When you age, your body begins to change, including a change in shape. You'll begin to gain weight, and it will be more and more difficult to lose weight. If you're gaining weight for no reason at all and you are having a lot of difficulties losing the weight, you could have other things going on as well, beyond changes due to age. If you are experiencing this issue and you are concerned, read on for a few things that may be causing this and what you can do about it.

Underactive Thyroid

Your thyroid may be causing you to gain weight. Your thyroid is responsible for your metabolism. If you have an underactive thyroid, you're most likely going to gain weight. If your thyroid is overactive, you may notice a lot of weight loss for no reason. If your thyroid is underactive, you're also going to notice other symptoms as well, including excessive tiredness and a lack of focus. If your thyroid is underactive (or even if it's overactive), you can sometimes take medication to help improve your thyroid function. Talk to your doctor about your weight gain and other symptoms, and have your thyroid checked.

Perimenopause

If you are just starting menopause, it's called perimenopause. If you are in perimenopause, you are going to have some of the same symptoms of menopause, including weight gain. If you are experiencing weight gain, and have other symptoms such as a change in your menstrual cycle, mood swings, or you have hot flashes, it may be perimenopause. Talk to your OBGYN about your symptoms and discuss what treatment options are available, or what other things you can do to help prevent the weight gain or get it under control.

Hereditary

Sometimes being overweight is just hereditary, and it may be more difficult for you to lose weight. If you are overweight, and you've tried diets and different exercise programs, you may need help with your weight loss. In this case, medication may be needed to help you lose weight, or weight loss surgery may be required. If you've been actively trying to lose weight and none of it is coming off, your family history may be to blame, and other treatments may be needed.

If you are not able to lose weight on your own and you are continuing to gain weight, you should be checked for a medical condition. Talk to your doctor about weight management and see what treatments are best for your condition to help get your weight under control.