Health Problems Preventing Weight Loss
Weight gain is commonly attributed to food intake. Yes, it is a fact
that food can be the most common reason for weight to shoot up. But, it is not the ultimate truth in all cases.
Despite the tremendous efforts you may be putting in on dieting and exercising for weight loss you are still gaining weight.
This may well be due to some underlying health conditions or diseases. There are some common health conditions and diseases which are believed to be the reason for constant weight gain.
Health issues and weight gain
Let’s now take a look at some of these common health conditions and the problems they cause to your weight loss efforts and your health in general.
- Hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormone regulates the metabolism in both animals and humans. A deficiency of such hormone in the body would result to slowing down of the body’s metabolism.
Although loss of appetite may be experienced, it is ironic there would still be a significant increase in body weight. Weight gain is brought about by fat deposits associated with fluid retention caused by protein deposits in the body that would, in return, increase the weight of a person.
The most common signs and symptoms experienced by a person with hypothyroidism are:
- Fatigue
- Lethargy or Sleepiness
- Swelling of the Face or Around the Eyes
- Dry Skin
- Course Skin
- Decreased Sweating
- Poor Memory
- Slow Speech
- Hoarse Voice
- Weakness
- Headache
- Intolerance to Cold
- Food Sensitivity
The most common notion and perception for food sensitivity would be allergic reactions following specific food intake.
Food allergies do not just cause one to feel itchy and see remarkable physical allergic appearance.
One of the effects that food sensitivity would cause would be weight gain. The effect of the allergen taken into the body may not be immediate.
The reaction to which may take several minutes or even hours. An overt symptom would right away follow as manifested by swelling and bulging of the body.
Weight gain may be observed right after the allergic attack.
The following are the signs and symptoms being experienced from food sensitivity:
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Depression
- Joint Pain
- Canker Sore
- Chronic Respiratory symptom
- Heartburn
Some of the above symptoms may also be associated with stomach acidity. See Low Stomach Acid
- Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s Syndrome is developed due to an overproduction of cortisol a hormone in the adrenal gland.
This known health condition causes weight gain very quickly. Fluid retention in the tissues of the body causes this substantial weight gain.
People who are suffering from this kind of condition would have the definite characteristic of a “moon shaped face”. The following are the definitive signs and symptoms found in a person with Cushing’s Syndrome:
- Buffalo Hump on the Neck or Shoulders
- Arms and Legs are often Not In Proportion
- Spots on the Face, Chest or Shoulder
- Headaches
- Back Pain
- Skin Darkening on the Neck
- Skin becomes Thinner and Easily Bruised
- Bruises and Scratches as well as Insect Bites take time to heal
- Reddish-Purple Stretch Marks found in the Abdomen, Buttocks, Arms, Legs or Breast
- In Women, Menstrual Period becomes irregular
- Frequent Urination
- Feeling of Thirst
- Some Psychological Problems
If you feel you may be suffering from Cushing’s Syndrome, professional collaborative support and treatment should be sought.
- Postpartum Depression (PPD)
A type of clinical depression which can affect women after childbirth. In some cases men, particularly new fathers, can also suffer from PPD.
PPD can also lead to “comfort eating” and, inevitably, weight gain. Symptoms include:
- Sadness
- Fatigue
- Changes in Sleeping and Eating Patterns
- Reduced Sexual Libido
- Crying Episodes
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Low Self-Esteem
- Feeling of Hopelessness
- Prescription Drugs
Research has shown that people who use prescription medicines everyday can gain large amounts of weight.
Furthermore, research proved that prescription drugs increase the appetite of a person. In this case, possibility of weight gain is really to be considered.
Oral contraceptives can also cause fluid to be retained in the body, resulting in bloating and an increase in weight can be experienced.
- General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
A feeling of fear, worry, and uneasiness. People suffering from anxiety attacks may also experience an unpleasant feeling of inner turmoil.
In certain cases anxiety may be appropriate, but constant anxiety about real or imaginary threats that continues too long can lead to anxiety disorder. Some symptoms of GAD include:
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Restlessness
- A Noticeably Strong, Fast or Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)
- Muscle Aches and Tension
- Trembling or Shaking
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Dry Mouth
- Excessive Sweating
- Shortness of Breath
- A Sense of Dread
- Feeling Constantly “On Edge”
- Irritability
- Blood Sugar Imbalance
One of the major problems affecting weight loss and the inability to lose weight is an imbalance of sugar in the blood.
Constant imbalance of blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance, causing permanent high blood sugar levels.
Permanent high blood sugar levels will cause weight gain and, eventually, type-2 diabetes. Some of the main symptoms of blood sugar imbalance are:
- Cravings (particularly for sweet foods)
- Addictions to caffeine containing drinks (e.g. Coffee, Cola)
- Anxiety and/or Depression
- Irritability
- Constant Mood Swings
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness during the day
- Lack of Concentration<
- Increased Fat Storage (especially around your midriff)
- Excessive Thirst
- Sweating Excessively
- Inability to Lose Weight
- Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency
Deficiency in fatty acids in the body would trigger one to crave for fatty foods.
Since, the human body needs essential fatty acids for metabolic functions, insufficiency essential fatty acids will cause the body to compensate.
The most common signs and symptoms of a person with essential fatty acids deficiency would be the following:
- Dandruff
- Dry Hair
- Dry and Scaly Skin
- Mouth Ulcers
- Increased Susceptibility to Infection
- Poor Wound Healing
Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency may also be associated with the following health conditions:
- Arthritis
- Eczema
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Premenstrual Syndrome
Many health problems causing weight gain or inability to lose weight can be treated or controlled successfully, and, once treated, can result in gradual natural weight loss.
Womens Health Mag/Unexplained Weight Gain
NHS: Nine Medical Rreasons for Putting on Weight
The above article is for information only. If you feel you have any underlying health problems causing weight gain or the inability to lose weight even if dieting for weight loss, please seek professional help.