Weight gain (unintentional)

• 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

Note: There may be other causes of unintentional weight gain. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for unintentional weight gain, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

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 Your Healthcare Provider 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?

The physical examination may include a general physical examination and a measurement of the body weight.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed are:

• nutritional assessment
• blood tests including chemistry profile

Weight gain caused by emotional problems may require psychological counseling. There should be some discussion of an appropriate exercise program. If weight gain is caused by a physical illness, treatment (if there is any) for the underlying cause will be prescribed.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to unintentional weight gain to your personal medical record.