What Causes Increased Weight Gain?

Posted on Tue, 8 Sep 2015

Question: possible causes for weight gain-sleep interruption-cravings for sweets-rash/sores on right fore arm inner and elbow area for 3 solid weeks -migraines more frequent -lack of pep/energy . I have osteo arthritis in finger joints-was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago-am in menopause (have been for 8 yrs) cuurently take a migraine med and a med to help with night sweats/hot flashes--it helps the night sweats but I still can't sleep thru the night with even the use of otc sleep meds--the arm sores are no where else on body except I see 2-3 of the same starting on left inner forearm just started few days ago--also I forgot my cholesterol is up and I am on a 30 day trial of Zocor---I am female 56 yrs old current weight 155 am 5 ft 1

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide more information and consider these guidelines

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ma'am
I had gone through your question very diligently and I appreciate your concern
Weight gain might be related to age related decreased metabolism, sedentary life style, lack of exercise, faulty food habits

Here I I would like further information for better assessment
If possible upload me the photographs of sores on the right forearm
upload me the entire blood reports including cholesterol
Since how long you have these sores on your forearm
are you taking any other medicines other than zocor

Zocor contains simvastatin which is cholesterol reducing drug.
As such you are overweight, your BMI is around 30. So I would advise you to follow certain life style modifications like
1. Avoid fatty fried and junk food
2. Have lost of fresh fruits and vegetables and dietary fiber supplements
3. Exercise regularly as much you can comfortably do like walking jogging or swimming and yoga.
4. Complete abstinence of smoking and alcohol

as far as sleep disturbances is concerned it cloud be related to menopausal state, sedentary life style or stress and anxiety
I will advise you to discontinue all kind of sleeping pills and exercise regularly and remain calm and cheerful
indulge yourself into any pleasurable activities until you feel sleepy
Don't go to bed until you feel very sleepy

For sores on forearm wash it with antiseptic solution or soap and apply any antibacterial ointment like mupirocin or soframycin and keep it clean and moist

Please write back to me with these details so that I will be able to tell you more precisely
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad