Weight gain - unintentional

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Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Aerobic exercise

Isometric exercise

Calories and fat per serving

Overview

Treatment

Weight gain - unintentional

Definition:

Unintentional weight gain is an increase in body weight that occurs when a person takes in more calories than the body needs or uses, causing increased fat storage.

Considerations:

Almost 40% of all Americans are overweight. As we age, our metabolism slows, which can cause weight gain unless we also reduce food intake and get adequate exercise.

Weight gain can also be a significant symptom of several endocrine diseases such as Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism. It may also be caused by heart or lung disorders as well.

A progressive weight gain occurs with pregnancy, whereas a periodic weight gain may occur with menstruation. A rapid weight gain may indicate dangerous fluid retention.

Common Causes:

Overeating and lack of exercise
Poor eating habits (high-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet)
Emotional factors such as guilt, depression, and anxiety
Slower metabolism, which is normal with aging
Smoking cessation
Alcohol consumption
Primary hypothyroidism
Endocrine disorders including Cushing's syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome
Drugs such as corticosteroids, cyproheptadine, lithium, tranquilizers, phenothiazines, and tricyclic antidepressants
Medications that increase fluid retention and cause edema (abnormal pooling of fluids in the tissues)

Review Date: 8/1/2005
Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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