Weight gain is bad enough if it’s slow; it’s even worse if it’s sudden. You may be in the dark as to why you need to use a looser notch on your belt. We can test your hormones to see if this is why you’ve added inches to your middle. This is just one cause of sudden weight gain that we are going to discuss below.
Excess Salt
If you are a junk-food junkie, you are eating too much salt (not to mention fat). Unfortunately, sodium causes your body to retain water. This excess water will make you weigh more and leave you with a bloated belly. Microwave meals and restaurant foods also contain too much sodium.
Low Potassium
Potassium counteracts the effect of sodium. As such, if your diet is low in potassium, you will put on weight. The general recommended daily intake of potassium for males over the age of 19 is 3,400 milligrams. Foods rich in potassium include bananas, dried fruits, beans, and lentils.
New Medications
If you suddenly gained weight after you started a new medication, it’s probable the medication is to blame. The two most common medicines that cause weight gain are beta-blockers and anti-depressants. This being said, antihistamines, painkillers, and steroids can also increase your weight.
Excess Consumption
Your weight gain could be attributed to eating or drinking too much. You may have also increased the carbohydrates in your diet without realizing it. Take a long, hard look at how much food and alcohol you consume daily. Do you need to cut back or reduce your carbohydrate intake?
Natural Gain
Unfortunately, it is perfectly natural to gain weight after you have lost weight. Your body does this on its own. It doesn’t matter if you stick to the same diet and exercise routine. This is frustrating, as you shed the pounds only to gain some of them back quicker than you imagined.
Endocrine Disorders
An endocrine disorder, such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), can cause weight gain. Cushing’s disease can also add pounds to your body weight. Another thing that can add weight suddenly is low growth hormone and testosterone levels, which happen as we age.
We can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We will test your thyroid and hormone levels to determine if you have an underlying condition that is causing your sudden weight gain. We will also put you on a weight loss program that will bring your weight down and increase your energy.
