If the needle on your bathroom is perpetually creeping upward, the first thought you will probably get is that junk that you have been gulping down is the reason for the weight gain. But while the usual culprits—too much food, too little exercise are prominently responsible for the weight gain then on another hand there are some surprisingly common medical conditions and widely used prescriptions that can add a lot of difference. These are 5 ailments that cause weight gain.
- Under-Active Thyroid
An under active thyroid condition occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient amounts of the thyroid hormones that regulate body’s metabolism. A lack of these thyroid hormones results in weaker metabolism, causing symptoms such as weight gain, tiredness, depression, poor concentration etc. Although an under active thyroid can occur at any age and in either of sex, it is most common in older women. The condition can be treated with daily hormone-replacement tablets.
- Diabetes
Weight gain is a most common adverse effect that people who take insulin to manage their diabetes face. Insulin helps in helps to curb blood sugar level. In some cases, diabetic patients tend to eat more to prevent low blood sugar, also known as a “hypo” or hypoglycemia.Excessive intake of food or overeating to prevent a hypo which contributes to extra calorie intake and overall weight gain.
- Steroid Treatment
Steroids, also known as corticosteroids, are used to treat a variety of conditions, such as asthma and arthritis. Use of corticosteroid tablets enhances appetite in some people, leading to weight gain. Steroids make you feel hungry, affecting the areas of the brain that control feelings of hunger thus the more steroid you intake you are likely to put on more weight. It’s better to be extra careful about what you eat during your steroid course being extra careful will help in the prevention of overeating.
- PCOS (Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome)
PCOS Symptoms can include irregular periods, trouble getting pregnant, excess hair and weight gain. The cause for PCOS is unknown, but it’s thought to be hormone-related, including too much insulin and testosterone. Women agonizing with PCOS put on weight around their waist. Weight loss through dietary changes and exercise can bring some relief.
- Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is very rare and is caused by high levels of the hormone cortisol. Weight gain in this health conditions is a common symptom, particularly on the chest, face, and stomach. Cushing’s syndrome is generally caused by long-term steroid treatment depending on the cause, treatment of Cushing’s syndrome involves either reducing or withdrawing the use of steroids.
