Unexplained weight gain is a frustrating experience for many people. You may notice extra pounds creeping on despite eating well and exercising regularly. Several factors could be to blame when the number on the scale creeps up for no apparent reason: Hormone imbalance Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol and thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism and hunger cues. When these get out of whack, you may experience sluggish metabolism, increased appetite and fat storage - leading to mysterious weight gain. Getting tested for hormonal imbalances can provide insight. Consider seeing an endocrinologist or visiting a hormone health clinic like Hormone Harmony Clinic to get to the root cause. Medications Some prescription drugs like corticosteroids, antidepressants and seizures medications can cause weight gain as a side effect. Birth control pills may also contribute for some women. Talk to your doctor about alternative options if you notice unexplained weight gain after starting a new medication. Stress High stress levels cause the body to produce more cortisol, which can increase belly fat storage and drive cravings for unhealthy foods. Using stress relief techniques like yoga, meditation and taking relaxing baths can help mitigate stress-driven weight gain. Insufficient sleep Not getting enough zzz's alters hunger signaling in the body, tempting you to reach for high-calorie foods to stay energized. Prioritizing 7-9 hours per night supports healthy cortisol and ghrelin levels to prevent overeating and packed-on pounds. Age As we get older, our metabolisms naturally slow down while fat composition changes. Regular exercise helps counteract age-related weight gain. Strength training is particularly beneficial for building metabolism-boosting muscle. Pay attention to any unwelcome weight that appears without clear cause. Book an appointment with your doctor for a checkup, and ask for hormone testing or referral to a specialist like an endocrinologist. Getting to the root of mysterious weight gain allows you to take targeted action to lose the extra pounds and keep them off. Contact Hormone Harmony Clinic to explore personalized hormone balancing and weight loss plans if hormone issues are suspected. With some detective work, you can solve the case of those sneaky extra pounds!