Skip to content 
If you’ve been trying to lose weight for a long time, but to no avail, this may indicate a health problem. The thing is, there are diseases and disorders that can actually cause weight gain. In this case, it is important to consult a specialist and take the necessary tests. Nutritionist and nutritionist Olga Stepanova tells us more about the types of diagnostics that a person interested in achieving a goal should undergo.
What could be the problem?
There are many diseases and conditions that can cause weight gain and complicate the process of losing weight. We will discuss some of them below:
- Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones that regulate metabolism. This can slow down metabolism, increase appetite, and cause weight gain.
- Insulin resistance is a decrease in the body’s sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This can occur as a result of excessive carbohydrate intake and insufficient physical activity.
- Polycystic ovary disease is a hormonal disorder that can cause weight gain, as well as other symptoms: irregular menstrual cycles and increased hair growth.
- Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that can occur when the airway temporarily becomes obstructed, leading to sleep disturbances and reduced oxygen levels in the body. This is partly the cause of excess weight, as unhealthy sleep can affect the level of hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.
- Stress affects the level of hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. In addition, it can lead to eating disorders. We are talking, in particular, about the well-known method of “stress eating.”
“Also, some medications can cause weight gain as a side effect. These include, for example, antidepressants, steroids, and medications used to treat diabetes. If you are being treated and notice that your weight is increasing, consult your doctor to consider other treatment options or change the dose,” advises nutritionist and dietitian Olga Stepanova.
What tests should I take to identify the problem?
A nutritionist can provide a specific list of diagnostic options after an individual consultation. Usually, learning basic information about the patient, his or her health status, complaints, and habits is enough to suspect specific disorders and check it with tests. Olga Stepanova recommends this option to avoid taking unnecessary tests and spending money. Below are the possible diagnostic options.
For glucose and insulin
Hyperinsulinemia is a condition in which the pancreas produces too much insulin. This can cause weight gain and water retention in the body. A blood test will help to identify this condition.
For thyroid hormones
This blood test will confirm or reject the suspicion of hypothyroidism. This condition can cause both significant weight loss and obesity. Therefore, it is important to diagnose it in a timely manner and take appropriate action.
On sex hormones
Hyperestrogenism is a condition in which the level of female hormones in the body is too high. Women with this diagnosis find themselves in a vicious circle: the problem causes overweight, which only provokes further development of hypoestrogenism.
For vitamins and minerals
Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to weight gain, and iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which also contributes to weight gain. A blood test will help identify possible deficiencies.
For infections and inflammation
Such processes in the body can lead to weight changes and water retention in the body. For example, chronic intestinal inflammation directly affects metabolism. Specific diagnostic options are determined by a nutritionist and dietitian.
For stress hormone (cortisol).
High cortisol levels affect metabolic processes and changes in body weight. It can increase due to many factors, including constant anxiety. This is a typical condition for most Ukrainians during the war. Therefore, it is important to identify the problem in a timely manner.
Allergens and food intolerance
In this context, it is the allergens that cause certain food disorders and other problems that matter. For example, lactose intolerance can lead to intestinal inflammation.
What to do if the tests turned out to be “problematic”? Advice from a nutritionist and dietitian
“If the diagnostic results indicate health problems that may contribute to weight gain, it is important to consult a nutritionist and dietitian for advice and to develop an individualized nutrition and treatment plan,” says Olga Stepanova.
According to her, the process may include prescribing medications and nutritional supplements, changing your diet, and developing an individualized exercise plan. If necessary, you should consult a specialized doctor, who will also prescribe specialized medications.
It’s also important to keep in mind that healthy weight loss usually takes time and requires constant effort. You need to balance the number of calories you consume with those you use. You need to focus on a healthy, varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.
“Weight loss can be a challenge. If excess weight does not change with the help of healthy eating and physical activity, it is worth identifying possible health problems in a timely manner and solving them,” emphasizes nutritionist and dietitian Olga Stepanova.
