5 common reasons why people suddenly gain weight

Slight fluctuation in your weight on a daily basis is quite normal. The average adult’s weight fluctuates up to 500 grams to 1 kilo per day.

It can happen due to different reasons like high sodium intake, dehydration or your sleep schedule.

But when you witness a drastic change in your weight in a short period of time like within a week or a month then it could mean something else.

Maintaining a healthy weight is not only necessary to make you look attractive, but it keeps several chronic diseases at bay.

High body mass index is linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.

So, if your weight has been stable for months or years and you are witnessing a sudden change in it then here are some common explanations for it:

Regular intake of some medications can make you gain over the period of time. The two main drugs that lead to weight gain are depression and heart disease drugs. Other than that medicines to treat migraines, seizures, high blood pressure, and diabetes can also be the culprit. These drugs cause some changes in your hormones which can lead to weight gain.

If you are suffering some specific medical condition like perimenopause, menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) then the change in hormonal balance can lead to some health concerns like irregular periods, acne, even facial hair growth and weight gain. These conditions can be managed by medication, eating a healthy diet and regular exercising.

One glass of wine or pint of beer on some occasions is fine, but if it has become a part of a weekly ritual then weight gain is hard to evade. Not only fizzy drinks, but alcohol also contains a huge amount of calories, which we mostly fail to realise. 1 can of beer contains 158 kcal and a half glass filled with wine is around 140 kcal. So, indulging regularly in alcohol can lead to weight gain.

Underactive thyroid or Hypothyroidism can be another reason for your weight gain. When the butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck fails to produce enough thyroid hormone, then you start to feel weak, tired, cold all the time and can even gain weight. Even when the thyroid is functioning at the lower end of the normal range it might add a few kilos to your weight.

Stress is a part of everyday life, but prolonged stress accompanied by sleeplessness can also lead to weight gain. No matter how healthy you are eating or how much exercise you perform in a day, bad sleeping habits and chronic stress can increase BMI levels and result in larger waistlines. Lack of sleep also increases your level of hunger hormones and overindulgence in food.