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Weight gain

Rapid weight gain or unintentional weight gain usually occurs when you do not intake many calories without changing your daily routines. This could be periodic, continuous, or rapid. If we talk about the reasons for gaining weight, we must know the pattern of weight gain. Let's talk about rapid weight gain, which might be the side effects of medications or any physiological changes in the body. In this article, we will look at some important insights into symptoms of weight gain, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures.

Weight gain Key Points
CausesHypothyroidism, Cushing's Syndrome, Depression
RemediesHealthy Eating, Exercise, Sleep
Preventive OptionsHealthy Eating Habits, Regular Exercise, Adequate Sleep
Treatment OptionsMetformin, Orlistat, Bariatric surgery
SpecialistDietitian

Rapid weight gain is an increase in the size we usually measure with the help of body weight. There are many reasons for gain weight. These include overeating, a sedentary lifestyle, hormonal changes, and medical conditions affecting metabolism. Gain weight can lead to many disease conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart problem, and high blood pressure. There are treatment options, but diet and exercise play a major role here. In some cases, surgeries also reduce a person's weight. Let's find out what causes weight gain and the effective ways to reduce rapid weight gain.

Weight Gaining Symptoms

The symptoms of gaining weight may cause by many reasons for gaining weight. If you see these symptoms, you should be more cautious because it might indicate other disease problems in the following.

  • Increase body fat
  • Swelling 
  • Puffiness body parts
  • Increased appetite 
  • Difficulty losing weight 
  • Feeling tired 
  • Mood swings 
  • Irritability
  • Changes in menstrual cycles 
  • Changes in sexual activity
  • Fever
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitation
  • Changes in vision
  • Difficulty Breathing

Rapid Weight Gain Types

Weight gain is a common symptom due to various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and medical conditions. Here are some types of weight gain:

Types of Weight GainDescription
Intentional weight gainUsually occur in sports, bodybuilding, or aesthetic purposes
Unintentional weight gainDue to hormonal changes, medication side effects, or underlying medical conditions.
Pregnancy-related weight gainIt is a normal part of pregnancy and occurs due to the growth of the fetus
Menopausal weight gainIt is a common symptom of menopause due to the hormonal changes 
Obesity-related weight gainChronic energy imbalance where the intake of calories exceeds the expenditure

Weight Gain Causes

The reason for sudden weight gain may vary from one person to another. We have listed some common causes of weight gain that may help you to find the source of weight gain. These are given in the following. 
1. Overeating
2. Menstrual Cycle
3. Perimenopause
4. Menopause
5. Metabolism slowing down
6. Less physically active
7. Water retention
8. Stress
9. Depression
10. Lack of sleep

The other disease conditions are the reason for sudden weight gain as well. What are these conditions? These are given in the following. 

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This slows down the body's metabolism, leading to weight gain. The other symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, cold intolerance, and constipation.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause weight gain. Other PCOS symptoms can include irregular periods, acne, and hair growth in unwanted areas.

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's Syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that regulates metabolism. Weight gain usually occurs on the face, neck, and upper body.

Depression

Depression can cause weight gain due to changes in appetite and decreased physical activity. Some antidepressant medications can also cause weight gain as a side effect.

Insulin resistance and diabetes

Insulin resistance and diabetes can cause weight gain due to changes in glucose metabolism. Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become resistant to insulin, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and weight gain. It is one of the weight gaining causes. 

Medications

Certain medications can cause weight gain side effects. These include medications for diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure. Other medications, such as corticosteroids and antipsychotics, can also cause weight gain.

Diagnostic Tests for Rapid Weight Gain

There is no specific diagnostic test for rapid weight gain. The appropriate tests will depend on the underlying cause and the symptoms of unintentional weight gain. However, the doctor might perform some of the following tests that are given in the following.

  • Physical examination and medical history
  • Blood tests
  • Urinalysis
  • Thyroid function tests
  • Liver function tests
  • Kidney function tests
  • Blood sugar tests
  • Cholesterol and lipid profile tests

Treatment for Rapid Weight Gain

It is important to note that no one drug is specifically used to treat weight gain as a symptom. However, certain medications can be used to manage weight gain caused by underlying medical conditions or medication side effects. Here are 5 medications that may be used to treat weight gain.

Medication

Many medications help you to reduce body weight according to the causes. If you can prevent the disease conditions, you will notice an effective reduction in body weight. These are given in the following. However, we recommend visiting the doctor first to avoid the medications' side effects. 

1. Metformin

Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. It may also lead to modest weight loss in some people.

2. Orlistat

Orlistat is a medication used to treat obesity by reducing fat absorption from food. It works by blocking an enzyme in the digestive system that breaks down fat. Orlistat is available over the counter in lower doses and by prescription in higher doses.

3. Topiramate

Topiramate is an anticonvulsant medication that is sometimes used off-label for weight loss. It is thought to work by suppressing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. However, it can have side effects such as cognitive impairment and mood changes.

4. Phentermine

Phentermine is a stimulant medication sometimes used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that can reduce appetite. However, it can have side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

5. Liraglutide

Liraglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It works by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite. It is administered by injection and can have side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.

