Are you the one diligently hitting the gym, counting calories, and yet seeing the scale refuse to budge? Before you throw your fitness tracker in frustration or swear off kale salads forever, you might want to consider this: It may not be your fault!
Shocking, right? A handful of sneaky medical conditions could be the undercover culprits sabotaging your weight-loss efforts. So buckle up and get ready as we blow the lid off those pesky health hiccups that might be playing havoc with your waistline.
These 12 medical conditions may be keeping you from losing weight, but you may not be aware of them.
Hypothyroidism
Your thyroid is like the gas pedal for your metabolism. Hypothyroidism happens when your body’s gas pedal gets stuck in slow-motion mode, causing you to burn fewer calories. According to the American Thyroid Association, this condition affects about 12% of Americans at some point.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS makes it harder for the body to use the hormone insulin, which can cause weight gain.
Depression
You might not associate mental health with weight, but depression can lead to weight gain due to appetite and activity level changes. As Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom of the University of Pittsburgh says, “Depression is a physiological disorder as much as a psychological one.”
Insomnia
The University of Chicago found that inadequate sleep increases ghrelin, which may cause weight gain.
Cushing’s Syndrome
This rare disorder causes the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol, a hormone that leads to weight gain. Harvard Medical School states that the syndrome affects about 10 to 15 people per million each year.
Type 2 Diabetes
Although the association is two-way, obesity is a key risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can also lead to weight gain, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Leptin Resistance
Your body signals fullness with leptin. When you become leptin-resistant, your brain no longer gets the memo, resulting in overeating. The American Journal of Physiology reports that leptin resistance is a significant factor in obesity.
Chronic Stress
According to the Mayo Clinic, long-term stress increases cortisol, which may cause weight gain.
Heart Disease
According to the American Cardiac Association, fluid retention may cause weight gain in several cardiac diseases.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and beta-blockers, can cause weight gain. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) acknowledges this as a widespread issue affecting millions.
Menopause
Menopause hormones may cause weight gain, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Insatiable hunger and obesity result from this uncommon genetic condition. The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association estimates that the condition affects 1 in every 15,000 births.
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