Explore These Common Tests to Uncover Reasons for Weight Gain Despite a Healthy Diet
Unexplained weight gain, even when adhering to a healthy diet, can be a puzzling concern. While a well-balanced and nourishing diet is crucial for general health, there are several underlying medical factors that can contribute to this phenomenon. Dr. Rajesh Bendre, Chief of Lab at Neuberg Diagnostics, shared insights with Zarafshan Shiraz in an interview, shedding light on a range of common tests that can assist in pinpointing the potential causes behind weight gain, despite maintaining a healthy eating regimen.
1. Thyroid Function Tests: Assessing the thyroid’s performance is essential, as it plays a pivotal role in regulating metabolism. Hypothyroidism, characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, can result in a sluggish metabolism, making it challenging for individuals to shed weight, even when maintaining a healthy diet. Thyroid function tests, including TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and T4 (thyroxine) levels, serve as valuable indicators to evaluate thyroid functionality and detect potential factors contributing to weight fluctuations.
2. Insulin Resistance and Glucose Tolerance Test: Insulin resistance is a concern when cells become less receptive to insulin, resulting in increased blood sugar levels. This situation can encourage fat accumulation and impede weight reduction endeavors, notwithstanding a wholesome diet. A glucose tolerance test can gauge the body’s response to glucose consumption and evaluate insulin sensitivity. Detecting insulin resistance early can aid in its effective management and the prevention of weight gain.
3. Hormone Panel: Hormones are pivotal in governing a range of bodily processes, encompassing metabolism and appetite. Irregularities in hormones like cortisol, leptin, ghrelin, as well as sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, can have an impact on weight gain and the distribution of fat. An all-encompassing hormone panel can yield valuable information concerning any hormonal disparities that could be driving weight gain, even when maintaining a nutritious diet.
4. Food Sensitivity Testing: Weight gain may occasionally stem from concealed food sensitivities or intolerances. These sensitivities can incite inflammation and fluid retention, resulting in short-lived weight increases. Even though healthful foods may not be directly responsible for weight gain, individuals might unintentionally consume foods that provoke sensitivities. Recognizing and eliminating these trigger foods from the diet can instigate weight loss and enhance overall health.
5. Gut Health Assessment: The gut microbiome’s function is pivotal in digestion, nutrient assimilation, and metabolism. Discrepancies in gut bacteria can affect weight gain and overall well-being. Assessments that scrutinize the gut bacteria’s composition can unveil any dysbiosis or disproportion that could be fueling weight gain, even when maintaining a nutritious diet.
Dr. Rajesh Bendre emphasized, “Experiencing weight gain despite maintaining a healthy diet can be a source of frustration. However, it’s crucial to recognize that weight management involves a multifaceted interplay of diverse elements. Through the right tests, individuals can uncover potential underlying reasons for weight gain and collaborate with healthcare experts to tackle them effectively. A holistic strategy, encompassing medical assessments, dietary adaptations, lifestyle changes, and stress management, can guide individuals toward attaining and sustaining a healthy weight and overall well-being.”