{"id":632027,"date":"2025-04-21T18:39:21","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T22:39:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632027"},"modified":"2025-10-20T11:21:51","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T15:21:51","slug":"weight-gain-in-men-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/weight-gain-in-men-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"What causes weight gain in men? Related conditions and treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Overview: What does <\/span>weight gain<\/span> in men look like?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Weight gain<\/span> isn\u2019t exclusive to men or women, but the way men and women carry that weight differs. Because they have more <\/span>estrogen<\/span>, women often see excess fat show up in their thighs and buttocks, while men carry more of it in their bellies. This is why men are more likely to have a \u201cgut\u201d or \u201cbeer belly\u201d than women (before <\/span>menopause<\/span>).<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s normal to experience small weight fluctuations from day to day and week to week, but sustained <\/span>weight gain<\/span> may present additional health issues or come with other symptoms. These symptoms can include fatigue, lethargy, bloating\/swelling, shortness of breath, constipation, and vision issues. Men may also experience some <\/span>mental health<\/span> issues, like depression or discouragement about their appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

What causes <\/span>weight gain<\/span> in men?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Weight gain<\/span> in men isn\u2019t always as simple as it might seem. It can often stem from a combination of factors, including lifestyle choices, <\/span>medical conditions<\/span>, medications, and more. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step to losing some unwanted weight. Here are several of the most common causes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eating habits<\/span><\/h3>\n

Most people are familiar with at least one fad diet for <\/span>weight loss<\/span>. They aren\u2019t always solid options, but there\u2019s a layer of truth beneath their claims\u2014what we eat can play a significant role in weight management. According to<\/span> a 2023 study<\/span><\/a>, increased consumption of processed <\/span>carbohydrates<\/span> like sugars, starches, and refined grains was associated with <\/span>weight gain<\/span>, while eating more whole grains and non-starchy vegetables was not. So limiting sugars and highly processed, <\/span>high-calorie foods<\/span> while maintaining a well-balanced diet can help avoid <\/span>weight gain<\/span> or shed some <\/span>extra pounds<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

One 2022 study<\/span><\/a> concluded that among people with diabetes, men were more likely than women to engage in unhealthy diets, smoking, and alcohol consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lack of <\/span>physical activity<\/span><\/h3>\n

Not only is exercise good for the heart, muscles, immune system, mind, and general <\/span>well-being<\/span>, but it\u2019s also often essential to maintain a <\/span>healthy weight<\/span>. In fact,<\/span> a 2022 study<\/span><\/a> concluded that prolonged daily sitting was associated with higher <\/span>body fat<\/span> percentages. Conversely,<\/span> other research has shown<\/span><\/a> that as little as 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per week can result in modest <\/span>weight loss<\/span>. In comparison, 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week can achieve more significant results.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stress<\/span><\/h3>\n

Whether it\u2019s from a fast-approaching deadline, car troubles, or world events, we\u2019ve all experienced stress. And while temporary stress won\u2019t skyrocket <\/span>body fat<\/span>, chronic stress can be a <\/span>risk factor<\/span> for <\/span>weight gain<\/span>. <\/span>Stress hormones<\/span> like <\/span>cortisol<\/span> trigger the body\u2019s<\/span> fight-or-flight response<\/span><\/a>, slowing down any functions not absolutely necessary for survival. That includes metabolism, which is why long-term elevations in <\/span>cortisol<\/span> are<\/span> linked to <\/span>obesity<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStress-induced increases in <\/span>cortisol<\/span> can cause fat accumulation for men and women both, but is particularly more significant in men,\u201d says<\/span> Trista Best, RDN, LD<\/span><\/a>, a registered dietitian at<\/span> The Candida Diet<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lack of sleep<\/span><\/h3>\n

Believe it or not, getting adequate sleep can also help with weight management.<\/span> A study from 2022<\/span><\/a> found that people who got less sleep tended to have a higher <\/span>calorie intake<\/span>, which could cause <\/span>weight gain<\/span>. That puts people with sleep disorders, like insomnia or <\/span>sleep apnea<\/span>, at a higher risk since they often sleep less than the average person and are more prone to late-night <\/span>snacking<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChronic disorders like <\/span>sleep apnea<\/span> are more prevalent in men with <\/span>excess weight<\/span> and can exacerbate retention of weight,\u201d says<\/span> Dr. Michael Chichak, MD<\/span><\/a>, Medical Director at<\/span> MEDvidi<\/span><\/a>. \u201cSleep deprivation as a consequence of this condition impacts bodily processes such as metabolism and balance of hormones which makes shedding weight harder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Low testosterone<\/span><\/h3>\n

Testosterone is an important hormone for men because<\/span> it affects muscle development, energy expenditure, and fat storage<\/span><\/a>. A<\/span> 2015 study in <\/span>Obesity<\/span><\/i> Review<\/span><\/i><\/a> called out a link between low testosterone and fat mass in men. According to Best, low testosterone \u201cleads to increased <\/span>body fat<\/span>, slow metabolism, and reduced <\/span>muscle mass<\/span>. If this is the cause of a man’s <\/span>weight gain<\/span>, it must be addressed before <\/span>weight loss<\/span> can occur.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Men typically produce less testosterone as they age, but low testosterone can also<\/span> stem from various <\/span>medical conditions<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Certain medications<\/span><\/h3>\n

Most medications have potential <\/span>side effects<\/span>, and for some, that might include<\/span> weight gain<\/span>. Not everyone will experience it, but some might. These drugs include:<\/span><\/p>\n