"Family Doctor" Reveals 8 Reasons for Weight Gain That Are Not Your Fault

Colorado Springs, CO (PRWEB) March 3, 2005

The American diet industry is a multi-billion-dollar one — and no wonder, since 64 percent of us adults are carrying around too much weight. But what if you eat right and exercise and still can’t drop the weight? Many have come to the conclusion that they’re just heavy and will never be otherwise.

Not so fast ...

The spring 2005 issue of "Family Doctor: The Magazine That Makes Housecalls" reveals eight medical conditions that can cause or contribute to weight gain, ranging from rare ailments like Cushing’s Syndrome to widespread yet surprising ones like lack of sleep.

“Some of these conditions are relatively uncommon or not talked about a lot, so it’s important to get the word out — especially since they can lead to serious complications,” says Leigh Ann Hubbard, managing editor of "Family Doctor." “Others are really common, but people don’t know they can cause weight gain.”

"Family Doctor: The Magazine That Makes Housecalls" is available on newsstands across the country, through (877) DOC-IS-IN and at http://www.FamilyDoctorMag.com.

Reporters:

To receive a .pdf or hard copy of the article or to interview managing editor Leigh Ann Hubbard (who has extensive on-camera experience), please contact her directly:

(719) 964-7464

managingeditor@familydoctormag.com

http://www.FamilyDoctorMag.com

Written by health-care professionals, "Family Doctor: The Magazine That Makes Housecalls" offers the general public practical, upbeat, easy-to-read information and advice on how to live a healthy life.

8 Reasons for Weight Gain That Are Not Your Fault

1. Hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones, which control metabolism; symptoms include general weight gain and/or swelling)

2. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (a leading cause of infertility in women; sufferers may have an apple-shaped body)

3. Cushing’s Syndrome (caused by too much cortisol hormone; can result in upper-body or central obesity with thin arms and legs)

4. Lack of Sleep (affects hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism)

5. Stress and Anxiety

6. Depression

7. Certain Medications

8. Family History of Obesity

Sleep Stats

• According to the National Sleep Foundation, 63 percent of American adults don’t get the recommended eight hours of sleep a night.
• People who get four or fewer hours of sleep a night are 73 percent more likely to be obese than those who get seven to nine hours, say researchers at Columbia University. Get a whopping six hours a night? Count yourself 23 percent more likely to be substantially overweight.
• Lack of sleep may especially increase cravings for high-calorie, high-carb foods, according to a study from "The Annals of Internal Medicine."

Contact:

Leigh Ann Hubbard

(719) 964-7464

managingeditor@familydoctormag.com

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