EXCESSIVE OR UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT GAIN
Weight Gain
Excessive weight gain can be due to lifestyle factors, hormonal conditions, certain medications or other medical causes. Structured evaluation identifies contributing factors and guides healthy weight management.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Weight Gain
Weight gain occurs when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, leading to increased body fat. While the most common cause is lifestyle factors — dietary habits and physical inactivity — other contributors include hormonal conditions (hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome), certain medications (steroid therapy, some psychiatric and diabetes medications, and others), fluid retention from heart, kidney or liver disease, mental health conditions including depression and stress eating, sleep disorders, menopause and ageing-related changes. Excessive weight gain increases the risk of multiple health conditions including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, joint problems, certain cancers and reduced quality of life. Typical features include increasing weight and waist circumference over time, breathlessness on exertion, joint pain, snoring, tiredness and features of associated conditions. Diagnosis involves clinical assessment with attention to BMI, waist circumference, dietary patterns, physical activity, mental health and contributing medical conditions, along with targeted blood tests. Treatment combines lifestyle modification with treatment of any contributing conditions. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive weight gain evaluation and care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Excess calorie intake and unhealthy dietary patterns
- Reduced physical activity and sedentary lifestyle
- Hypothyroidism and other hormonal conditions
- Certain medications including steroid therapy
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Fluid retention from heart, kidney or liver disease
- Mental health conditions and sleep disorders
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical assessment with BMI, waist circumference, dietary patterns, activity and targeted blood tests
Healthy: 18.5–24.9 · Overweight: 25–29.9 · Obese: 30 and above
Asian-specific cut-offs: men 90 cm · women 80 cm
Lifestyle modification, treatment of contributing conditions and structured weight management
Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea and others
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Lifestyle Foundation with Cause Treatment
The most effective approach is structured lifestyle modification — dietary change, regular physical activity, behaviour modification — combined with identification and treatment of contributing medical conditions, mental health support when relevant, and structured follow-up.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews dietary patterns, physical activity, medications, mental health and family history, examines the patient and arranges targeted blood tests.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created with specific dietary, physical activity, behavioural and medical strategies.
- 3
Medical Management
Lifestyle modification, treatment of contributing conditions such as hypothyroidism or PCOS, mental health support and management of associated conditions.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular review of weight, lifestyle adherence, and management of associated conditions including diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Dietary Modification
Personalised dietary advice — balanced, calorie-appropriate eating with adequate protein, fibre, fruits and vegetables, and reduced refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats — is the foundation of weight management.
Regular Physical Activity
At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, combined with strengthening exercises, supports healthy weight and overall health.
Treatment of Contributing Medical Conditions
Specific treatment of hypothyroidism, PCOS, sleep apnea or other contributing conditions significantly supports weight management.
Mental Health Support
Depression, anxiety, stress eating and binge eating are common contributors and benefit from specific support and treatment.
Behavioural and Lifestyle Support
Structured behavioural change including goal setting, self-monitoring, sleep optimisation and reducing sedentary time supports long-term success.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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