What Are the Causes of Weight Gain & Fatigue?

Weight gain and fatigue can be a sign of a number of health problems. While the most common cause of weight gain is likely high caloric intake and low physical activity, it can also be caused by a myriad of conditions outside of patient control. The same goes for constant fatigue, which can be another sign of greater health risks. If you are experiencing weight gain and fatigue, you should speak with a physician to find out what is really going on.

Lack of Sleep

• While it may seem obvious that a lack of sleep can cause fatigue, many people do not realize that it can also be responsible for weight gain. Your body needs to be rested and strong in order to perform efficiently. If your body is tired, it becomes less efficient at burning fat. Additionally, late-night snacks and sugary foods eaten to offset energy loss will only further exacerbate the problem.

Thyroid Problems

• The thyroid gland in your body is responsible for controlling the way in which your body handles your caloric intake. The role of the thyroid is to manage energy consumption in the body. Disorders like hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, excessive sweating and dry skin. Depending on whether you have low or high thyroid levels, you may experience different symptoms.

Medication

• If you are currently taking a prescription drug, you should probably check it out for potential side effects. A number of drugs prescribed for chronic conditions can cause both weight gain and fatigue. Antidepressants, steroids and even heartburn medication can all be potential factors in the issues you are experiencing with your body. If you think medication may be a factor in your issues, speak to your physician for alternatives.

Stress

• Nearly everyone in the modern world experiences some level of stress. Balancing work, school, family and everything else can be a daunting challenge for even the most organized individual. When you are stressed your body stores more energy and your metabolism slows down. Additionally, many people are drawn to compulsive snacking when stressed, which only compounds the problem. You can often solve problems caused by stress by exercising and making time to relax.