You’re eating right and your exercising regularly. Yet, your system seems to have slowed down, and you’re not losing weight. Dr Usha Sriram, a Chennai-based endocrinologist, outlines the diseases and syndromes which could be hampering your weight-loss efforts. If you notice any change in your body, either unexplained weight gain or sluggishness, do consult a doctor.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland means a sluggish metabolism. So the body stores more fat than it can burn.
Cushing’s syndrome: The adrenal or pituitary glands are overworking and producing too much cortisol. You are likely to have fat around your tummy, face and back of the neck.
Medication: Certain medication, like steroids for arthritis or skin conditions, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihypertensives, meds for diabetes, migraine and seizures, can all cause weight gain.
Hormonal changes : This happens especially in women at certain stages in their lives, such as puberty, during pregnancy and menopause; it causes weight gain and changes in body composition.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: Caused by hormonal imbalances, apart from other symptoms like irregular periods, acne, facial hair, infertility, it also causes weight gain in women.
Syndrome X: This is a metabolic syndrome that causes insulin resistance and is marked by low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, visceral fat, high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is known to cause weight gain.
Tumour: If you are hungry a lot or eating much more than usual, the appetite/satiety centre of the brain could be malfunctioning, which is sometimes caused by a tumour in the hypothalamus. Tumours in the pancreas can cause the body to produce too much insulin, which can cause weight gain. This is not the most common reason, so don’t be alarmed and jump to any conclusions. Do consult a doctor.
