The simplest reason for weight gain is consuming more calories than can be burned off. But this need not be very serious as one can change his eating habits and work out a little more to manage the gain in weight. But rapid weight gain is a condition in which a person gains a lot of weight in a very short span of time. Now this can be an alarming issue as one does not understand the exact causes of the unexplained weight gain. It could also be the result of some illness which is ignored so far. Unexplained Weight Gain Causes There can be multiple reasons for weight gain which should be considered. A person should consult a doctor to find out the actual cause. Overeating Overeating is the most common cause of sudden weight gain. Improper eating habits or a high fat diet can also lead to quick weight gain. One can be suffering from hyperphagia, a condition involving an abnormally increased appetite, which arises due to damage caused to the hypothalamus. Tip: A nutritious balanced diet and an appropriate fitness regime can help in avoiding weight gain due to overeating. Aging Aging can cause a considerable decrease in the rate of metabolism due to reduced activity. Growing older makes most of your body parts less efficient and hence burns less calories off, eventually increasing the body weight. Tip: Staying active, though it may be a little difficult as you age and a diet that helps you cater to the changing nutritional needs of your body is the key to fend off the unwanted weight gain. Blood Sugar Imbalance Incorporating simple carbohydrates in your regular diet can increase the blood sugar level. This signals the insulin to lower the increased sugar level which in turn makes the body crave for more carbohydrates in order to maintain the blood sugar balance. This cycle, if continued causes rapid weight gain. Tip: Blood sugar can be kept in control by eating at regular intervals which eventually helps you keep off the extra pounds earned. Depression Excessive stress and depression can also lead to a sudden increase in body weight. In the effort to manage stress, people tend to overeat and gain weight. The cycle continues and it becomes difficult to get back to normal. Tip: Regular exercise releases the 'feel good' hormone and helps keep you cheerful all day. Adequate sleep also plays an important role in keeping you relaxed. Hormonal Imbalance Weight gain is also closely associated with hormonal changes. Hormones like insulin, progesterone, estrogen play an important role in weight control. Tip: A suitable hormonal treatment under the guidance of an able doctor can help. Apart from the causes mentioned above, there can be several other reasons like hypothyroidism, food sensitivities, emotional eating, etc. for rapid and sudden weight gain. Rapid Weight Gain Causes Every woman wants to have a perfect figure to flaunt. This is the reason most women find it difficult to manage their daily chores; sometimes due to their regular visits to the gym for a strict fitness regime. But on an average, women over 40 have a hard time to hide those extra kilos they gain at several places on their body. There may be several reasons for the rapid weight gain in women depending on age, hormonal balance, metabolism, etc. During Pregnancy Weight gain during pregnancy is considered to be perfectly normal. It proves helpful for the growing fetus. However, sudden weight gain in pregnancy can cause problems for the mother as well as the baby. It can also cause difficulty in the delivery of the baby. Moreover, it can lead to various problems including gestational diabetes, severe leg and back pain and fatigue. It can also lead to the baby being obese. During Menopause Weight gain is a very common phenomenon associated with menopause. About 90% of women start gaining weight around their abdomen instead of the hips during their menopause. There is nothing to worry about as this is quite expected at this stage. It is a result of the changing hormonal balance during and after menopause. During A Period Weight gain during period is due to many factors like water retention, overeating, food cravings, hormonal changes, etc. The easiest way to avoid it would be eating healthy and staying fit. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor if you feel you cannot explain the reason for your sudden weight gain and take the necessary measures. Stay healthy!