Why are you gaining weight?

If you start taking in more calories than usual or cut back on exercise, you wouldn’t be surprised if the numbers on the scales crept higher. But what if you're doing everything the same as you always do and your weight still goes up? It's time to delve a little deeper into what might else be going on.

Lack of sleep

There are two issues at work with sleep and weight gain. The first is intuitive: If you're up late, the odds are greater that you'll eat some late night snacks that will increase your calorie intake. The other reason involves what's going on biochemically when you're sleep deprived. Hormones that affect appetite take over, making you hungrier the next morning. These hormones also make you feel less full after eating.

Stress

When life's demands get too intense, our bodies go into survival mode: Cortisol, the 'stress hormone,' is secreted, which causes an increase in appetite. We may also reach for high-calorie comfort foods in times of stress. This combination is a perfect breeding ground for weight gain.

Antidepressants

An unfortunate side effect from some antidepressants is putting on weight, which may occur in up to 25% of people taking them long-term. Talk to your GP about changing to another drug if you think your antidepressant is causing weight gain. But remember that some people experience weight gain after beginning drug treatment simply because they're feeling better, which leads to improved appetite.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory steroid medications are notorious for causing weight gain. Fluid retention and increased appetite are the main reasons. Although weight gain is common, the severity of this side effect depends on the strength of the dose and length of time taking the drug. Some people may also see a redistribution of fat while taking the drug -- to places like the face, back of the neck or the abdomen. If you have any concerns about the side effects of a medication, talk to your GP.

Other drugs that may cause weight gain

Several other prescription drugs have been associated with weight gain. The list includes antipsychotic drugs (used to treat mood disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorders), as well as medicines to treat migraines, seizures, high blood pressure and diabetes. You and your GP should be able to find a medication that treats your symptoms without disrupting side effects.

'The Pill' does not typically cause weight gain

Contrary to popular belief, combination contraceptive pills (oestrogen and progestin) do not usually cause weight gain. In fact, some women on the pill lose weight, primarily from nausea. If you're still concerned about possible weight gain, talk to your GP.

Hypothyroidism

If your thyroid (the butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck) is not making enough thyroid hormone, you're probably feeling tired, weak, cold and gaining weight. Without enough thyroid hormone, the metabolism slows, making weight gain more likely. Even a thyroid functioning at the lower end of the normal range might cause weight gain. Treating hypothyroidism with medication may reverse some of the weight gain. If you have any concerns, please talk to your GP.