Gaining lots of weight fast is troubling

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Rapid weight gain could be a sign of a medical problem

Date published: 1/29/2006

By JENNIFER MOTL

Q I'm a 29-year-old woman, 5 feet 9 inches and 275 pounds, and concerned because I have gained 45 pounds in the past two years and I don't know why.

I am active, my blood pressure is normal, I don't have any health problems, I watch what I eat, but I simply cannot lose weight.

The nurse practitioner in my doctor's office suggested weight-loss surgery. I don't like that idea, and I couldn't afford it.

I come from a very large family and was not taught anything about eating right. I have tried every diet under the moon and most of the programs.

Please help me.

--S.H., Olathe, Kan.

AYour rapid weight gain is unusual. Has your doctor or nurse practitioner already screened you for medical problems that cause weight gain, such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome and Cushing's syndrome?

Extremely rare tumors called insulinomas, as well as adult growth hormone deficiency, can cause weight gain in some cases, but I am not an expert in these areas. Your health-care provider will know about these conditions, or you could ask for a referral to an endocrinologist, a physician who specializes in hormonal imbalances.

You can find an endocrinologist online at hormone.org or by calling the Hormone Foundation at 800/467-6663.

It's also a good idea to see a dietitian. With your history of unsuccessful dieting, I recommend asking for a dietitian who has experience with the non-diet approach or with eating disorders. I'm not saying that you have an eating disorder. I'm simply acknowledging that traditional diets have not worked for you, and you might have better luck with a different approach. Also, dietitians who have experience with eating disorders can help you improve your body image, not to mention help you discover delicious ways to eat well.

I also recommend that you visit nourishing connections.com, a Web site run by two dietitians. They have an excellent, free food-journal form that helps you record not just what you eat and how much, but also your thoughts, emotions and level of hunger and fullness before and after a meal.

Date published: 1/29/2006