Weight Gain

Are you one of the 4 out of 10 people who struggle with obesity or weight gain in the United States today? Invest in your health today by finding and treating the root cause of your weight gain at Adaptations Wellness, a functional medicine clinic led by Mechelle Kennedy, NP-C, in Spring Branch, Texas. Mechelle provides guidance and resources to help you live a long, healthy life centered around wellness, not the bathroom scale. To get started, book an appointment online or over the phone today.

What causes weight gain?

Weight gain doesn’t have just one cause. It can relate to poor nutrition, but it’s also linked to:

• Hypothyroidism
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Menopause
• Cushing’s disease
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Congestive heart failure
• Sleep apnea
• Edema
• Diabetes
• Certain medications

Conditions like depression, insomnia, and Cushing’s disease all lead to weight gain partly because they raise levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which causes fat accumulation around the belly. Depression can also trigger food cravings that lead to weight gain.

Regardless of what causes your weight gain, it’s vital to treat it not for your appearance but for your health. Being healthy doesn’t mean just being thin but taking care of your body and mind. A healthy body and mind correlate with a healthy weight.

How can I stop my weight gain?

You don’t have to tackle weight loss alone. If you’re struggling with continuous weight gain or cannot lose weight, you may benefit from the guidance of a healthcare provider who can determine the underlying cause of your weight gain and help you become healthy.

When you visit Mechelle at Adaptations Wellness, she begins by conducting a complete physical evaluation to pinpoint why you’re gaining weight, then supports you with a plan that targets that cause. She will teach you how to be healthy, which foods support this and focus on health and not weight. 

Tailored to your individual health, plans like these typically include:

• An eating plan that ensures you get enough nutrients
• Lifestyle changes to promote better sleep
• Strategies for mental health
• Bio-identical hormones to eliminate imbalances
• Dietary supplements that support your unique physiology
• Exercise plans

To stop weight gain and reverse dysfunction in your body, Mechelle also helps you pinpoint those stressors that lead to raised cortisol levels and triggers that can prompt you to overeat. 

What if medications are causing my weight gain?

Sometimes, prescription medications, including antipsychotics and antidepressants, can lead to weight gain. If Mechelle determines that a medication such as this may be contributing to your weight gain, do not simply stop taking your medication. Always check with your primary doctor beforehand to ensure you can do so safely.

Your weight doesn’t define your worth, but unhealthy weight gain can lead to physical dysfunction and a diminished self-image. To book your appointment at Adaptations Wellness, reach out online or over the phone today.