Weight gain causes out of your control

1 of 24 Seeing those numbers go up on the scale can be upsetting -- but did you know some causes of weight gain may be out of your control?



2 of 24 Prevention Magazine says anything from a hormonal imbalance to vitamin deficiencies to the prescription meds you take can hold clues to what's making you fat.

3 of 24 Here are seven health issues you may be able to fix to move that scale in the right direction.

4 of 24 1.) You're depressed

5 of 24 Many anti-depressant medications cause weight gain. With use over the years, some people taking pills for depression can gain between 5 and 15 pounds.

6 of 24 An American Journal of Public Health found that people who feel sad and lonely gain weight more quickly than those who report fewer depression-related symptoms.

7 of 24 2.) You're taking the wrong medications

8 of 24 Many medications can cause weight gain -- some affect appetite and others metabolism.


9 of 24 Your doctor may be able to find an alternative treatment.

10 of 24 3.) Your gut is slow

11 of 24 Slow bowel movements may account for excess pounds.

12 of 24 Staying hydrated is key, along with a diet chock-full of fiber-rich foods.

13 of 24 4. Your Body Doesn't Have Enough Of Certain Nutrients

14 of 24 Being low in vitamin D, magnesium or iron can alter your metabolism.

15 of 24 You can try to boost your iron levels by eating red meat and spinach and increase magnesium by adding Brazil nuts or almonds.

16 of 24 5. You're Getting Older


17 of 24 We don't burn as many calories at 40 or 50 as we used to burn at 20.

18 of 24 Eating lean protein will cause your body to burn calories more efficiently.

19 of 24 6. You Have Plantar Fasciitis

20 of 24 Musculoskeletal conditions can force you to cut back on your activity enough to cause weight gain.

21 of 24 Modify your exercise program to swap biking or swimming in place of weight-bearing exercise.

22 of 24 7. You Have Cushing's Syndrome

23 of 24 Weight gain accompanied by high blood pressure, osteoporosis and changes in your skin tone could be a sign that your body isn't processing nutrients the way it should.

24 of 24 One of the telltale signs is that your fat distribution is more in the midsection of your body, leaving your arms and legs looking more slender.