Unexplained weight gain in women

Obesity, overweight or weight gain is a problem for many people, worldwide. Excessive weight has a negative impact on body health because it can lead to many complications and health issues. There are women who gain weight even though they eat right and exercise daily. This unexplained weight gain in women is associated with certain health problems, such as a malfunction of the glands in the body.

Causes of unexplained weight gain in women

The thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, creates two essential hormones important for metabolism functioning. There are two well-known thyroid gland disorders: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. While the loss of weight is a symptom of hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland, the fast gaining of weight is the result of inactive thyroid gland or hypothyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland does not create enough of its hormones and as a consequence, the metabolism is slowed down. When the metabolism is slowed down, fat builds up and water is retained in the body.

Another cause for unexplained weight gain in women is insufficiency of essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acid represents a type of good fat necessary for the production of hormones and for the maintenance of the metabolic rate of the body. When this condition occurs, the women usually have increased cravings for fatty foods. Hormonal imbalance is also a cause for weight gain, despite a good diet and regular exercising. Apart from pregnancy, menopause is the period in a woman’s life characterized by the fluctuation of hormonal levels. Furthermore, aging also contributes to the decrease of the metabolic rate, which is why weight gain is, in some cases, inevitable. One of the most common adrenal gland disorders is Cushing’s syndrome. This condition is marked by excessive production of the hormone cortisol in the adrenal glands. This hormone is very important for managing stress and when it is overproduced, it tends to build up in the face, upper back and abdomen. It is also considered that the consumption of certain medications can lead to the occurrence of unexplained weight gain in women. These medicines include contraceptive pills, steroids, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory drugs.Other causes for this condition in women include kidney, heart and liver diseases, as well as forming of ovarian cysts and imbalance of blood sugar levels.