June is Men's Health Month, and we celebrate it across the country with screenings, health fairs, and other health-related activities. The purpose of Men's Health Month is to increase awareness about how to prevent health problems and to encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.
Taking care of your body is important, and one of the biggest factors contributing to long-term wellness is your weight. Being in tune with your body is the best way to notice when you might be experiencing weight gain and how it could affect your wellbeing down the road. For women, it's not unusual for weight to fluctuate, but for men, it's less common. Weight gain can occur for no clear reason, and it can be frustrating not to know what's causing it.
At South Miami Spine & Joint, we believe in a comprehensive approach to your health and wellbeing, and we encourage our patients to consider all the potential causes of their discomfort. It's quite possible that diet and daily routine are factors that need attention, and we're here to discuss those matters and support your efforts to make a change. During your visit, we encourage you to talk to us about these issues so we can discuss options to help get you on the right track. Below are some common explanations for unexpected weight gain in men, along with steps you can take to address them.
Your Metabolism Has Slowed Down
It's very likely that your metabolism will slow down as you hit middle age. Because of this, you're burning fewer calories per day at the same level of activity than you did when you were younger. If these habits continue unchanged, you could end up gaining several pounds per year. As you age, muscle mass also decreases, which has a direct effect on your metabolic rate.
Your Salt Intake Is Too High
Sodium causes your body to retain water, and that water has weight and volume. Eating a lot of salty food for multiple days in a row can lead to rapid weight gain. Restaurant food, especially fast food, is loaded with sodium, and frequent takeout and dining out can account for quick increases in your weight.
Poor Eating Habits
This one may seem obvious, but eating more calories than you used to can lead to a five- to ten-pound increase over a period of months. Alcohol counts too, since it has calories just like food does. Something as small as 500 extra calories per week adds up over time without you noticing.
You're Getting Less Exercise
Even small changes to your physical activity can have a quick impact on your weight. Muscle mass tends to burn more calories and keep your metabolism elevated. If you deviate from your regular routine in ways that cause you to lose muscle mass, the resulting changes to your metabolism can also cause weight gain.
You Have Insulin Resistance
The Western diet is filled with sugars, fats, additives, and other processed ingredients that can cause your body to experience insulin resistance, which can put you at risk for heart disease and diabetes. If you've been eating out or ordering in a lot recently, you might be changing your cellular response in a way that could be dangerous down the line.
You Have An Endocrine Disorder
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, approximately one in five adults has an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism. It's much more common in women, but plenty of men experience it too, and it can cause sudden, significant weight gain. Less commonly, hormone disorders such as Cushing's syndrome can also cause weight gain. If you have one of these endocrine disorders, weight gain likely won't be your only symptom: fatigue, weakness, headaches, trouble thinking, and depression or irritability are all signs worth mentioning to your doctor.
If you're noticing unexplained weight changes alongside pain or stiffness, it's worth mentioning to your care team, since sometimes what feels unrelated to your joints or spine is actually part of the same picture. We encourage you to reach out and schedule a visit with us to talk through what you're experiencing.
