4 Possible Reasons Why You Gain Weight

1. Cushing's disease

Excessive weight gain accompanied by red stretch marks around the abdominal area is a strong sign of Cushing's disease. But, it's important to note that patient only gain the weight in their middle and the back of their neck, while their arms and legs stay lean.

"Cushing’s typically presents with significantly low energy and complications like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol," said Dr. Reshmi Srinath, assistant professor of diabetes, endocrinology, and bone disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

2. Depression

Some cases of weight gain are due to depression. A person may adopt a food-related coping mechanism to deal with their mood problems, such as eating unhealthy snacks that are high in calories. The increased production of stress hormone cortisol could also lead to weight gain.

3. Insomnia

Staying up too late can cause increased hunger and appetite, which leads to midnight snack cravings. But according to researchers from Sweden, it may have to do with a lot more than that. In their study, just one sleepless night can already cause body changes - promoting a higher storage of fat. Lead author Jonathan Cedernaes said poor sleep itself could lead to weight gain by "reducing proteins that are the key components of muscle."

4. Thyroid disorder

If the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones, a person may have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's disease. Some of the most common associated symptoms include low levels of energy as well as unexplained weight gain.

The condition might be dangerous if left untreated on a long-term basis. A person will be prescribed medication to help compensate for your underactive thyroid after being diagnosed. The weight will come back to normal when the right dosage received.