Common Causes of Weight Gain: From Prednisone to Deficiencies

Why do weight levels rise even with regular gym visits? Factors range from medications like Prednisone and antidepressants to vitamin deficiencies and digestive issues.

Why Do People Get Moles on Their Skin?

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reports that most people have at least 10 moles, and some persons have as many as 40. Moles are usually circular or oval in shape and may be either flush with the skin or raised above the surrounding skin layers.

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Young woman drinking cold water

Daily Weight Gain Fluctuations Due to Drinking Water

It can be discouraging to hop on the scale and discover your weight has gone up a pound or two in the course of a day. But rest assured, it isn't really possible to gain this much weight -- in the form of fat -- in a day.

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Depression Medications That Do Not Cause Weight Gain

Most medications prescribed for depression can cause weight gain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Antidepressants that are more likely to cause weight gain than others include tricyclic antidepressants, paroxetine, mirtazapine, trazodone and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs.

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Close-up of almonds

Why Do People Soak Almonds in Water?

Almonds are a healthy, savory snack, packed with protein, fiber and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. Most people are aware of their health benefits and how to incorporate almonds into a healthy diet, but it is less well known that soaking almonds can unlock more health benefits and make them easier to digest.

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Why Do People Gain Weight As They Age?

Your weight essentially relies on your net calories. However, many other factors influence this formula, whether directly or indirectly, including the process of aging.

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What Causes Rapid Weight Gain & Bloating?

If you experience a rapid change in weight or appetite or suffer from bloating, you should consult with your doctor to test for serious health problems. Keep track of any other symptoms you experience, any changes in your diet and any medications you take to help rule out or confirm potential causes.

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Woman adjusting a medical weight scale

Why Do Overweight People Lose Weight Faster?

In a weight-loss contest, the morbidly obese have an advantage over those who are less portly because they can shed fat more quickly. This is why contests, such as β€œThe Biggest Loser,” use weight-loss percentage to track progress rather than simply counting the lost pounds.

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Will Taking Progesterone Make You Gain Weight?

Progesterone is a type of hormone that is produced in the body. In women, the purpose of progesterone is to regulate the menstrual cycle. Men also produce a small amount of the hormone, which is specifically useful for the production of other hormones.

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Casio and Cigarette

Smoking & Fat Around the Stomach

Smoking not only increases your risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease; it also causes you to store fat around your middle. Despite its ability to squelch hunger pains, a study published in a 2012 issue of "PLoS One" found that smokers had more belly fat than their non-smoking counterparts.

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Weight Scale

Prozac Weight Loss and Gain

Prozac is the brand name product of fluoxetine, an antidepressant that belongs to the class called the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. You will need a doctor's prescription for this medication, used for treating depression, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.

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Pills That Make You Gain Weight Fast

Whether you want to gain weight to fill out your jeans or to make a certain cut for a sports team, you may have considered taking a weight gain supplement. Weight gain pills can help you pack on pounds quickly, but there may be health risks involved. Before taking a weight gain pill, talk to your doctor.

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Woman standing on weighing scales

How to Tell if Weight Is Water Weight or Fat Weight

Stepping onto the scale causes anxiety for many people. You may be even more upset if your weight jumps several pounds in less than a day, and you have no idea what caused it. Water weight fluctuations throughout the day are common, but you may wonder when it's fat weight gain or just water weight.

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Splash of milk in glass

Does Lactose Make You Gain Fat?

When you're struggling to lose weight, you may scrutinize every aspect of your diet and even wonder if lactose -- the sugar found in milk -- is making you fat. But lactose is no more likely to cause fat accumulation than any other nutrient or food. Excess calories lead to fat gain, not one single nutrient like lactose.

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Closeup shot from the pull ring on a beverage can

Does Diet Soda Cause Bloating & Water Weight Gain?

While not life-threatening, bloating is often uncomfortable -- and even painful -- and water retention can compound the situation, making you feel worse. If you suspect your habit of drinking diet soda is the potential cause of your bloating and water retention, you may be on to something.

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What Are the Causes of the Fear of Gaining Weight?

A fear of gaining weight can turn into a life-threatening situation if it is not recognized and treated. Two very serious eating disorders that often result from anxiety about putting on pounds are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

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What Kind of Milk Can I Drink on a Diet?

Milk may be part of a healthy diet plan to assist in weight loss and improve health. A study by researchers from the University of Tennessee found that overweight people who consumed three servings of dairy products a day lost more belly fat over six months versus those who had less than two servings.

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