Unexplained weight gain: five possible causes

A Russian doctor mentioned the reasons for unexplained weight gain, that sometimes with no apparent explanation. She also gives some advice on how to regain control of the situation.

While dieting and eating more healthily is becoming more and more of a well-established habit, sometimes you unexplained weight gain for no apparent reason.

Here are five main causes of unexplained weight gain, explained by renowned endocrinologist Elena Gubkina.

Lack of sleep

“The first is lack of sleep, which will increase your calorie intake, causing you to search for food to regain energy,” explains the doctor. She also believes that going to bed late inevitably alters fat metabolism, intensifying hunger.

“Lack of sleep slows down the metabolism because the production of hormones is disrupted: insulin and cortisol production increases, while the production of a somatotropic hormone (growth hormone) decreases,” Gubkina told the newspaper Argumenty I Fakty newspaper.

Anxiety

Daily stress is another fattening factor, says the doctor. She explains that cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, is then released in excessive amounts, causing an increase in appetite.

Water retention

According to the endocrinologist, unexplained weight gain can also be associated with water retention in the body. In this case, the doctor advises normalizing hydration by drinking enough water and reducing salt intake.

Taking medication, quitting smoking

In addition, many medicines can promote weight gain. These include glucocorticoids (steroid hormones), neuroleptics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants, says Elena Gubkina.

Finally, she reminded us that we could gain a few kilos when we stop smoking.