National Institutes of Health / National Library of Medicine

Home
→
Medical Encyclopedia
→
Weight gain – unintentional

URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003084.htm

Weight gain – unintentional

Unintentional weight gain is when you gain weight without trying to do so and you are not eating or drinking
more.

Causes
Gaining weight when you are not trying to do so can have many causes.

Metabolism slows down as you age. This can cause weight gain if you eat too much, eat the wrong foods,
or do not get enough exercise.

Drugs that can cause weight gain include:

Birth control pills

Corticosteroids

Some drugs used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression

Some drugs used to treat diabetes

Hormone changes or medical problems can also cause unintentional weight gain. This may be due to:

Cushing syndrome

Underactive thyroid, or low thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Menopause

Pregnancy

Bloating, or swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the tissues can cause weight gain. This may be due to
menstruation, heart or kidney failure, preeclampsia, or medicines you take. A rapid weight gain may be a
sign of dangerous fluid retention.
If you quit smoking, you might gain weight. Most people who quit smoking gain 4 to 10 pounds (2 to 4.5
kilograms) in the first 6 months after quitting. Some gain as much as 25 to 30 pounds (11 to 14 kilograms).
This weight gain is not simply due to eating more.

Home Care
A healthy diet and exercise program can help you manage your weight. Talk to your health care provider or
a dietitian about how to make a healthy eating plan and set realistic weight goals.

Do not stop any medicines that may be causing the weight gain without talking with your provider.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have the following symptoms with the weight gain:

Constipation

Excessive weight gain without a known cause

Hair loss

Feel cold more often than before

Swollen feet and shortness of breath

Uncontrollable hunger accompanied by palpitations, tremor, and sweating

Vision changes

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam and calculate your body mass index (BMI). The provider may
also ask questions, such as:

How much weight have you gained? Did you gain the weight quickly or slowly?

Are you anxious, depressed, or under stress? Do you have a history of depression?

What medicines do you take?

What other symptoms do you have?

You may have the following tests:

Blood tests

Tests to measure hormone levels

Nutritional assessment
Your provider may suggest a diet and exercise program or refer you to a dietitian. Weight gain caused by
stress or feeling sad may require counseling. If weight gain is caused by a physical illness, treatment (if
there is any) for the underlying cause will be prescribed.

References
Boham E, Stone PM, DeBusk R. Obesity. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th
ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 36.

Kumar RB, Aronne LJ. Obesity. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's
Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 7.

Maratos-Flier E. Obesity. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams
Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 40.

Review Date 7/19/2021

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW
Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD,
MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Learn how to cite this page

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an

independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to

achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy

editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complies with the HONcode

standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A

licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to

other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2022, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.

National Library of Medicine

8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health