weight gain shockers slideshow: stress, medications, and other surprising sources

11/9/14, 1:15 AMWeight Gain Shockers Slideshow: Stress, Medications, and Other Surprising Sources

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What's With the Weight Gain?If you started taking in more calories than usual orcutting back on exercise, you wouldn't be surprisedif the numbers on the scale crept higher. But what ifyou're doing everything the same as you always do,and your weight still goes up? It's time to delve alittle deeper into what else might be going on.

Lack of SleepThere are two issues at work with sleep and weightgain. First, if you're up late, the odds are greaterthat you're doing some late-night snacking, whichmeans more calories. The other reason involveswhat's going on in your body when you're sleep-deprived. Changes in hormone levels increasehunger and appetite and also make you feel not asfull after eating.

StressWhen life's demands get too intense, our bodies gointo survival mode. Cortisol, the "stress hormone,"is secreted, which causes an increase in appetite.And of course, we may reach for high-caloriecomfort foods in times of stress as well. Thiscombination is a perfect breeding ground for weightgain.

Slideshow Link: http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-weight-gain-shockers?ecd=wnl_wlw_110814_tod_8am&ctr=wnl-wlw-110814-tod-8am_nsl-ld-stry&mb=Idbxj7AYUUOs%40xCSZl5M%40%40HnVev1imbCmqAZDXKjfrk%3d

Surprising Reasons You're Gaining Weight



AntidepressantsAn unfortunate side effect from someantidepressants is weight gain. Talk to your doctorabout making changes to your treatment plan if youthink your antidepressant is causing weight gain.But never stop or change your medication on yourown. Realize that some people experience weightgain after beginning drug treatment simply becausethey're feeling better, which leads to a betterappetite. Also, depression itself can cause changesin weight.

SteroidsAnti-inflammatory steroid medications likeprednisone are notorious for causing weight gain.Fluid retention and increased appetite are the mainreasons. Some people may also see a temporarychange in where their body holds fat while takingsteroids -- to places like the face, the belly, or theback of the neck. If you've taken steroids for morethan a week, don't stop them abruptly. That canlead to serious problems. Check with your doctorfirst.

Drugs That May Cause WeightGainSeveral other prescription drugs are linked to weightgain. The list includes antipsychotic drugs (used totreat disorders like schizophrenia and bipolardisorder), along with medications to treat migraines,seizures, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Workwith your doctor to find a medication that treats yoursymptoms and lessens side effects.



Don't Jump to Blame the PillContrary to popular belief, combination birth controlpills (estrogen and progestin) aren't proven to causelasting weight gain. It is thought that some womentaking the combination pill may experience someweight gain related to fluid retention, but this isusually short-term. If you're still concerned aboutpossible weight gain, talk to your doctor.

HypothyroidismIf your thyroid (the butterfly-shaped gland in thefront of your neck) is not making enough thyroidhormone, you're probably feeling tired, weak, andcold, and gaining weight. Without enough thyroidhormone, your metabolism slows, making weightgain more likely. Even a thyroid functioning at thelower end of the normal range might cause weightgain. Treating hypothyroidism with medication mayreverse some of the weight gain.

Don't Blame MenopauseMost women do gain some weight around the timeof menopause, but hormones probably aren't theonly cause. Aging slows your metabolism, so youburn fewer calories. And changes in lifestyle (suchas exercising less) play a role. But where you gainweight may be related to menopause, with fataccumulating around your waist more than yourhips and thighs.



Cushing's SyndromeWeight gain is a common symptom of Cushing'ssyndrome, a condition in which you are exposed totoo much of the stress hormone cortisol, which inturn causes weight gain and other abnormalities.You can get Cushing's syndrome if you takesteroids for asthma, arthritis, or lupus. It can alsohappen when your adrenal glands make too muchcortisol, or it could be related to a tumor. The weightgain may be most prominent around the face, neck,upper back, or waist.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS)PCOS is a common hormonal problem in women ofchildbearing age. Most women with PCOS growmany small cysts on their ovaries. The conditionleads to hormone imbalances that affect a woman'smenstrual cycle and can lead to extra body hair andacne. Women with this condition are resistant toinsulin (the hormone that controls blood sugar), so itmay cause weight gain. The weight tends to collectaround the belly, putting these women at greaterrisk for heart disease.

Quitting SmokingQuitting smoking is one of the best things you cando for your health. When you quit, you may gainsome weight, but perhaps less than you think. Onaverage, people who stop smoking gain less than10 pounds. You should stop feeling hungrier afterseveral weeks, which will make it easier to help loseany weight you gained.



Rule 1: If You Do Gain Weight ...Don't stop taking any medications without firstconsulting your doctor. Recognize the importance ofthe drug you're taking. It may be critical to yourhealth. Also, something else may be causing you togain weight. Your doctor can help you figure outwhat's going on.

Rule 2: If You Do Gain Weight ...Don't compare yourself to other people taking thesame drug. Not all people experience the same sideeffects on the same drug. Even if a drug causedsomeone else to lose weight, the same might not betrue for you.

Rule 3: If You Do Gain Weight ...Remember that if the weight gain is just from waterretention, it's not permanent weight or fat. Onceyou're done taking the drug or your condition isunder control, the puffiness from fluid retention mayease. Stick to a lower-sodium diet in the meantime.



Rule 4: If You Do Gain Weight ...Check with your doctor about another drug you cantake. In many cases, your doctor can switch you toanother medication that might not have the sameside effects.

Rule 5: If You Do Gain Weight ...Learn if the weight gain is from a decrease inmetabolism -- from either a medical condition ormedication. And if so, take the time to participate inmetabolism-raising activities. Get moving!

Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on May 16, 2014

Sources:

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SOURCES:

Azarbad, L. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, June 2010.

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Daubenmier, J. Journal of Obesity, 2011.

Deshmukh, R. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, July 2003.

Edelman, A. Human Reproduction, February 2011.

Hospital for Special Surgery: "How to Reduce Corticosteroid Side Effects."

Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Prescription Drugs that Cause Weight Gain."

Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center: Prednisone.

Knutson, K. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, July 2008.

Leproult, R. Endocrine Development, 2010.

Medscape: "The Impact on Sleep Deprivation on Hormones and Metabolism."

National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and KidneyDiseases: "Hypothyroidism," "Cushings Syndrome."

National Institute of Mental Health: "Depression," "Mental Health Medications."

Rosenberg, M. Contraception, December 1998.

Weight-control Information Network, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: "You Can Control YourWeight As You Quit."

WomensHealth.gov: "Menopause," "Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) fact sheet."

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:

2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

My Notes:

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weight gain shockers slideshow: stress, medications, and other surprising sources

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