8 Reasons for Weight Gain That Are Not Your Fault

The new, spring 2005 issue of "Family Doctor: The Magazine That Makes Housecalls" takes a look on 8 medical conditions that, according to the magazine, may cause or contribute to weight gain.

The 8 conditions cited by Family Doctor magazine are:

1. Hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones, which control metabolism; symptoms include general weight gain and/or swelling)
2. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (a leading cause of infertility in women; sufferers may have an apple-shaped body)
3. Cushing’s Syndrome (caused by too much cortisol hormone; can result in upper-body or central obesity with thin arms and legs)
4. Lack of Sleep (affects hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism)
5. Stress and Anxiety
6. Depression
7. Certain Medications
8. Family History of Obesity

Many of these items are not well known at all. For example, Hypothyroidism and its effects on weight gain is only now getting the attention that it deserves, led by About.com Guide Mary Shomon.