Health Tip: Accounting for Weight Gain

Fatty, high-calorie foods aren't the only contributors

Posted 12/4/07

(HealthDay News) - It's no secret that the more fat and calories you consume, the more weight you're likely to gain.

But sometimes the triggers for weight gain are less obvious. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these examples:

Alcohol consumption.
Lack of exercise.
Slowing metabolism, which often happens with age.
Foods high in carbohydrates.
Physical conditions, such as Cushing syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, antidepressants and tranquilizers.
Emotional issues such as stress, anxiety, depression or grief.
Quitting smoking.