Why did I gain 8 kg in one year if I ate and exercised normally?

Most people generally think that sudden weight gain is caused by "eating too much" or "not exercising enough". However, if you have a normal diet and exercise habits, but your weight increases by 8 kilograms in one year and your period is occasionally late, what might be wrong with your body? Let's listen to the experts' analysis.

[Question from a netizen] Sudden weight gain + menstrual disorder, what’s wrong with my body?

A few days ago, a female netizen asked a question on the "5914 Call a Doctor" platform of "Health Care", mentioning: In the past year, I have unknowingly gained nearly 8 kilograms in weight. I eat normally, not too much, and I don't diet deliberately. When I have free time, I will watch TV and exercise at home (can last 30 to 40 minutes) or go for a run. Also, my menstrual period is unstable, sometimes it is a month late and I thought I was pregnant, but it is not (I have not used any contraceptives but have not succeeded in conceiving). I don't know what to do to restore my weight?

"Expert Analysis" There are 3 possibilities for sudden weight gain

Wu Jiahong, adjunct attending physician at the Department of Family Medicine at National Taiwan University Hospital, analyzed that there are three possibilities for sudden weight gain, each of which may lead to menstrual cycle disorders and difficulty in conceiving in women.

There are many possibilities for sudden weight gain, most of which may cause menstrual cycle disorders and difficulty conceiving in women.

Possibility 1/Endocrine disorders: The endocrine system is one of the important systems responsible for maintaining the stability of various physiological functions in the human body. Once the endocrine system is out of balance, women are prone to irregular menstrual cycles, delayed menstruation, etc., which not only makes them gain weight easily, but also affects conception. In addition, thyroid hormone is also a type of endocrine. If a patient has hypothyroidism and has low thyroid hormone levels, he or she may suddenly gain weight.

The second possibility/Insulin resistance: Insulin is an important hormone for the human body to regulate blood sugar. Once insulin resistance occurs, there is too much insulin in the body. Even if the daily intake is not much, it is easy to cause obesity. The cause of type 2 diabetes is also related to insulin resistance. In addition, insulin resistance may also trigger "polycystic ovary syndrome". In addition to sudden weight gain and menstrual disorders, infertility, excessive body hair, rough skin, frequent acne, etc. are also typical symptoms.

Possibility 3/Inflammatory hormones: "Obesity" itself puts the body in a state of chronic inflammation. When the concentration of inflammatory hormones in the body increases, it will become more difficult to lose weight, forming a vicious circle. Inflammation may also affect the ovulation function of the ovaries.

Dr. Wu Jiahong emphasized: "If you eat right, exercise will be effective in losing weight; if you eat wrong, you may not lose weight even if you exercise hard!"

If your weight increases by more than 5% in 3 months, don’t assume it’s just general aging-related obesity

Could sudden weight gain be just a normal aging phenomenon caused by increasing age and decreasing basal metabolic rate? Dr. Wu Jiahong pointed out that the body itself has a very smart and complex regulatory mechanism for weight changes caused by aging and a decrease in basal metabolic rate. With a normal and healthy diet and lifestyle, weight usually does not change too much in a short period of time. Generally speaking, if your weight increases or decreases by more than 5% within 3 months, you should be alert. In addition to reviewing your diet and lifestyle, you should also pay attention to whether it is a problem with the endocrine system, digestive system, or even cancer.

Since the above-mentioned netizen also experienced sudden weight gain and delayed menstruation, the possibility of endocrine disorders is high. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the obstetrics and gynecology department first to confirm whether it is a problem with the uterine structure or polycystic ovary syndrome. If gynecological concerns are ruled out, you can consult the family medicine department to check the endocrine condition, and if necessary, you can be transferred to the endocrinology department for further treatment.

Dietary control of obesity: quality and nutrition are more important than calories

Although the above reasons can be improved through treatment, the fundamental solution still lies in adjusting lifestyle, especially diet. Doctor Wu Jiahong emphasized: "Only if you eat right and exercise to lose weight will it be effective; if you eat wrong, you may not lose weight even if you exercise hard!" Nowadays, many obese or fat-fearing people are obsessed with "calories" when eating, but they don't realize that the "quality" and "nutrition" of food are more important. Rejecting unnecessary sugar and refined foods and eating nutritious natural foods can promote the normal functioning of physiological functions and stay away from obesity and infertility.