Why Do People with Anemia Tend to Gain Weight Easily?

Reasons Why Anemic People Tend to Gain Weight

The tendency for anemic individuals to gain weight may stem from non-pathological factors such as irregular eating habits and decreased physical activity. Additionally, it could be attributed to pathological conditions like hypothyroidism and diabetes. Below are the primary contributing factors:

I. Physiological Factors

1. Irregular Eating Habits:

   If an individual frequently engages in binge eating or overindulges in greasy foods, it can burden the gastrointestinal system, hindering the proper absorption and utilization of nutrients. This can lead to obesity, bloating, and other related symptoms. It is advisable to establish healthy eating habits, consuming meals regularly in fixed quantities, and avoiding high-fat and high-calorie foods like fatty meats and fried chicken.

2. Decreased Physical Activity:

   Prolonged bed rest or a sedentary lifestyle with minimal physical exertion can cause excess calories to be converted into fat and stored beneath the skin, resulting in weight gain. Incorporating outdoor activities like jogging and playing badminton can boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Hypothyroidism:

   This condition may arise from autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiency, among other causes. Common symptoms include weight gain, slowness of movement, and intolerance to cold. Treatment options include medications like levothyroxine sodium tablets and alfacalcidol soft capsules, administered under a doctor's supervision.

2. Diabetes:

   Damage to insulin-producing cells can lead to persistently elevated blood sugar levels. When sugar metabolism becomes disrupted, it can trigger diabetes, manifesting as frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive hunger, and weight loss despite increased appetite. Management involves adhering to a prescribed regimen of hypoglycemic drugs like metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and gliclazide modified-release tablets.

Furthermore, other underlying conditions like liver cirrhosis and kidney failure could also be responsible. For a definitive diagnosis, medical evaluation and relevant tests are necessary.