Can Cushings Syndrome, PCOS and quitting smoking cause weight gain?

Weight gain is a common symptom of Cushing's syndrome, a condition in which you are exposed to too much of the hormone cortisol, which in turn causes weight gain and other abnormalities. Cushing's syndrome can occur if you take steroids for asthma, arthritis, or lupus. It can also occur when your adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone, or be related to a tumour. The weight gain may be most prominent around the face, neck or upper back, or waist.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal problem in women of childbearing age. Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. The condition leads to hormone imbalances that affect a woman's menstrual cycle and can lead to excessive body hair and acne. Women with this condition are resistant to insulin, which may cause weight gain. The weight tends to collect around the abdomen, putting women at greater risk for heart disease.

On average, people who stop smoking gain up to 4,5 kilograms, because without nicotine you may:

•     Feel hungrier and eat more (this feeling should go away after several weeks)

•     Experience a decrease in your metabolism, without reducing your calorie intake

•     Find food tastes better, which may lead to overeating

•     Eat more high-fat, high-sugar snacks and drink more alcohol

Always speak to your doctor if you are concerned about weight gain due to Cushing’s syndrome and PCOS.  If you have stopped smoking, be conscious of what you eat and how much.

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