Weight Gain
Aetiology
Causes of Weight Gain
- Lifestyle change - increased dietary intake, reduced physical exercise
- Endocrine - hypothyroidism, Cushing's, PCOS
- Medications - steroids, insulin, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics, OCP
- Fluid overload - excessive IV fluids, renal disease, heart failure
- Pregnancy
- Genetic cause (rare)
History of Presenting Complaint
Intent
- Whether the weight gain has been intentional or unintentional.
Severity
- How much weight gain over how long.
Associated Symptoms
- Leg swellingSuggestive of fluid overload or Cushing's
- Menstrual abnormalitiesSuggestive of hypothyroidism, Cushing's, PCOS or pregnancy
- Cold intoleranceSuggestive of hypothyroidism
- Hirsutism: male-pattern hair growth on a femaleSuggestive of PCOS or Cushing's
- ConstipationPotentially poor diet and physical inactivity, though also a sign of hypothyroidism
- Abdominal stretch marksA sign of Cushing's (and also pregnancy!)
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