Surgery for Weight Gain

Many surgeries help you to reduce the weight of the patient. However, surgeries come along with complications as well. Therefore, it is important to take adequate advice from the doctor for more surgeries. 

1. Bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that can be used to treat obesity and weight gain caused by underlying medical conditions. The surgery works by reducing the stomach size, limiting the amount of food eaten at once. This can lead to significant weight loss in some people. Bariatric surgery is typically only recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or those with a BMI of 35 or higher with other obesity-related health problems.

2. Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that can remove small amounts of fat from specific body areas, such as the abdomen or thighs. While liposuction can lead to some weight loss, it is not a solution for significant weight gain. Liposuction is typically only recommended for people who are healthy but have stubborn areas of fat that are difficult to lose through diet and exercise.

Home Remedies for Reducing Weight Gain

There are many home remedies that you can follow at home and modify your diet to balance your weight. Let's find out what foods you can include daily to ease the struggle of reducing weight. 

1.  Lemon water daily 

2. Fenugreek seeds

3. Cinnamon and honey

4. Raw garlic

5. Honey and lemon

6. Hibiscus tea

7. Green tea

8. Yoghurt

9. Aloe vera juice

10. Cumin seeds

Preventive Measures for Unintentional Weight Gain

There is no doubt,  controlling weight gain is an ongoing challenge. If you want to maintain your weight, focus on a few things that may help you reduce your body weight. In this, some activities are needed to do. Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult for you to reduce your weight. Let's find out what these activities are. 

1. Healthy Eating Habits

Balancing diet is key to maintaining weight. This involves fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses which help you to maintain the body. However, avoid processed foods, sugary content, and saturated food. This helps you cut down the unwanted calories to maintain a healthy weight. Frequent and smaller meals help you to give a feeling of fullness and prevent you from overeating.

Read nutrient labels before buying any products. This helps you to track how much you may go to consume. Excessive calories and sugary products are harmful, and we do not know what products contain what amount. Therefore, labels help to identify which products are best for us. 

2. Regular Exercise

Exercise plays an important role in everyone's life. This helps to burn the calories from the body. It also boosts the metabolism, which helps to prevent weight gain. We should at least give one hour for vigorous exercise. If you are a beginner, you can start with warm-ups and yoga. This helps to strengthen the muscles and bones. 

3. Adequate Sleep

Enough sleep for 7 to 8 hours are mandatory for everyone. This improves cognitive functions and boosts the metabolism of the body. Appropriate sleep is crucial in maintaining weight and prevents abnormal hormonal imbalances. The lack of sleep might increase the appetite and cravings as well.

4. Stress Management

In today's world, stress is a major contributor to all disease conditions. This lead to emotional eating and a sedentary lifestyle. Stress management involves taking therapies, yoga, and deep breathing exercises, and helps reduce the risk of weight gain.

5. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is the main reason for weight gain. Even that, limiting alcohol will prevent you from other medical problems as well. There is a recommended limit for alcohol for men or women. Therefore, it is important to track how much you drink and what amount. 

6. Stay Hydrated

As we have heard to many time, drinking enough fluids are important. This helps you to prevent overeating, and fluids always give a feeling of fullness. This reduces hunger and keeps your body weight in control.

7. Track Body Weight

This activity is important for tracking body weight and noting the readings. This will help you identify whether you are going in the correct direction. Additionally, this will help you maintain your body weight and quickly identify where you are going wrong. 

When to see a doctor

As we can see, gain weight is related to many disease conditions. Before that, you should know the warning signs that you need to take quick action. In this condition, you must visit the doctor. There are various symptoms and causes of rapid weight gain or unintentional weight gain. Let's find out what warning signs you must notice. These are given in the following. 

  • Rapid or unexplained weight gain
  • Difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise
  • Increased appetite or hunger
  • Excessive thirst or urination
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Weight gain Doctors

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If you have weight gain and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified weight gain doctor. A doctor specializing in treating weight gain, such as a Dietitian, would be the right health professional to consult.

Here is a list of Top verified doctors for weight gain. You can book an appointment with one to start your weight gain treatment today.

Dr. Elieen Canady, Dietitian in

Dr. Elieen Canady

Consultant - Dietary

9 Years of experience

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Rs. 500 Consult Fees

Weight gain Hospitals

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A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your weight gain. If you are experiencing weight gain In that case, it is important to visit a weight gain hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Check a list of Top Hospitals for weight gain treatment.

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Multi Speciality Hospital

4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars(1681 Reviews)

Established in 1918

🛌345 Beds

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Dr Mehta Hospital, Chetpet, Chennai

Dr Mehta Hospital, Chetpet, Chennai

Multi Speciality Hospital

4.8
4.8 out of 5 stars(12 Reviews)

Established in 1940

🛌220 Beds

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Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai

Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai

Super Speciality Hospital

4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars(1134 Reviews)

Established in 1950

🛌350 Beds

https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/56142/original/Ashok_Mehta.webp?1682696151https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/64539/original/Nana_C_Joshi.webp?1682696613https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/62971/original/Agyasingh_Kochar.webp?1682696527https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/54588/original/Rashid_H_Merchant.webp?1682696064https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/52673/original/Harish_Mohanty.webp?1682695956 5+ Doctors

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