What causes unexplained weight gain?
Unexplained weight gain commonly reflects thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, hormonal shifts (perimenopause, low testosterone), sleep loss, medications, or cortisol dysregulation.
Full answer
Unexplained weight gain — gain without a clear change in intake or activity — warrants a structured workup. Common drivers include hypothyroidism, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, perimenopausal estrogen shifts, low testosterone in men, sleep loss, and cortisol dysregulation. Several medication classes (SSRIs, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, glucocorticoids, sulfonylureas) contribute. Within oMeds review, workup screens thyroid, fasting insulin/glucose/A1C, hormones, and inflammatory markers; pathway selection follows the dominant pattern rather than a single number.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- Metabolic Optimization pathway — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-05-29