Understanding More About Unexplained Changes in Weight

If you are struggling with unexpected fluctuations in your weight, then it can be a frustrating and baffling time. It is one thing to lose weight when on a planned diet or due to a workout plan, but unexplained weight issues, gaining or losing, are no fun. If you find yourself doing all you can to redress the balance but the weight keeps piling on or falling off then you might need to dig a bit deeper to protect your health..

Very often, unexplained weight fluctuations can be a sign of something else happening in your body.

Weight loss – what could be behind it? 

If you find yourself losing weight despite eating more and taking steps to combat it then there could be a range of explanations. While it is always best to get tested to find out for sure, the below are some of the most common:

• Cancer – please don’t get overly scared as your weight loss may not be due to this. However, sudden and sustained weight loss can indicate the presence of cancerous cells or tumors in the body. If you are worried about your weight loss in this regard, it is best to see your doctor for a thorough check up.

• Depression – you may not realize this, but your mental health can have a big impact on your physical one. Depression is often linked to weight loss as sufferers can refrain from eating and not get the calories they need each day. If you feel a bit down then try to keep eating, even if you do not feel like it. It is also worth trying to see friends to avoid becoming isolated or seeing a professional for help if needed.

• Diabetes – this is one of the biggest illnesses on the planet now with around 370 million people globally suffering from it. One sign of having diabetes can be unexplained weight loss so it may be worth getting tested for it. Diabetes is controlled with diet or via insulin injections.

What about unexplained weight gain? 

It is not just losing weight unexpectedly that you should take note of. If you find yourself gaining weight for no good reason, then you may be suffering from an underlying condition. Here are some of the most common that could be affecting you:

• Lack of sleep – it might just be that you are not getting enough sleep. The issue here is that it affects the level of hormones released into your body when asleep. By not getting enough, you reduce this level which can lead to you feeling hungry when you wake. This in turn can lead to overeating and weight gain. If you think this is happening to you, just go to bed earlier!

• Cushing’s Syndrome – this is a disease that is caused by too much of the stress hormone Cortisol being released into your blood. Naturally, too much stress can be the root cause, but it can also be a reaction to steroids prescribed for conditions like lupus. The excess Cortisol builds up in the body and leads to extra weight being put on. To help cure this, try to avoid stressful situations or speak to your doctor about the medication you are on.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – this is a hormonal problem that can affect women of child bearing age. Small cysts grow on the ovaries which unbalance the normal menstrual cycle. In turn, this can cause weight gain amongst other symptoms. If you feel this is the cause of your weight gain, then it is best to see a medical professional.

Don’t forget about your thyroid 

One very common cause of both unexplained weight loss and gain can be your thyroid. This small gland in your body is responsible for regulating your metabolism and controlling other vital functions as a result. Around 12% of the population in the USA have issues with their thyroid, be it under or over active. If it does not function as it should then your metabolism is affected, hence either losing or gaining weight.

If you think that your thyroid could be the root cause, then it is best to get tested for thyroid function first. If you are looking for a thyroid test near me then you first need to find a lab. Once this is done, you can use a home testing kit and drop it off at the lab of your choice to see how your thyroid is working.

You cannot ignore unexplained weight changes 

We all know that sometimes we put on or lose small amounts of weight. That two-week all-inclusive holiday or new diet will always have an effect. However, if you experience sustained weight fluctuations for no apparent reason then it is wise to get it checked out by your doctor.