Alternate Names: Involuntary weight gain

Considerations: Almost 40% of all Americans are overweight. Aging, which is generally accompanied by a slower metabolism, often causes weight gain unless accompanied by a reduction in food intake or adequate exercise.

Weight gain is a significant symptom of several endocrine diseases. It may also be caused by heart or lung disorders.

A progressive weight gain occurs with pregnancy; whereas, a periodic weight gain may occur with menstruation. A rapid weight gain may indicate dangerous fluid retention.

Common Causes:

• overeating and lack of exercise
• poor eating habits (high-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet)
• emotional factors such as guilt, depression, and anxiety
• social pressure
• slower metabolism, which is normal with aging
• medications that increase fluid retention and cause edema (or the abnormal pooling of fluids in the tissues)
• smoking cessation
• depression with compulsive eating
• alcohol consumption
• hypothyroidism, primary
• drugs such as corticosteroids, cyproheptadine, lithium, oral contraceptives, tranquilizers, phenothiazines, and tricyclic antidepressants

Home Care: Implement a proper diet and exercise program. Counseling or psychological help may be beneficial for some people.

Set realistic weight goals to maintain a weight consistent with good health. Consult with the health care provider about specific measures.

Call If:

• there is a change in vision with the weight gain.
• sensitivity to cold, constipation, and hair loss accompany weight gain.
• swollen feet and shortness of breath accompany the weight gain.
• there are times during the day when hunger is uncontrollable and accompanied by palpitations, tremor, and sweating.
• the weight gain is excessive and the reason for the weight gain is unknown.

What To Expect: The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting weight gain in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did the weight gain begin?
  • Has it been sudden or gradual?
• quality
  • How much weight has been gained?
  • Has appetite increased?
  • Has the amount or kind of food eaten changed?
  • Has physical activity level decreased?
• aggravating factors
  • Has physical activity been restricted due to illness or injury?
  • Has participation in social activities decreased?
  • Have stress or anxiety levels increased?
• accompanying symptoms
  • Is there fainting?
  • Is there uncontrollable hunger with palpitations, tremor, and sweating?
  • Is there a change in vision?
  • Is there increased sensitivity to cold?
  • Is there constipation?
  • Is there decreased urinary output?
  • Is there puffiness or swelling of face, feet and ankles?
  • Is there hair loss?
  • Is there shortness of breath ?
  • Are there change in sleep patterns, such as insomnia?
  • Is there muscle weakness?
  • Is there fatigue?
• additional important information for your physician:
  • What medications are being taken?
  • Do you use alcohol?
  • Do you use "street drugs"?
  • Is there a history of depression?
  • How is the body image--is there an awareness of weight gain? Does this cause the person to be overly concerned?

• nutritional assessment
• blood tests including chemistry profile