unexplained weight gain

Question
Hi Laura,
Thank you for your time and service. I am a 28 year old vegetarian, fairly active. In January I weighed 128 pounds, which was about 5 pounds more than usual. In mid January, I put forth a conscious and strict effort to re-do my eating habits to get back to my normal weight. I limited carbs to only wheat and mostly as a treat on the weekend. My daily meals are a breakfast with protein, fiber, a dairy, and a fruit. I eat a different salad, a fruit, and yogurt for lunch; steamed veggies and a meat substitute for dinner. I also snack quite a bit on nuts and granola.  I have to admit I was impressed with myself! A month passed and in mid February, I had GAINED 4 pounds!!!! Frustrated but not defeated, I then added more exercise. I'm walking four days a week and skate for 2 hours once a week. I even started tracking my meals and exercise on a Fitness App for iPhone. I've GAINED another 2. I now weigh 136 lbs! Should I see a doctor? I feel bloated all the time and my clothes no longer fit. I'm getting pretty depressed and want to just start gorging food. My scale also measures body fat, and that has stayed consistent so the whole "muscle weighs more..." is not flying. Could there be something wrong? (By the way, I only drink water. Lots and lots of water. No juice, milk, soda.) Thank you!

Answer
I definitely think you should see a physician. There are a number of things that could be going on. I would ask for a full cbc with a metabolic profile and lipids. Your physician might want to target additional things, but that is probably the best place to start. If it doesn't come with a thyroid test, make sure that is ordered. If you have no insurance, you can go to directlabs.com, order a test, and save the money from the initial doctor visit. Definitely have a physician review the results.

Hope all goes well. Please feel free to let me know what you find out!

1. Prev:Lean meats
2. Next:Sprinters versus bodybuilders: nutrition needs