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Possible Reasons for Sudden Weight Gain

Sudden weight gain is most often caused by an improperly balanced diet. However, many of the metabolic controls of the body are hormones. Even a slight change in one of these hormones can cause the body to store fats and fluid. A sudden weight gain can be one of the first symptoms of a more serious underlying medical condition.

  1. Hypothyroidism

    • The metabolism of every cell in the human body is dependent upon thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Thyroid hormones are produced in the thyroid gland located in the front of the neck along the trachea. A decreased amount of thyroid hormone immediately slows the metabolism of the cells. This causes the body to retain the fat that would normally be used for fuel. The retention of these fats causes sudden weight gain. It also results in an increased feeling of lethargy and weakness, and increased fluid retention. Autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiency and radiation are just a few causes of hypothyroidism. Treatment is hormone therapy and a strict diet regimen.

    Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency

    • Avocados are a good source of essential fatty acids.

      Essential fatty acid deficiency used to be a condition mainly found in bottle-fed infants. However, as the emphasis on diets and eliminating fatty foods has increased, this condition has grown among the adult population. Certain "good" fats are needed to properly fuel the body's metabolism. If fats are completely eliminated from the diet, the body will store whatever fat it is able to, in an attempt to correct the imbalance. This results in rapid weight gain. Dermatitis, hair loss and loss of eyesight are other conditions that go with an essential fatty acid deficiency.

    Cushing's Syndrome

    • Sudden weight gain occurring in the face, abdomen and upper back is an indicator of Cushing's syndrome. The body produces an excessive amount of cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid that is normally released as a response to stress. When functioning properly, cortisol stimulates an increased amount of blood sugar to produce a quick energy burst. Overproduction of cortisol creates an excessive amount of sugar in the blood. Since the excessive sugar is not used as a source of energy, it is stored in the tissues, which then retain fat and fluids.

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