Weight Gain

An increase in muscle mass, body fat, or fluid retention can produce weight gain. Weight gain can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Temporary weight gain can result from conditions such as pregnancy or taking certain medications. Weight gain can be a desired outcome for individuals who are underweight.MedlinePlus: Definition MedicineNet: Weight Gain

Weight gain in the midsection can either be deposited primarily around the belly, causing an apple shape, or around the hips, creating a pear silhouette. A waist to hip ratio of ,8 or above is defined as apple, a lower ratio is categorized as pear. The apple style of weight gain has been linked to a higher risk of developing health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and breast cancer. Pear shaped women may have a higher risk of osteoporosisCBS News: Are You A Pear Or An Apple (February 28, 2005) MedlinePlus: Different Types of Weight Gain

Some causes of weight gain are a slow metabolism, taking in more calories than are expended, quitting smoking, pregnancy and disease. Some diseases that can cause weight gain include eating disorders, depression, heart failure, kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, Cushing's syndrome, and hypothyroidism.MedlinePlus: Causes BBC Health: Your Weight WrongDiagnosis: Causes of Weight Gain

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body is not making enough thyroid hormones. Having low levels of thyroid hormone affects your metabolism. Some of the symptoms caused by hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue and depression.UpToDate: Hypothyroidism

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor if you are concerned about weight gain.

• Gaining Weight: Weight Gain Diet and Nutrition

• eHow: How to Gain Weight

• Health e Living: 5 Holiday Weight Gain Myths (November 11, 2008)

• HealthBoards: Been Skinny All My Life (November 6, 2008)

• eHealth Forum: Severe Weight Gain (September 27, 2008)

• Alexandra Teagan: Metabolic Imbalance and Weight Gain (May 1, 2008)

• Women's Issues: Dealing With Weight Gain During Menopause (May 1, 2008)

• Well (NYT):: Fat Bias Worse for Women (March 31, 2008)

• WebMD: Diet & Nutrition Message Boards

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