Causes of Weight Gain

Some causes of weight gain may include:

Hypothyroidism: A decrease in the level of Thyroid hormone results in a decrease in the metabolism of food, causing weight gain. Symptoms can include tiredness, dry skin, decreased perspiration, intolerance to cold and swelling.

Food sensitivity: Reactions to certain foods may not always take place immediately after eating. Whilst food allergies are a serious condition, food sensitivities can be quite common, causing a range of symptoms including bloating, indigestion, headache, fatigue, joint pain and chronic bowel problems. Often the weight gained with food sensitivities is fluid retention caused by inflammation and the release of certain hormones.

Prescription Medication: Some examples include hormone replacement or the oral contraceptive pill, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, antidepressants or diabetic medications.

Blood sugar imbalances: A diet high in simple, refined carbohydrates causes a yo-yo affect to our body's blood sugar levels. The hormone insulin is released to transport excess sugar into storage and reduce high blood sugar levels. This in turn can create a trigger for more sweet foods which further perpetuates the problem.

Stress or anxiety: Some people tend to eat excessively when feeling overly emotional. Stress hormones secreted by the body ensure that fat is often kept as an energy reserve, making weight loss near impossible if the body fears it is in 'famine' mode.

Fatty acid deficiencies: Essential fatty acids are good fats that are necessary for making hormones within the body and for helping the body maintain its metabolic rate. Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil are good examples of these. People deficient in EFA's may tend to crave fatty foods more, leading to unnecessary weight gain.

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