Why am I gaining weight when I barely eat?

General
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In short, I used to weigh 125 lbs, but over the past three years, I have gained up to 180 lbs without significant changes to my eating habits or physical activity.

After having COVID, my body changed for the worse: my period became irregular, I grew hair on my chin, developed food sensitivities, severe stretch marks, fatty liver, and experienced serious mood swings. The doctor checked for PCOS, but it was negative.

I had an inbody fat percentage scan about two years ago when I was 152 lbs, showing I had about 48% body fat and a very low basal metabolic rate of 1100 calories. Now, at 180 lbs, I’m unsure of my current status.

I usually eat two meals a day: breakfast is two hard-boiled eggs, a piece of bread with cream spread (about 100 calories), and lunch/dinner is protein with 1/2 cup of cooked rice or bread. I snack on a bar of chocolate.

I used to eat much more without gaining weight and regularly fast for 12-14 hours. Despite taking Berberine, I keep gaining weight. It feels like the more I restrict food, the more weight I gain.

The doctor could not figure out what was wrong and just prescribed a lot of antidepressants.

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It might be worth looking into thyroid issues or hormonal imbalances, which can sometimes mess up metabolism and cause weight gain. Stress and sleep issues can also play a big role. Try to track your stress levels and make sure you’re getting enough rest. And maybe chat with another doc who specializes in metabolic disorders. Sometimes a fresh perspective can help

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Weight gain despite minimal eating can be due to factors like a slow metabolism, hormonal imbalances, lack of physical activity, stress, or medical conditions such as hypothyroidism. Consult a healthcare professional to identify and address the underlying causes.

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You are not being realistic about what you are eating.