Have you noticed that your clothes fit more tightly than usual without you having changed your lifestyle or eating habits? There are in fact at least 4 not food-related causes of unexplained weight gain.

Everybody knows we gain weight because of a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy nutrition and sometimes stress; but there are other reasons for putting on weight, which are not related to food or lifestyle. The explanation to this extra weight lies in our hormones, that control the weight loss process, and sometimes even make us gain weight, even though we have healthy eating habits and take much physical exercise.

Here are the 4 causes of unexplained weight gain, that are related to hormonal imbalance:

1 – Weight gain caused by suprarenal glands disorders

Suprarenal glands, also known as adrenal glands, are accountable for our reaction to stress. Living consistent stressful situations leads to hormonal imbalance, which in turn negatively affects all of your body functions.

“If you don’t think your anxiety, depression, sadness and stress impact your physical health, think again. All of these emotions trigger chemical reactions in your body…” – Kris Carr

What is more suprarenal glands secrete cortisol – the stress hormone, which may cause weight gain, if it is secreted excessively. The excess of this stress hormone has a negative impact on our metabolism, which may result not only in some extra weight, but also in serious health issues.

In this case fat gets stored in the abdominal area and the symptoms of adrenal glands dysfunction are:

• waistline broadening;
• chubby face and neck, but slim legs and arms;
• high blood pressure;
• high glycemia levels;
• weak muscles;
• Irritability and mood shifts.

if you think your weight gain is due to suprarenal glands impairment, seek medical advice, and try warding off stress (meditation, yoga, etc.)

2 – Weight gain caused by liver impairment

Liver is one the main organs accountable for our overall health and our body and mind’s wellbeing. If liver functions get unbalanced, we may notice fat storage in the abdominal area.

As a consequence, we may notice the onset of such symptoms as:

• high glycemia levels;
• high cholesterol levels;
• high blood pressure;
• aching joints;
• allergies;
• skin disorders…

If you have noticed your waistline has broadened, you’d better seek medical advice, because it may be liver impairment.

3 – Weight gain caused by thyroid dysfunctions

This butterfly-shaped gland secretes thyroid hormones, which primarily influence the metabolic rate and protein synthesis. Our thyroid controls energy consumption – if thyroid works improperly, metabolism slows down and you may gain weight even though the calorie intake gets decreased.

“Thyroid Panel (blood test)-Abnormal thyroid hormone levels are a common cause of anxiety, depression, forgetfulness, confusion, and lethargy. Having low thyroid levels decreases overall brain activity, which can impair your thinking, judgment, and self-control and make it very hard for you to feel good. Low thyroid functioning can make it nearly impossible to manage weight effectively. To know your thyroid levels, you need to know these figures: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Free T3 Free T4 Thyroid antibodies (thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies).” – Daniel Amen

Other symptoms of a “lazy” thyroid:

• weak muscles;
• dried and/or flabby skin;
• fatigue;
• hair loss;
• slow heartbeat;
• irregular menstrual period;
• constipation;
• depression…

It is fundamental to consult an endocrinologist and follow the right treatment in order to help the thyroid function back to normality.

 4 – Weight gain caused by ovarian disorders

Ovarian disorders result in hormonal imbalance and, as a consequence, most of the carbs a woman ingests get transformed in fat. In this case, regardless of lifestyle and nutrition, weight gain will go on.

In addition to weight gain, there are other symptoms showing ovarian disorders:

• excessive cravings for sweets and/or dairy products;
• fat storage in lower body (hips and legs);
• irregular menstrual cycle;
• constipation;
• lower belly pain…

If you think your weight gain is caused by ovarian disorders, seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers.

Obviously, these 4 causes of unexplained weight gain aren’t the only ones to keep under control. There are other symptoms that may lead to weight gain too. This is the reason why, if your clothes start to be too tight fitting despite your lifestyle is healthy, don’t wait too long before seeking the advice of a qualified health provider.

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