What triggers a quick weight gain?

The majority of individuals go through weight changes, and weight increase over time is typical. But if someone puts on weight quickly and without apparent cause, this can indicate a more serious health issue.

Common reasons of weight gain when it's not brought on by a health issue include:

eating more during menstruation

Age-related metabolic slowing, reduced physical activity, water retention brought on by dehydration or salt overload, stress, despair, or worry, and sleep deprivation

Anyone who gains weight quickly without one of the factors mentioned above or whose quality of life is affected should see a physician.

Discover 11 potential reasons of fast weight gain in this article, along with solutions.

1. Medicine

People who take certain drugs may gain weight quickly. The Obesity Action Coalition claims that as a side effect, several medications might cause patients to gain up to several pounds each month.

Some medications used to treat the following conditions may cause fast weight gain in patients:

• seizures
• diabetic nephropathy
• blood pressure is high.
• Psychiatric diseases and depression
• Important: Never stop taking a drug without first talking to your doctor.

2. Sleepiness

A lack of sleep has been linked to weight increase, according to research. People may overeat as a result of changes in their eating habits and emotions.

Researchers from a 2013 research discovered that sleep deprived individuals consumed more carbs than was required to satisfy their energy requirements, which resulted in weight gain.

In the same research, participants generally consumed more calories, particularly after dinner.

3. Cessation of smoking

Some individuals gain weight at first after quitting tobacco use. Experts think that this happens because nicotine reduces appetite and because stress-related withdrawal symptoms might result in overeating.

According to studies, the average weight increase in the first month after quitting smoking is 1 kilogram (kg)Trusted Source. The bulk of weight gain after quitting smoking tends to happen in the first three months, and by the sixth month, it seems to be slowing down.

However, depending on the individual, weight changes brought on by quitting smoking might differ. According to the same study, 16% of participants lost weight in the first year after quitting, while 13% gained more than 10 kg.

4. Polycystic ovary disease

People who with PCOS may discover that they acquire weight around their middles quickly. The ovaries generate abnormally high quantities of male sex hormones as a result of PCOS.

Other PCOS signs and symptoms include:

• unusual time frames
• thinning hair or hair loss excessive body hair, chest hair, or belly hair
• acne
• black spots on the skin around the breasts, neck, or armpits

Despite the fact that there is no treatment for PCOS, a doctor may advise making lifestyle changes that may lessen symptoms, such as increasing exercise and eating a healthy diet. Hormonal treatments may also aid in symptom management.

5. Heart disease

Rapid weight gain or swelling in certain body parts may be caused by fluid retention and might be an indication of heart failure.

A weight increase of more than 2-3 pounds (lb) in a day or 5 lb in a week may indicate heart failure, according to the American Heart Association.

It is important to remember that a person's weight often changes by a few pounds during the course of a day. If their weight returns to normal and they stop experiencing any new symptoms, the brief rise may have been caused by typical bloating and fluid retention.

The health of the body's other main organs is impacted by the heart's sluggish blood flow to and from the body. In turn, fluid builds up in the tissues, resulting in weight gain and edema.

Those affected by edema in the may gain weight while:

• abdomen, ankles, legs, and feet
• Other heart failure warning signs and symptoms include:
• fluid buildup inside the lungs (pulmonary edema)
• Coughing often, feeling out of breath at rest, disorientation or confusion
• difficulties eating, sleeping, or laying flat

People should visit a doctor if they have any of these symptoms together with sudden weight gain or unexplained edema.

6. Kidney conditions

One sign of kidney illness, including kidney failure or kidney damage caused by nephrotic syndrome, is sudden weight increase or body swelling.

The body may retain fluid and put on weight if the kidneys are not working properly. Waste and fluids accumulate in the tissues because damaged kidneys are unable to adequately eliminate them from the body.

Legs, ankles, or feet are often affected by swelling brought on by renal issues.

There are more signs that a kidney issue may exist, such as:

• fatigue
• not having a lot of urine but it looks frothy and itchy
• reduced appetite
• muscular pain
• body aches headaches
• uncertainty or trouble focusing

Cirrhosis 7.

People may have cirrhosis if they gain weight quickly and have an expanded belly.

Cirrhosis is a disorder that may result in fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity because it causes scar tissue to take the place of healthy liver tissue. Ascites is the medical term for this abnormal fluid accumulation.

Other cirrhosis signs and symptoms include:

• ankle swelling and breathing issues
• abdomen ache

If a person gains more than 2 pounds per day for three straight days while receiving ascites therapy, they should call their doctor.

8. Thyroid condition

Hypothyroidism, a thyroid condition, may slow the metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. Because of the effects of hypothyroidism on the kidneys, thyroid issues may also cause the body to retain fluid.

These are some other signs of hypothyroidism:

• perpetual weariness, cold, and dry skin and hair
• stiff joints, brittle nails, and sore muscles
• constipation

9. The Cushing's condition

When the body consistently generates too much cortisol, Cushing's syndrome develops. A hormone called cortisol helps the body react to stress.

An individual seldom develops Cushing's syndrome without an outside cause. Glucocorticoids, which are medications that may be used to treat illnesses including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and systemic lupus erythematosus, are more often associated with the side effect of Cushing's syndrome.

Weight increase is a common symptom of cushing's syndrome, especially in the body parts mentioned below:

torso, neck, and upper back

The limbs and legs, however, might be slender. Observers could also see:

• drained muscles weakened
• women's menstruation cycles that are irregular
• male erectile dysfunction bruising

The potential of altering a patient's treatment regimen should be discussed with a doctor if a medicine is producing Cushing's syndrome.

Acromegaly 10.

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder brought on by excessive growth hormone production by the pituitary gland. It often first appears in middle age.

Acromegaly is characterized by the growth of the hands and feet. People could observe that their rings or shoes no longer fit comfortably. It's also possible for the lips, tongue, and nose to expand.

Additional signs of acromegaly include:

• a deeper voice and hurting joints
• Skin tags, excessive perspiration, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea
• A benign tumor on the pituitary gland may need to be removed either surgery or radiation treatment in acromegaly patients.

Cancer of the ovary 11.

Bloating and sudden, unexplained weight increase might be symptoms of ovarian cancer. These are some more signs of ovarian cancer:

difficulties sleeping, abdominal or pelvic discomfort, frequent or urgent urination needs, lack of appetite, or feeling rapidly full

strange indigestion throughout the menstrual cycle

Anyone experiencing unusual discomfort in the pelvic area should see a doctor since ovarian cancer sometimes progresses to the later stages without being discovered. The prognosis is often better when cancer is discovered earlier in the disease's progression.

Whenever to see a doctor

People should consult their doctor if they are gaining weight quickly and unintentionally without a known reason.

The patient's medical history and any other symptoms will be discussed with the doctor. A physical examination, blood tests, or a specialist referral are all options.

In conclusion, a number of factors might cause weight gain or changes. Many individuals experience gradual weight gain as they age or alter their lifestyle.

Fast weight gain, however, may indicate a heart, thyroid, renal, or other underlying medical problems.

Anyone who gains weight quickly or unexplainably should see a physician to identify the underlying issue and create a treatment strategy.