喵咪社区

Unexplained weight gain or loss can be a cause of concern. Experts from 喵咪社区 share possible explanations.

Obesity, PCOS or thyroid issues

• Thyroid hormone levels
• Excess cortisol
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• (PCOS)
• In rare cases, an insulin-secreting tumor
• Obesity in general

鈥淚f someone who is overweight or obese loses weight, their resting metabolic rate decreases and their appetite increases, which is a big reason people end up regaining weight,鈥� says endocrinologist Alyssa Dominguez, MD.

鈥淵our thyroid is another culprit of weight fluctuations. If thyroid hormone levels are abnormally high, they can cause weight loss. If they鈥檙e too low, they can cause up to 10 pounds of weight gain.鈥�

Cancer

• Colorectal cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Other types of cancer, such as leukemia

鈥淢any cancers can cause weight loss,鈥� says colorectal surgeon Joongho Shin, MD. 鈥淢any forms of it induce a type of immune response that results in decreased appetite, fatigue, night sweats and weight loss. So, unintended weight loss should raise a red flag.鈥�

Psychiatric conditions

• Eating disorders
• Mood and anxiety disorders, such as major depressive disorder
• Grief
• Substance abuse disorder

鈥淐hanges in appetite and weight occur across different types of eating disorders,鈥� says psychologist Kathryn Smith, PhD. 鈥淢ood also has a powerful effect on appetite and weight change, which may not be intentional. Stress can increase cortisol, which can affect appetite and eating, so there鈥檚 a very strong connection between the mind and body with respect to weight fluctuations.鈥�

Digestive problems

• Constipation
• Water retention
• Certain drugs, such as steroid, antidiarrheal or diabetes medications

鈥淗igh-protein diets are very popular right now, and they can be associated with constipation, which can lead to a few pounds of temporary weight fluctuations,鈥� says gastroenterologist Danse Bi, MD. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e on a high-protein diet, you should make sure you鈥檙e eating enough fiber and vegetables and drinking enough fluids.鈥�

Menstrual cycles, perimenopause and menopause

• Menstrual cycle hormone changes
• Menopause
• Perimenopause
• Endometriosis
• Pregnancy and postpartum

鈥淢enopause is associated with slow, gradual weight gain due to changes in metabolism that happen because of declining hormone levels,鈥� says gynecologist Anna Reinert, MD. 鈥淵ou can try to reverse some of those hormone level changes with hormone replacement therapy, but it doesn鈥檛 work for everyone.鈥�

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Mollie Barnes

Mollie Barnes is a writer for 喵咪社区.

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