To effectively get rid of unnecessary accumulations of fat, you need to adjust your diet and choose the right exercises. Diet and physical activity cause the organs and glands to secrete hormones that burn fat. Therefore, if these two strategies – effective diets and exercises – do not work, it makes sense to consult a doctor and look for the true cause of weight gain, which, according to estet-portal.com, may well be one of those described below. So, why do we get better, even if we lead the right lifestyle, and by what signs and features of weight gain can we calculate its cause?
4 causes of weight gain and their characteristics
If you have significantly reduced your calorie intake and increased your level of physical activity, but you still cannot remove body fat, it is worth considering whether malfunctions in the internal organs and glands that produce hormones that contribute to weight loss or weight gain are the cause.
So, below estet-portal.com will talk about these four reasons for weight gain and their characteristic features that will help to suspect "malfunctions" in this or that body:
- "adrenal" weight gain;
- "hepatic" weight gain;
- "thyroid" weight gain;
- "ovarian" weight gain.
Read also: Causes of being overweight: 9 diseases that people get better from
Characteristic features of the "adrenal" weight gain
The adrenal glands are responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response, which occurs in response to stress. If the adrenal glands are disturbed too often by stressful situations, this can lead to an imbalance of hormones and disrupt various functions of the body, including the sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult to wake up and fall asleep. The adrenal glands secrete the stress hormone cortisol, elevated levels of which lead to weight gain in the middle part of the body (called "cortisol belly").
The appearance of fat in the abdomen and waist – perhaps the cause is a malfunction of the adrenal glands.
If you suspect that your adrenal glands or stress may be the cause of your weight gain, consult your doctor and try to reduce your stress levels, for example, through yoga and meditation.
Symptoms of adrenal dysfunction include:
- fat deposits in the abdomen and waist;
- "complete" face and neck;
- relatively thin arms and legs;
- high blood pressure;
- muscle and bone weakness;
- high blood sugar;
- mood swings, irritability or depression.
Characteristic features of "hepatic" weight gain
A properly functioning liver – important component of health and wellness. If it fails, fat begins to accumulate in the abdomen. Also problems with high blood sugar (including diabetes), high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure are not ruled out. The accumulation of toxins in the liver can also lead to joint pain, allergies, skin problems (including acne), and body odor.
Read also: To help lose weight: how to activate the fat burning process
Liver disease can be either genetic or acquired as a result of exposure to various factors, including viruses and alcohol abuse. Therefore, if you notice that your tummy has begun to rapidly grow fat, seek help from a doctor – perhaps the cause of the weight gain is an inefficient liver.
Characteristic features of the "thyroid" weight gain
It is the thyroid gland that regulates the rate at which the body uses energy by producing hormones that control the rate of metabolism. If the thyroid gland is not active enough, weight gain will be observed even with a decrease in the number of calories consumed.
A common cause of sudden weight gain is an underactive thyroid gland.
Also underactive thyroid can also be indicated by:
- skin laxity;
- weight gain;
- muscle weakness;
- constipation;
- hair loss;
- slow heartbeat;
- dry skin;
- hoarseness;
- depression;
- constant fatigue;
- Irregular menstruation.
Regularly visit an endocrinologist to recognize malfunctions in the thyroid gland in time and correct its work.
Characteristic features of the "ovarian" weight gain
This cause of weight gain is typical for women who have problems with the ovaries may be an indicator of hormonal imbalance. Signs of a malfunctioning ovary include unexplained weight gain in the lower body, PMS, missed periods, persistent constipation, and excessive cravings for chocolate or dairy products.
If you are suffering from pain in the ovaries or notice changes in your menstrual cycle and weight gain in the lower body, seek help from a gynecologist.
Not all causes of weight gain are listed above. There are other diseases that explain the dramatic weight gain in men and women. Therefore, if you suddenly start to gain weight and cannot lose weight, estet-portal.com recommends consulting a specialist.
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