Unveiling the Hidden Causes of Weight Gain 

By Dr. Rachel Heussner

Weight gain can be a frustrating and complex issue that affects numerous individuals worldwide. While diet and exercise play significant roles in maintaining a healthy weight, there are often hidden causes of weight gain that go beyond simple calorie consumption. In this blog post, we will explore some of the lesser-known factors that can contribute to weight gain from a naturopathic perspective. By understanding these hidden causes, you can take a holistic approach towards achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

1. Hormonal Changes. Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during menopause, can cause weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
2. Thyroid Conditions. Conditions that cause a decrease in active thyroid, such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, can slow metabolism causing weight gain. 
3. PCOS. This stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome. It is a condition that causes hormonal imbalance in the body, and is related to poor blood sugar regulation. Which leads us to the next reason you can be struggling to lose weight…. 
4. Insulin Resistance and Blood sugar Dysregulation. This can lead to increased levels of cortisol, which signals the body to store fat.  
5. Poor Sleep Habits. Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite, leading to overeating and weight gain.
6. Stress. Chronic stress can increase cortisol levels in the body, which can cause weight gain, particularly around the midsection.
7. Environmental Toxins. Toxins are stored in the fat cells of the body.If a person has high levels of toxins circulating in the body, the liver may not be able to mobilize them out of the body. This could be from things such as mold, heavy pesticides and more. Having a higher toxic load could be the underlying cause of weight gain. The body is trying to protect you!  

So now what??

• Schedule a Visit! At your initial visit we can dive into your health history and lifestyle to find the root cause of your weight loss challenges. Book a free 15 minute discovery call with one of our doctors to see if they are an aligned match to help you on your health journey. 
• Lab Testing. Here at Four Moons, our doctors utilize different lab testing to help identify any hormone imbalances, micronutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, environmental toxins such as mold and more to investigate some of these hidden causes of weight gain. 
• Dietary Modifications. Our doctors receive extensive training in nutrition, and will come up with a plan to support weight loss and optimize your overall health. 
• We love IV NAD therapy here at Four Moons! It is an effective approach for various reasons, particularly in terms of weight loss. We have successfully utilized it to assist patients in overcoming detrimental eating patterns, such as sugar addiction. NAD therapy also excels in its ability to support detoxification and enhance overall health. 

If you have any questions regarding this blog post or any other health-related topics, we invite you to schedule a complimentary 15-minute discovery call with one of our doctors.

About: Dr. Rachel Heussner is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. She completed her medical training at Bastyr University in San Diego, California. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Rachel is certified in advanced IV therapy, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) microneedling and injections. Her areas of focus include hormonal imbalances, women’s health, metabolic conditions, mental health, stress management, and gastrointestinal health.

Work with Rachel here.