Surprising Causes of Weight Gain

5. Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are mostly benign, small, and asymptomatic; the masses grow in the muscle tissue of the uterus, primarily in women in their thirties and forties. In the relatively few cases where fibroids reach a significant size, they make the uterus expand. This exerts pressure on the gastrointestinal and urinary systems, leading to bloating and feelings of heaviness. Uterine fibroids can grow up to 40 pounds, causing swelling that makes a woman appear pregnant. A combination of heavy fibroids, discomfort, and fatigue from anemia may induce significant weight gain. Scientists believe that excess production of sex hormones estrogen and progesterone stimulates fibroid development. Fortunately, this condition is fairly easy to diagnose.