Weight Gain: Exploring Nutrition, Hormones, and Body Changes

I want to lose weight..?

Two years ago, my weight was consistently between 46 to 48 kg, and my waist was always around 23.5 inches.
However, over the past two years, my weight has been increasing.
Although my appearance doesn't seem overweight (I was on the school team in both junior high and high school), my belly under my clothes is quite surprising.
My original weight was 46 kg with a waist of 23.5 inches, but now my weight has reached 57 kg, and my waist has increased to 30 or 31 inches.
How could this happen? I eat much less than before, yet my weight remains the same.
I am currently doing fitness dance, and even if I skip a meal for a day, my weight still does not decrease! Additionally, my menstrual cycle has become irregular.
Could this be related to hormonal imbalance and my menstrual cycle? Also, is it normal to wake up in the morning with a flat stomach after digestion? However, when I wake up, my stomach hasn't flattened at all and still appears large.
What could be the reason for this?

Xiao Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/11/01

Dr. Xie Huimin reply Nutrition

Dear Xiao Yu,
Changes in lifestyle or a sudden cessation of exercise can lead to weight gain.
A weight of 57 kilograms with a waist circumference of 30 inches is possible.
Regarding weight loss, it may be necessary to carefully assess the caloric intake of the foods you consume and the calories burned through exercise to ensure they are balanced.
I recommend adopting a long-term low-calorie dietary pattern, avoiding large meals, and planning various forms of exercise.
Aim to engage in physical activity 4-5 days a week, incorporating different types of exercise.
It would be beneficial to first record your dietary and exercise habits for a week and consult a qualified weight loss nutritionist for dietary evaluation.
If you suspect any endocrine issues, consider seeing a metabolic specialist for assessment.
Best regards,
Hui-Min Hsieh

Reply Date: 2004/11/01

More Info

Understanding weight gain can be a complex issue that involves various factors, including nutrition, hormonal changes, and body composition. Based on your description, it seems that despite your efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you are experiencing significant weight gain and changes in your body shape, particularly around your abdomen. Let's explore some potential reasons for this situation.

Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that weight gain can occur even when you feel like you are eating less. This can be attributed to several factors, including metabolic changes, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle factors. As we age, our metabolism can slow down, which means that our bodies may require fewer calories than before. Additionally, hormonal changes, particularly those related to the menstrual cycle, can affect weight and body composition. Irregular periods can be a sign of hormonal imbalances, which may also contribute to weight gain or difficulty losing weight.

Your mention of a consistent increase in waist size and weight, despite reduced food intake, raises the possibility of underlying metabolic or hormonal issues. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can lead to weight gain and irregular menstrual cycles. It would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in endocrinology or women's health to evaluate your hormonal levels and overall health.

Another aspect to consider is body composition. Even if your weight remains the same, changes in muscle mass and fat distribution can affect how your body looks and feels. Engaging in physical activities like fitness dancing is a positive step, but it may also be beneficial to incorporate strength training into your routine. Building muscle can help increase your resting metabolic rate, which may assist in weight management.

Regarding your observation about your abdomen not appearing flatter in the morning, this could be due to several factors. Bloating can occur for various reasons, including dietary choices (such as high sodium intake or certain food intolerances), hormonal fluctuations, and even stress. It's not uncommon for individuals to experience abdominal distension, which can be exacerbated by factors such as fluid retention or digestive issues.

To address these concerns, consider the following steps:
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Schedule an appointment with a doctor or a registered dietitian to discuss your weight gain, irregular periods, and any other symptoms you may be experiencing. They can conduct tests to check for hormonal imbalances or other underlying health issues.

2. Monitor Your Diet: Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how it affects your body. Pay attention to foods that may cause bloating or discomfort and consider reducing their intake.

3. Incorporate Strength Training: Adding resistance exercises to your routine can help build muscle and improve body composition. This can also enhance your metabolism and support weight management.

4. Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day, as hydration can impact digestion and help reduce bloating.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can influence hormonal balance and appetite. Consider incorporating stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.

6. Regular Physical Activity: Continue with your fitness dancing and consider varying your workouts to include different types of exercise, such as cardio and strength training, to keep your routine engaging and effective.

In conclusion, weight gain and changes in body composition can be influenced by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, metabolic shifts, and lifestyle habits. It's essential to approach this issue holistically and seek professional guidance to identify any underlying health concerns. By making informed dietary choices, incorporating strength training, and managing stress, you can work towards achieving a healthier weight and body composition.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Weight Gain: Nutrition, Hormones, and Effective Strategies

Hello Dr. Chuang, Recently, I've noticed an increase in my appetite and food intake, which I believe may be a consequence of long-term dieting for weight loss. In the mornings, I typically have a serving of fruit, a cup of yogurt (alternating with soy milk or cow's mil...

Dr. Zhuang Yizhen reply Nutrition
Hello SUNNY, From your letter, I can see that you have put a lot of effort into weight loss and have a good understanding of food choices. However, you are still unable to effectively control your steadily increasing weight. This may be related to your concerns about endocrine d...

Understanding Weight Gain: Nutritional Strategies for the Underweight

I see many people asking this question, and it seems that those who want to gain weight are just as concerned about their bodies as those who want to lose weight. I am also quite thin, with a BMI of only 19.6, which is more than 10% below the normal range. Nutritionists typically...

Dr. Xie Huimin reply Nutrition
Based on experience, it is indeed more difficult for thin individuals to gain weight compared to overweight individuals losing weight. You have analyzed this issue very well. Diseases, personality, diet, and exercise are significant factors affecting body weight. If we exclude di...

Understanding Weight Gain and Abdominal Changes: A Medical Perspective

Hello Dr. Hou, I have a few questions regarding weight gain (I am 156 cm tall and weigh 48.4 kg). 1) Since the Lunar New Year, my weight has been steadily increasing (from 46 kg to the current 48.4 kg), and fat has started to accumulate around my abdomen and waist. Previously, ...

Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally speaking, an increase in the intake of sugary beverages can easily lead to weight gain, so it is recommended that you start with dietary control. As for whether steroids have an impact, it is advisable to discuss this with your rheumatology and immunology special...

Why Can't I Gain Weight? Exploring Nutrition and Health Factors

Currently, my weight is about 58-60 kg and my height is 174 cm. However, it's strange that my weight doesn't increase even when I eat a lot, and I don't seem to gain muscle from working out; I just become more toned. Additionally, I feel very fatigued when I consum...

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Your ideal weight range is between 60 to 73.2 kilograms. Regarding the various discomforts you mentioned, it is advisable to seek medical examination for kidney function, liver function, and blood glucose levels. Additionally, please assess whether your life stress is exce...