What can be rapid weight gain and what to do

Weight gain happens quickly and unexpectedly especially when it is related to hormonal changes, stress, medication use, or menopause for example, in which there may be a decrease in metabolism and an increase in fat accumulation. Consuming foods that speed up your metabolism can help decrease unwanted weight gain in these cases. Know the foods that speed up metabolism.

Therefore, if weight gain is perceived unexpectedly, even if there is exercise and healthy eating habits, it is important to check with the doctor, if you are undergoing drug treatment, if there is another alternative medicine that has less side effects. and also increase energy expenditure with more physical activity.

The main causes of rapid weight gain are:

1. Retention of liquids

What to do: If swelling is noticed, one of the ways to reduce swelling is through lymphatic drainage, which is a type of gentle massage that can be done manually or with specific equipment and that stimulates lymphatic circulation, allowing the retained fluids are directed into the bloodstream and eliminated in the urine, but it is important to go to the doctor so that the cause of the fluid retention can be identified and treatment started.

Another way to reduce the swelling caused by fluid retention is through the consumption of teas that have a diuretic effect or medications, which should be indicated by the doctor, in addition to the regular practice of physical exercises combined with a healthy diet and low in salt.

Fluid retention can lead to weight gain due to the accumulation of fluid inside the cells, which can happen due to a diet rich in sodium, low water intake, use of some medications and due to some health problem, such as heart problems, thyroid disorders, kidney and liver diseases, for example.

2. Hormonal problems

What to do: In the case of hypothyroidism, for example, if any symptom that indicates this condition is noticed, it is recommended to go to the doctor to order tests that indicate the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid and, thus, it is possible to complete the diagnosis and start treatment. Learn more about the T4 exam.

The treatment for these cases is usually done with the replacement of the hormone T4, which must be taken on an empty stomach at least 20 minutes before breakfast or according to the guidance of the endocrinologist.

The change in the production of some hormones can lead to rapid weight gain, such as hypothyroidism, which is characterized by changes in the thyroid that lead to a decrease in the production of hormones T3 and T4, which assist the metabolism by providing the energy necessary for the proper functioning of the organism. Thus, with the decrease in the production of thyroid hormones, there is a decrease in metabolism, excessive tiredness and accumulation of fat, which promotes rapid weight gain.

3. Use of medicines

What to do: Weight gain varies from person to person, but if the person feels very uncomfortable, it is recommended that you consult your doctor to seek treatment alternatives. It is important not to stop using the medication without first consulting the doctor, as there may be regression or progression of the clinical condition.

Prolonged use of some medications can lead to weight gain. In the case of corticosteroids, for example, which are drugs generally recommended in the treatment of chronic inflammatory processes, constant use can alter the metabolism of fats, resulting in irregular distribution of fats in the body and weight gain, in addition to decreased muscle mass and changes in the intestine and stomach.

4. Constipation

What to do: The trapped intestine happens mainly due to poor fiber intake and lack of physical activities. Thus, it is necessary to improve eating habits, giving preference to the consumption of foods rich in fiber, in addition to the practice of physical exercises on a regular basis.

If constipation is persistent or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as bleeding when defecating, mucus in the stool or hemorrhoids, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist.

Constipation, also called constipation or constipation, is characterized by a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements and when it happens, the stools are dry and hard, which favors the appearance of hemorrhoids, for example. Due to the lack of bowel movements, feces are accumulated, which creates a feeling of bloating and weight gain.

5. Age

What to do: To reduce the effects of hormonal and metabolic changes that happen in the body due to aging, it is important to have healthy habits, with the practice of exercises and a balanced diet. In some cases, the gynecologist may recommend that the woman do hormone replacement to decrease the symptoms of menopause.

Age is one of the main causes of rapid and unintended weight gain. This happens because with advancing age, the metabolism becomes slower, that is, the body has more difficulty burning fat, causing it to be stored for longer, leading to weight gain.

In the case of women, for example, menopause, which usually happens from the age of 40, can also lead to weight gain, as there is a decrease in the production of female hormones, which leads to fluid retention and, consequently, increased Weight. See everything about menopause.

6. Pregnancy

What to do: Although it is normal to gain weight during pregnancy, it is important that the woman pay attention to what she eats, as a poor or nutritionally poor diet can result in gestational diabetes and high blood pressure in pregnancy, for example, which can put the life of the mother and baby at risk.

It is recommended that the woman be accompanied by the obstetrician and nutritionist during pregnancy to avoid excessive weight gain or consumption of unnutritious foods for the baby.

It is normal for weight gain in pregnancy to occur due to the fetus and the amount of food that must be consumed, as it should be enough to nourish the mother and baby. Learn how to control weight during pregnancy with the following video:

7. Insomnia

What to do: One of the attitudes to fight insomnia is to do hygiene sleep, that is, try to wake up at the same time, avoid sleeping during the day and avoid touching your cell phone or watching television at least 1 hour before going to sleep. In addition, teas with calming properties can be taken at night, such as chamomile tea, for example, as it helps to calm and improve the quality of sleep. See also 4 sleep therapy methods for better sleep.

Insomnia, which is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty sleeping or staying asleep, can cause weight gain quickly and unintentionally. This is because the hormone responsible for sleep, melatonin, when not produced or produced in small quantities, in addition to preventing adequate sleep, decreases the fat burning process, increasing weight.

In addition, as a result of sleepless nights, there is a decrease in the production of the hormone responsible for the feeling of satiety, leptin, which causes the person to continue eating and, consequently, gain weight.

8. Stress, depression and anxiety

What to do: It is important to seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist to identify the cause that leads to anxiety, stress or depression, and that the appropriate treatment for each case can be started. Most of the time, the identification of the problem that triggers these situations is sufficient to help the person to fight it. In addition, it is important that the person practices activities that promote their well-being, such as reading a book, going out with friends and practicing outdoor activities, for example.

In situations of stress and anxiety, for example, the tension felt constantly can make the person seek foods that guarantee the sensation of pleasure and well-being, as in sweet foods, for example, which can lead to weight gain.

In the case of depression, as there is a decrease in willingness and interest in performing day-to-day activities, including physical activity, the search for a feeling of well-being leads to greater consumption of chocolates and cakes, for example, resulting in weight gain.

9. Lack of nutrients

What to do: In these cases it is important to pay attention to food and seek nutritional help so that a balanced diet is recommended and that it meets nutritional needs. Discover the benefits of healthy eating.

One of the symptoms of lack of nutrients is excessive tiredness and unwillingness to do daily activities. Thus, fatigue can make the person feel unwilling or unwilling to exercise, which causes the metabolism to slow down and weight gain to occur.

The lack of nutrients can occur due to the consumption of nutritionally poor foods, a little varied diet or due to the body's inability to absorb these nutrients even if there is an adequate diet.

When to go to the doctor

If it is perceived that weight gain is unintentionally occurring, it is recommended to go to the doctor so that tests can be requested and, thus, the cause of the rapid weight gain can be verified and the appropriate treatment for the situation can be started.

Regardless of weight gain or loss, it is important to maintain healthy habits, such as regular physical exercise and adequate nutrition, as it improves quality of life, the feeling of well-being and prevents various diseases.