Weight Gain

Is weight gain unhealthy?

Weight gain isn’t necessarily unhealthy unless it puts you in the overweight or obese category. If you’re underweight, gaining weight is a positive thing. Determining your body mass index (BMI) lets your provider know if your weight is within the healthy range.

If you experience an unwelcome weight gain, see Dr. Amersi to determine its root cause. She offers treatments that help you reach and maintain a healthy body weight, which lowers your risk of chronic diseases and their complications.

What causes unwanted weight gain?

Weight gain has many causes, including:

• Menopause
• Hormone imbalances
• Stress
• Poor eating habits
• Lack of exercise
• Some medications
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
• Poor sleep/sleep apnea
• Thyroid disorders
• Kidney disease
• Other chronic conditions

Weight gain often increases during perimenopause, continuing at a rate of 1.5 pounds yearly during your 50s.

How does my provider determine the cause of my weight gain?

Dr. Amersi pinpoints the cause of your weight gain by checking your vital signs, reviewing your medical history, discussing your symptoms, and completing a physical exam. Blood work and other diagnostic testing evaluate your hormone levels and screen for underlying health problems.

How can I prevent unwanted weight gain?

Eliminating unhealthy weight gain involves one or more of the following treatments:

• Changes in diet and exercise
• Lifestyle education
• Stress management (yoga, massage, meditation, tai chi, etc.)
• Dietary supplements
• Hormone therapy
• Medication
• Treating sleep apnea or other underlying medical problems

Balancing your hormones with the help of Dr. Amersi will consist of taking pills, using skin patches, trying creams or sprays, or having pellets implanted beneath the skin in your upper buttocks area.

It’s also helpful to exercise daily and eat a variety of nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, lean protein foods, plant oils, avocados, and other heart-healthy fats. Limit or avoid alcohol, and drink water, coffee, or tea instead of sugar-sweetened beverages.

Dr. Amersi personalizes a treatment plan that helps you maintain a healthy weight or gradually move you toward your goal weight. She follows up to ensure a successful outcome.

If you struggle with unwanted weight gain, see Shamsah Amersi, MD, by calling the office or scheduling an appointment online today.