In the 'Symptoms - Metabolic' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about unintentional recent weight gain:
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Has your weight increased significantly for unknown reasons in the past year? Do not answer this question if the weight gain is from consuming too many calories or getting too little exercise.
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"Don't know / not applicable" |
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| 2. |
"No / minimal change" |
No unexplained weight gain |
A symptom |
| 3. |
"5% to 10% / moderate weight gain" |
Moderate unexplained weight gain |
A symptom |
| 4. |
"11% to 20% / major weight gain" |
Major unexplained weight gain |
A symptom |
| 5. |
"Over 20% / very great weight gain" |
Very great unexplained weight gain |
A symptom |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Andropause/Male Menopause |
(Men only) |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Aspartame Side-Effects |
The American Cancer Society has confirmed through study that users of artificial sweeteners gain more weight than those who don't use the products, further undermining the supposed "purpose" for the existence of aspartame in food. The major selling point of aspartame is as a diet aid, and it has been demonstrated that the use of this product actually causes people to consume more food. Normally, when a significant quantity of carbohydrate are consumed, serotonin levels rise in the brain. This is manifested as a relaxed feeling after a meal. When aspartame is ingested with carbohydrates, such as having a sandwich with a diet drink, aspartame causes the brain to cease production of serotonin, meaning that the feeling of having had enough never materializes. You then eat more foods, many containing aspartame, and the cycle continues. |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Diabetes Type II |
Weight loss can indicate uncontrolled diabetes, while weight gain suggests an increased risk of getting it. |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Estrogens Low |
(Women only) |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Hyperthyroidism |
-- |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Hypothyroidism |
-- |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Ovarian Cancer |
(Women only) |
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GLOSSARY
Aspartame
A low-calorie sweetener used in a variety of foods and drinks and as a tabletop sweetener. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and is commonly known by names such as NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful or Equal-Measure.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Carbohydrates (Carbohydrate)
The sugars and starches in food. Sugars are called simple carbohydrates and found in such foods as fruit and table sugar. Complex carbohydrates are composed of large numbers of sugar molecules joined together, and are found in grains, legumes, and vegetables like potatoes, squash, and corn.
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Serotonin
A phenolic amine neurotransmitter (C10H12N2O) that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum and gastric membranes of mammals. Considered essential for relaxation, sleep, and concentration.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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