Weight gain is a problem impacting millions of people across the country. NIH (National Institutes of Health) reports that about 34% of adults and between 15% to 20% of children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese, not to mention the millions of people who are not obese, but significantly overweight.
What are the causes of weight gain?
Weight gain can result from several factors, including:
- Consuming more calories than the body needs: Eating calories than your body burns will cause the body to store the excess calories as fat, leading to weight gain.
- Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain as the body burns fewer calories when inactive.
- Genetics: Some people may be predisposed to gaining weight due to their genetic makeup.
- Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with thyroid disorders, can lead to weight gain.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, steroids, insulin, antihistamines, SSRIs, and antipsychotic medications may have the side effect of increased weight gain.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, hypothyroidism, congestive hear failure, sleep apnea, insomnia, menopause, Cushing’s disease, edema, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes can lead to weight gain.
- Age: With age, the metabolism slows down, leading to a decrease in the number of calories burned, which can contribute to weight gain.
