Sudden weight gain in women

Obesity Among Women

Obesity is one of the main problems concerning the health of an individual since it makes the base for the occurrence of many serious medical conditions. It is estimated that in many countries more than a half of their population are obese people. Therefore, a normal body weight is essential for a healthy life.

In women, considerable weight gain is only normal in pregnancy. Furthermore, it is even possible that some women gain weight periodically with menstruation. However, sudden weight gain is a condition that should not be ignored and it can be induced by several reasons.

Causes of Sudden Weight Gain in Women

In most cases, a woman gains body weight when she takes in more calories than the body can use it. In such cases, these unnecessary calories make fat storage and the woman gains weight. This sudden weight gain is even greater when the woman is constantly overeating with unhealthy foods high in fats and when she is not physically active.

Therefore, in order to keep a healthy body weight, it is essential to eat a balanced diet, rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, and to avoid foods rich in fats.

Sudden weight gain in women may also be induced by smoking, as well as by eating junk foods, which are very unhealthy. Since the hormones of the thyroid gland are responsible for regulation of the metabolism of the body cells, insufficiency of these hormones leads to the considerable slowing of the metabolism and subsequently, to the sudden weight gain. When a woman suffers from hypothyroidism, she usually loses appetite but on the other side, she gains weight since the protein deposits bring about the water retention and build-up of fat.

Cushing’s syndrome is also responsible for sudden weight gain in women. This condition happens when the adrenal glands secrete the hormone cortisol more than is necessary. In such cases, while the extremities stay slender, the abdomen and upper back, as well as the face, are the parts of the body where the fat accumulates.

Many women tend to eat whenever they are nervous or under stress, and when they are depressed. Therefore, emotional factors are also causative factors for the incidence of sudden weight gain in women.

The sudden increase in the weight of the body in many women happens due to the use of certain medicines like various hormonal drugs, contraceptive pills and antidepressants. Furthermore, steroids and corticosteroids are also the medications that have the weigh gain as a side effect.