How Does PMS Cause Weight Gain?
The relationship between PMS and weight gain is multifactorial. Many women feel tired and achy during the premenstrual period. This may make them less likely to follow their regular exercise regimen. Bloating and water retention can also result in a significant, albeit temporary, weight gain. However, the most important factor in causing premenstrual weight gain is food cravings and changes in appetite. During the premenstrual period, many women find that they are hungrier more often and crave certain foods, usually unhealthy foods such as chocolate and chips. The reason for this is an imbalance in the brain chemical serotonin. Sugary foods and simple carbohydrates raise serotonin levels quickly, so these are usually the foods that women reach for during this time. Unfortunately, eating unhealthy foods regularly during the premenstrual period of every month will eventually cause weight gain, and unlike the added weight from water, these pounds won’t come off so easily.
