What gland causes extreme weight gain?

Author: Ilene Emmerich  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

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.

What gland causes rapid weight gain?

An unexplained change in weight is one of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder. Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly. This is known as hyperthyroidism.

Which thyroid problem makes it hard to lose weight?

Serious cases of hypothyroidism can lead to an estimated 50% loss in metabolism, leading to weight gain and issues with losing weight. A person may also gain about 5–10 pounds directly due to hypothyroidism.

Can adrenal gland issues cause weight gain?

Regardless of whether the adrenal tumor is causing Cushing's or subclinical Cushing's syndrome, one of the most common universal features of the excess cortisol is weight gain, typically involving the face, neck, or belly.

What endocrine disorders cause weight gain?

Several endocrine disorders, including diabetes, insulinoma, Cushing syndrome, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and growth hormone deficiency, are associated with obesity. The mechanisms underlying the development of obesity vary according to the abnormalities of endocrine function.

Unexplained Weight Gain? | What Is The Cause?

What organ malfunction causes 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.

What does a cortisol belly look like?

Cortisol belly simply looks like abdominal fat, and there is no way to identify it by appearance. More important than its appearance is what cortisol belly can do to your health. Visceral fat is considered particularly dangerous because of its location near vital organs and its metabolic activity.

What cancers cause rapid weight gain?

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.

Can a malfunctioning pituitary gland cause weight gain?

Some common signs and symptoms of pituitary disorders include headaches, vision problems, fatigue, weight gain, decreased libido, menstrual irregularities, and growth abnormalities. Additionally, individuals may experience changes in mood, increased thirst and urination, and weakened bones.

How do you get rid of adrenal belly fat?

By reducing your stress, you'll reduce your waistline, and dramatically improve your health as a result.
  1. Breathe. Sounds too simple, right? ...
  2. Sleep. ...
  3. Eat quality protein and healthy fats at every meal. ...
  4. Nix Negative People. ...
  5. Exercise – responsibly! ...
  6. Adaptogenic herbs.

What is a thyroid belly?

A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the build up of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.

What is a 3pm crash in hypothyroidism?

The afternoon crash means your blood sugar has dropped too low for your brain and body to function normally, causing you to become drowsy, mentally foggy, tired, and unmotivated. Unstable blood sugar is notorious for making it difficult to manage an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

Which morning drink is good for the thyroid?

Avanti Deshpande, PCOS and Gut Health Nutritionist, in an interview with HT Digital shares a list of 7 drinks that can be beneficial for hypothyroidism.
  • Golden milk. ...
  • Apple cider vinegar. ...
  • Buttermilk. ...
  • Red juice. ...
  • Green juice. ...
  • Nut milk. ...
  • Herbal tea.

Why am I gaining weight if I barely eat?

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.

What part of the body itches with thyroid problems?

Where might a person itch with thyroid problems? Itching can occur anywhere on the body, but often occurs in crevices such as the armpits, elbows, and groin.

How to flush out water weight?

  1. Exercise Regularly. Daily exercise provides several health benefits, including preventing water retention. ...
  2. Drink More Water. Drinking water to reduce water weight sounds counterintuitive, but it helps. ...
  3. Manage Salt Intake. ...
  4. Cut Carbs. ...
  5. Focus on Certain Foods and Herbs. ...
  6. Try Supplements. ...
  7. Up Your Caffeine Intake.

What are the signs that your pituitary gland is not working properly?

Some people might have symptoms such as:
  • Hot flashes.
  • Irregular periods or no periods.
  • Loss of pubic hair.
  • Not being able to make milk for breastfeeding.
  • Not being able to get or keep an erection, known as erectile dysfunction.
  • Decreased facial or body hair.
  • Mood changes.
  • Fatigue.

What gland causes excessive weight gain?

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.

What is Simmons disease?

Simmonds' disease may be defined as a clinical state, most common in women, characterized by progressive, extreme emaciation, premature aging, wrinkling of the facial skin, loss of pubic and axillary hair, dental caries and loss of libido and sexual function, accompanied by a depression of the basal metabolic rate.

Why am I suddenly gaining weight so fast?

Weight gain and short-term fluctuations may happen for a variety of reasons, such as aging or making lifestyle and dietary changes. However, fast weight gain can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as a problem with the thyroid, kidneys, or heart.

What adrenal gland disorders cause weight gain?

Adenomas: Also known as adrenal cortex tumors, these growths are usually benign but can cause an overproduction of cortisol, aldosterone or other hormones. Overproduction of cortisol leads to Cushing's syndrome, a condition that causes upper body obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and other problems.

How do you flush cortisol out of your body?

Stressed? 10 Ways To Lower Your Cortisol Levels
  1. Eat a whole-food, plant-based diet. ...
  2. If needed, add supplements. ...
  3. Take deep breaths. ...
  4. Reduce your caffeine intake. ...
  5. Get adequate sleep. ...
  6. Exercise regularly. ...
  7. Write in a journal. ...
  8. Indulge in hobbies.

Do I have cushing's or am I just fat?

Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome

The symptoms often come on gradually and include: having more body fat on your neck, upper back, chest and tummy – your arms and legs may look thin compared to the rest of your body. a red, round face – the redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin.

What does an estrogen belly look like?

So what does a 'hormonal belly' look like? Well, it often shows up as a rounder stomach area due to increased visceral fat around the internal organs - you might hear this described as an apple-shaped body type.

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