Weight gain - unintentional

Home Care

Take action by starting a proper diet and exercise program. Counseling may be helpful.

Set realistic weight goals to maintain a healthy weight. Consult with a health care provider about specific measures.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if the following symptoms occur along with the weight gain:

• Constipation
• Excessive weight gain without a known cause
• Hair loss
• Sensitivity to cold
• Swollen feet and shortness of breath
• Uncontrollable hunger accompanied by palpitations, tremor, and sweating
• Vision changes

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, measure your weight, and ask questions about your weight gain, such as:

• How much weight have you gained?
• When did the weight gain begin?
• Did it come on suddenly or slowly?
• Have there been changes in your diet or appetite?
• Has your physical activity been restricted due to illness or injury?
• Has your participation in social activities decreased?
• Are you anxious, depressed, or under stress?
• Do you have a history of depression?
• What other symptoms do you have?
• What medications do you take?
• Do you use alcohol or street drugs?
• Doe the weight gain cause you much concern?

Tests that may be done include:

• Nutritional assessment
• Blood tests including chemistry profile
• Measurement of hormone levels

Weight gain caused by emotional problems may require psychological counseling. Talk to your provider about an appropriate diet and exercise program and realistic weight loss goals. If weight gain is caused by a physical illness, treatment (if there is any) for the underlying cause will be prescribed.

If weight continues to be a problem despite diet and exercise, talk with your health care provider about other treatment options, including medications and surgery.

References

National Institutes of Health. Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults: The Evidence Report. Obes Res. 1998 Sep;6 Suppl 2:51S-209S.