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Factors Contributing to Weight Gain

You've been trying to maintain a healthy weight by watching what you eat and getting regular exercise. When you stand on the scale, you notice that the pounds are slowly creeping upward. You're confused and don't understand what you are doing wrong. If this scenario sounds familiar, it could be one of many factors responsible for your weight gain.

  1. Drugs and Diseases

    • The prescription medications you are taking may cause you to gain weight, as can certain diseases you may have. Antidepressants and steroids may slow down your metabolism, resulting in weight gain. Polycystic ovary syndrome and Cushing's disease can also bring on weight gain. If you take certain medications or have diseases that may cause weight gain, losing weight will be harder than normal. Consult your doctor to determine if there is something you can do to avoid the weight gain.

    Behavior and Environment

    • Where you live and your behavior influence your weight. If you live in an area that doesn't have many sidewalks, trails, parks or fitness centers, you may not be as quick to engage in physical activity. Instead of taking the stairs or parking farther away from your destination so you can walk the distance, you may choose the convenient route and take the elevator or park right at your destination. If you live in an area with many fast food restaurants, you may be tempted to eat unhealthy foods. Your surroundings influence the choices you make.

    Genetics

    • Sometimes there is nothing you can do about the weight you gain. If there is a history of obesity in your family, you are more likely to gain weight. You may be born with a slow metabolism or with an under-active thyroid gland. Your genes determine the rate at which you burn calories. Inherited conditions like Bardet-Biedl syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome can cause you to gain weight. Your doctor can help you determine the correct treatment.

    Diet and Exercise

    • Bad food choices and lack of exercise may contribute to your weight gain. If you eat an excess of unhealthy, fried, fatty, sugary foods, you take in more calories than your body needs and gain weight. Leading a predominantly sedentary lifestyle and not exercising can also lead to weight gain. If you eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of variety, you are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. If you exercise regularly you can be less strict with your diet because you burn extra calories.

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