dieting - When we strive to reduce our waistline, we in turn reduce our calorie intake - which in turn may reduce the speed of our metabolism. When the metabolism slows, weight gain may be a pronounced result. Solution for Weight Gain: Analyze current diet plan to ensure that it isn't too restrictive in calories. Shaking Our Way to Weight Gain - Water retention is often the culprit when 2-5 pounds mysteriously appear on the scales overnight. Water weighs heavily and water that has been retained by the body as a reaction to too much sodium intake may take several days to subside - about a day for each pound, depending upon the individual. Solution for Weight Gain: For those who tend to be effected by water retention due to high sodium intake should pull back the reins on the salt shaker. Salt is a lot like sugar in that the more one uses, the more one craves. Old Man Winter - As the colder months approach, our bodies tend to prepare by adding a bit of padding. Keep in mind that man didn't always live in the comfy environment that most of the world enjoys today. Those extra pounds often meant the difference between survival and death. Read on more at the link on Unexplained Weight Gain

Answer 5

I am the same age but shorter but have had the same problem as u in the last few years. I have been tested for thyroid, diabetes, cholestoral etc...my doc finally asked for what i ate for a week...again nothing wrong all perfect...as with excersice...nothing chaged ...ever ...like u. So now he has suggested a resistance to insulin test. I have done lots of research on this and it apparently has been very common in the last generation and getting more so since the way society eats...do some research on it or ask ur doctor..cause it makes a lot of sence and is becoming very common and is easier than stressing out and stuff...so thats just a thought...good luck and i hope my opinion helped...

Answer 6

RE:
What causes unexplained weight gain?
Age 29, female, 5'9", 155lbs. I am very unhappy with the "gut" I now have. My eating habits have not changed over the past five years. I exercise once in a while (always have). Nothing has changed. I figured that when I gained 10 lbs in my former job that it was likely due to...

Answer 7

With the newer types of insulin these days, diabetic diets aren't necessarily as restrictive as they used to be. Read here https://tr.im/p8wa2
As with any medicine or diet change, you should discuss it with your doctor. Fruits, both fresh and dried, have a natural sugar in them that will raise blood sugar levels, so be careful about eating too much. Not sure about the nuts. Moderation is always the key. I've been diabetic for 18 years and just recently changed insulin types. I love it because it gives me more freedom in when and what I eat.

Answer 8

I had this problem before but for me it was because of stress.
I staid all day eaten any kind of food that I had in refrigerator.
Now I`m over it.
So if you have good appetite and eat anything it is normal to gain weight.Even because you quit your job doesn't mean you quit the stress too.For me is from stress but if you are to concern see a doctor

Answer 9

1

Answer 10

Your metabolism may be slowing down. If you really cannot explain why, (like over-eating) then go to the Doctors. Let him check your thyroid. It could just be your diet.