Serious illnesses causing weight gain often involve hormonal imbalances, metabolic issues, or fluid retention, with common culprits including Hypothyroidism, Cushing's Syndrome, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), and Congestive Heart Failure, which can slow metabolism or cause fluid buildup; also, conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, Depression, and certain Medications (steroids, psychiatric drugs) significantly impact weight regulation.
Here are just some medical conditions which can cause sudden weight gain:
In short, no — spironolactone doesn't cause weight gain. At least, there's no clinical evidence to suggest it does. In fact, it might help you lose some “water weight” because it's a diuretic (aka water pill, a substance that makes you pee more).
Certain diseases and medicines
In some people, obesity can be traced to a medical cause, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and other conditions. Medical conditions, such as arthritis, also can lead to decreased activity, which may result in weight gain.
What causes obesity & overweight?
If you experience any of the following, it is important to consult with your doctor: Sudden or excessive weight gain without any lifestyle changes. Difficulty losing weight despite efforts to do so. Unexplained weight gain accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue or changes in appetite.
People naturally lose muscle after 40, especially women after menopause. Because muscle burns more calories than fat, this can slow down your metabolism and make it harder to shake those stubborn pounds.
Certain types of cancer can cause weight gain. Ovarian and colorectal cancer, for example, may cause fluid buildup in the legs or abdomen. This type of edema is called ascites.
Hashimoto's disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects your thyroid gland. It can cause lower-than-normal levels of thyroid hormone in your body. This affects several areas of your body and causes symptoms like fatigue, weight gain and constipation.
These exams and tests often include:
Serious side effects
you get a slow or irregular heartbeat, tingling feeling, muscle weakness or shortness of breath – these can be signs of potassium levels being too high. you're peeing less that usual or have dark, strong smelling pee, feel thirsty or feel dizzy or light-headed – these can be signs of dehydration.
Topical minoxidil is the only approved form of the drug to treat hair loss. It usually causes milder side effects than minoxidil oral tablet. Weight gain is a possible side effect of oral minoxidil. This is most often due to excess fluid retention rather than increased fat.
In women, spironolactone can cause menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness, and breast enlargement. Aside from these adverse effects, the side effects of spironolactone in women taking high doses are minimal, and it is well tolerated.
In some cases, an endocrine disorder itself directly leads to weight gain. Your own weight gain could have been caused by one of the following conditions: Hypothyroidism – Also known as an underactive thyroid, this is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones.
If you're experiencing unexplained weight gain and fatigue, it's important to get lab tests that assess your thyroid function, vitamin D levels, blood sugar, and hormone balance. Common tests include TSH (for thyroid), A1C and fasting glucose (for blood sugar), and a comprehensive metabolic panel.
If you're asking yourself, “Why am I gaining weight when I barely eat,” several factors may be at play. Your body may be holding onto fat stores if your eating habits are inconsistent or restricted. Or, your weight gain may be the effect of a sedentary lifestyle, medical condition, or long-term stress.
Certain medical conditions can lead to unexplained weight gain. These conditions may include: Endocrine disorders. These include conditions like thyroid hormone deficiency, insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Common symptoms of autoimmune disease include:
Weight gain also contributes to the development of other diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis and depression, and these conditions are often treated with medications that contribute to even further weight gain.
Fluid retention in the body: If you experience rapid weight gain, this signals underlying conditions that impact the heart, liver, and kidneys, as well as an adrenal problem, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism. Poor sleep: Not getting enough quality sleep leads to weight gain.
Obesity-associated cancers
The most common type of benign adrenal tumor, called adenoma, comes from the adrenal cortex. This type of tumor might cause symptoms such as: Weight gain.
Adele's significant weight loss wasn't from a quick fix but a two-year journey combining intense strength training, Pilates, hiking, boxing, and cardio, alongside major lifestyle changes focused on managing anxiety, not restrictive diets like the Sirtfood Diet, with workouts happening multiple times daily for mental and physical strength. Her routine included morning weights, afternoon hikes or boxing, and evening cardio, emphasizing getting stronger, which naturally led to fat loss and improved well-being.
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
Ozempic is typically recommended for individuals who have a BMI of 30 or higher, which falls into the obese category, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have additional health concerns such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.