Weight Loss

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting so I hope I am doing this right! I am a 26 year old female 5'8 140 pounds. My problem is that I am usually not 140 pounds. My usual weight is 120 pounds give or take 3 or so depending on the weather, tom etc. All of a sudden I have gained 20 pounds in a month. I haven't changed my eating habits and I am not taking any medication except I did stop taking birth control for a few weeks. I am really upset because I have this huge distended stomach and none of my clothing fits. Really nothing fits! What is going on? Has anyone had this happen to them before? Thank you for your time.

It sounds like you may be pregnant?

I take it you've ruled out the obvious (pregnancy).  Also, have you been having regular bowel movements?  If not, this could be a cause.

Not to scare you, but if you truly haven't changed anything, I would suggest seeing a doctor. A sudden, unexplained weight gain can be a sign of any of a number of medical conditions (such as Cushings, ovarian cancer, hypothyroidism or an excess of cortisol hormone). 

I don't think water retention would explain 20 lbs, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

I had a blood test done, I'm not pregnant even thought that was my first thought because I had missed two periods. I finally got it two days ago though. I thought maybe some weight would come off but it didn't. Thanks for the reply!

I would also suggest seeing a doctor.  FWIW, that is what happened to me when I discovered I was hypothyroid; I gained 15lbs in less than two months without making any changes to my eating an exercise habits.  It could be a number of things tho.  Get it checked out.

My bowel movements are very well. So I have an appt. this Thursday to have some more bloodwork done. The only thing that came back last time was high ammonia levels. I am going to lower my caloric intake and add some more exercise into my day. Thank you everyone.

Ask your doctor about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.  Missed periods, weight gain, and a bunch of other factors are signs of the condition.  It's possible that the birth control was keeping your hormones somewhat in check, but ask your doctor. 

Thank you for the great advice. This will make it so much easier for me to talk to my doctors.

I had the same thing happen to me last year - gained 20 lbs in a disturbingly short period of time, but for me I think it was over two months, not one.

I had been put on nexium for acid reflux, so I thought it was that. However, I'm back on it again and this time no weight gain. So I'm not sure now. But, that's why I joined C-C. And I have lost the weight again, so don't worry too much about that part. It just took a LOT longer than it took to pile it on. :-(

All my bloodwork continues to come back normal, but there is something going on with me, because I continue to have the acid reflux and now I'm also having what is probably going to ultimately be dx'ed as autoimmune arthritis (joint pain, including swelling sausage fingers - as of this weekend). I don't know if that could cause weight gain - I've never heard it.

As others have said, it could be due to numerous causes. Definetly include an OB/GYN visit on your list, to rule out PCOS or ovarian cancer or something hormonally related.

Is it just your tummy that's distended? Or have you gained weight elsewhere? I think that's an important question. I am an apple shape so when I gain, I do gain a lot in my belly. But last year when I gained it wasn't JUST my belly... I also gained in my hips, thighs, arms, and an extra chin. 

Jenmcc, I am so sorry about your reflux problems. ouch! I joined this site for the same reason. This way I can track everything I eat. And I love the grading to see how well/not so well, I eat.

My stomach is really my only problem. Just slight weight gain in my hips and legs but other than that, the rest of me is the same. My stomach usually sinks in really far to where my hip bones and ribs stick out really far (not proud, but it has always been my shape) Now I can't even see them. Hubby is happy but I am concerned that it may be more than just normal weight gain.

Thank you for your reply! Best wishes to you