Rapid weight gain may be due to lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking. However, it may also indicate an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, insomnia, and cirrhosis.
Many people experience short-term weight fluctuations of
However, weight gain that is more rapid than this may indicate several underlying health conditions that require medical treatment.
Certain types of medications may cause people to gain weight,
- antipsychotics
- antidepressants
- corticosteroids
- antihyperglycemics, such as for diabetes
- antihypertensives, such as for hypertension
- insulin
Not every medication in these categories will cause weight fluctuations. However, if someone experiences rapid weight gain, it is important they speak with a doctor before adjusting or stopping their medications.
A lack of sleep may affect a person’s circadian rhythm, which may lead to weight gain by
- appetite hormones
- energy needs and expenditure
- food choices
A 2018 study of 18,828 adults suggests insomnia and sleep duration have a joint effect on obesity. The researchers suggest that insomnia may not contribute to obesity if a person gets adequate sleeping duration overall.
However, insomnia symptoms and a low sleep duration may contribute to obesity.
Some people may gain weight initially when they stop smoking tobacco products.
Nicotine, which is present in cigarettes and other tobacco products, may increase a person’s metabolism and reduce their appetite. Therefore, when a person quits smoking, they may feel hungrier and eat more, causing weight gain.
A 2019 study of 103 people suggests that people who smoke more and have a higher nicotine dependence gain more weight after quitting.
However, changes in weight as a result of quitting smoking vary from person to person. In another 2019 study with 161 people who stopped smoking for one year, 104 participants maintained their initial weight or gained less than 5% of their baseline weight.
Of the remaining 57 participants, 18 gained over 10% of their baseline weight.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine system disorder that affects people with ovaries in their reproductive years.
It is characterized by multiple hormonal abnormalities. People with PCOS
People with this condition have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
There is no cure for PCOS, but lifestyle and dietary changes, such as exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, may help people lower their weight and improve insulin resistance.
According to the
If blood is flowing slowly to and from the heart, it affects the function of other major organs in the body. As a result, fluid collects in the tissues, which may cause weight gain and swelling.
A person’s weight usually fluctuates throughout the day and over a week. If their weight returns to normal and they do not have additional symptoms, the temporary increase may be due to bloating and fluid retention.
Other signs and symptoms of heart failure include:
- pulmonary edema, fluid in the lungs
- chronic coughing
- feeling breathless when resting
- dizziness
- confusion
- loss of appetite
- difficulty sleeping or lying flat
People should seek medical attention if they have any of these symptoms alongside rapid weight gain.
Sudden weight gain or swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet may indicate kidney disease, such as kidney failure or nephrotic syndrome.
The kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste products and fluids from the body. If something damages them, they may not properly excrete these and the body may retain fluid, resulting in weight gain.
Other symptoms that may indicate a kidney problem include:
- fatigue
- trouble sleeping
- dry, itchy skin
- bloody or foamy urine
- frequent need to urinate
- persistent puffy eyes
- loss of appetite
- muscle cramps
Cirrhosis is a progressive condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy tissue in the liver. This could cause ascites (abdominal fluid buildup), which may cause:
- weight gain
- breathing difficulties
- swollen ankles
- abdominal pain
- umbilical or inguinal hernias
People should speak with a doctor if they experience rapid weight gain and any of these symptoms.
Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body produces too much cortisol, a hormone that enables the body to respond to stress.
It is
Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome may include:
- weight gain, particularly in the abdomen, neck, face, and upper back
- thin arms and legs
- getting bruised easily
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- irregular menstrual cycle
- erectile dysfunction
If a medication is causing Cushing’s syndrome, people can speak with a doctor about the possibility of changing their treatment plan.
Ovarian cancer refers to any cancer that begins in the ovaries. This cancer can cause ascites, like cirrhosis, which can lead to rapid weight gain.
Some people
- pain in the abdomen or pelvis
- difficulty sleeping
- frequent or urgent need to urinate
- loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- unusual menstrual cycle
- indigestion
Ovarian cancer often reaches the later stages without detection, so anyone with abnormal pain in the pelvic region should speak with a doctor. Diagnosing cancer at an earlier stage generally results in a more favorable outlook.
If people have rapid and unintentional weight gain with no apparent cause, it is a good idea to speak with a doctor.
The doctor will ask about their medical history and any additional symptoms. They may carry out a physical examination and blood tests or refer the person to a specialist.
It is normal for people to experience short-term weight fluctuations. For example, the body may fluctuate between 1 and 2 kg (2.2 to 4.4 lb) within 3 days, which may be due to:
- intestinal contents
- glycogen stores
- water stores
- labile protein stores
Weight gain of 10 pounds in one week may be due to fluid retention from dysfunction of the heart, liver, or kidney from a cancer source in the abdomen. However, only a doctor can offer an accurate diagnosis.
Weight gain and short-term fluctuations may happen for various reasons, such as aging or making lifestyle and dietary changes.
However, fast weight gain can indicate an underlying health condition, such as a problem with the kidneys or heart.
Anyone who experiences rapid, unexplained weight gain should see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.