Have you gone through menapause? The most common cause of weight gain in these areas for women is menapause. Our metabolism decreases signifigantly and our body is holding on to fat. I would be more worried about you if you started gaining weight only in your abdomen and upper body. Fat distribution in this area has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues.

I have seen liver dysfunction and liver failure in many patients. There is no duplicating its affects and is nothing that looks like simple weight gain. It is all water edema on the flanks of the abdomen. The skin indents when pressed. This happens within a couple of weeks, not three years. It would not hurt to take a visit to your GYN to discuss your concerns and have an exam, if anything you will have the piece of mind you were given a clean bill of health. If it is menopausal in nature, it would be good to discuss with the MD the risks associated with this life change.

The bad news? You will have to watch your diet and exercise even more to lose weight. You will have to be more diligent in maintence as well.

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Shyla RN