Women are more likely to experience hormone-related weight gain than their male counterparts. This is especially so because of the birth control methods that they use and biological occurrences like menopause. Below are some highlights
- Hyperthyroidism: This leads to a deficiency in thyroid deficiency. This in turn means that the body has a slower metabolic rate. Consequently, one does not get hungry as a person with a normally functioning thyroid would. People with hyperthyroidism gain modest weight, which is often as a result of water retention and fat accumulation in the body.
- A deficiency in fatty acids. The fatty acids are essential to the body for purposes of hormone production. They also help in maintaining an ideal metabolic rate. Deficiency in the fatty acids often mean that a person crave for fatty foods
- Food sensitivity: When the body reacts to specific foods, symptoms such as itching, swelling and bloating occurs. In some cases, the body reacts by releasing hormones, which encourage water retention into the inflamed parts. The weight however goes down as soon as the allergen is washed out of the system.
- Cushing syndrome: this is a disorder that occurs when the body has excess cortisol. When this is the case fat is unevenly deposited on the upper back, the face and the abdomen, while the legs and arms remain unaffected.
- Prescription drugs: Such includes oral contraceptives, hormone replacement and other drugs like steroids, diabetic medication and anti-depressants.
When one suspects that their weight gain is as a result of hormonal changes, they should seek a doctor’s opinion on the same.