Ask Sofia: Why Am I Gaining Weight?
If the scale isn’t exactly reflecting your healthy lifestyle these days, you might be wondering “why?”
“Why am I gaining weight?” is a loaded question with many potential answers. Some women gain weight during menopause when the metabolism begins to slow down while others see the scale tick up due to medication for depression and anxiety, stress and stress hormones, lack of sleep, digestive issues, eating too much sugar or not enough lean protein, and distracted eating, among others.
“Gaining weight without knowing why can be incredibly frustrating for women who are doing their best to maintain a healthy diet and exercise program,” said Dr. Jewelia Wagner. “There are so many potential causes behind sudden weight gain. Some of them, such as dehydration of lack of strength training, are relatively easy to remedy, but some are more concerning, which is why seeing your doctor is so important. We can help you get to the bottom of the issue and create a plan to support your health and wellness.”
If you have already tried increasing physical activity (strength training, in particular), reducing sweets/alcohol/processed food and general stress reduction without seeing any results, talk to your doctor about taking a closer look.
