What Causes Rapid Weight Gain?

By Alex Assoune

It happens to all of us: rapid weight gain that we don't expect at all. Does it come from a disease? An organ not functioning properly? Or excess fluids building up in tissues?

If you are experiencing rapid weight gain, ask yourself these questions to find out your symptoms:

Have you lost appetite?
Are you urinating often enough?
Do you experience fatigue?
Do you have cramps or swelling?
Do you feel any pain?
Do you have trouble concentrating?
Do you experience headaches?

Based on your symptoms, you can identify if your rapid weight gain is abnormal or not. If your abdomen looks enlarged, it may be because excess is building up in the abdominal cavity. If you experience breathing difficulties at the same time. This might be the reason why. In that case, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Rapid weight gain is also caused by slow metabolism. If your skin is dry, if you feel cold, if your joints are stiff, of if you lack energy, your metabolism may be slowing down. A fast metabolism is a very important component to a healthy lifestyle. To have better digestion, calorie burning rate, higher energy levels, strength and stamina, and a strong immune system. Getting plenty of sleep and exercising more will help you rev up your metabolism.

If you are under a lot of stress, your body may be producing too much cortisol. Cortisol is an hormone that often causes weight gain. It is your body's response to stressful situations. You will gain weight particularly in the abdomen, neck, face and upper back. Make sure to adopt new habits that help you relax and calm down. Take time for yourself, breathe deeply, quiet your mind and try to enjoy the present moment.

Luckily, most of the time, we can tell where our weight gain is coming from. Overeating, being on vacation, working out less, eating out too often, having too much dessert, consuming too much carbohydrates, sugary drinks or alcohol. Other times, we experience unexplained weight gain.

In general, you want to make sure to follow healthy habits such as:

getting enough sleep,
avoiding stressful situations,
limiting sugar and salt intake,
drinking plenty of water,
exercising regularly,
eating mindfully,
quitting smoking and drugs.

Please see your doctor if you are experiencing rapid and unintentional weight gain with no clear cause. It is better to detect and prevent anything abnormal early. With an early diagnosis, you will get a better prognosis and treatment.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.