Anxiety tied to weight gain?

[Michele_B]

Have any of you experienced weight gain or out of control eating from dealing with your anxiety? I am the heaviest I have ever been (minus when I was pregnant) and I can't help but wonder if its stress eating from dealing with all the anxiety.

I want to eat healthier but it seems that every time I try, I do well for a few days and then I am back to my old eating habits.

[levymaria]

Hi Michele_B,

Do you see a therapist for your anxiety?

[Michele_B in reply to levymaria]

No, just my regular doctor. She just prescribes pills which I am trying to avoid. I just wish I could curb my eating. I feel like I eat constantly. And it wouldn't be so bad if I were eating good foods but I'm eating crap; chips, ice cream, cake. I hate it.

[Agora1]

Hi Michele_B , Some people who are anxious tend to lose their appetite and actually lose weight. Others, self soothe by using food as a comfort means. Medications also can play a big part of weight gain. The SSRI's are known to affect the metabolism as well as make you hungrier for carbs. It's not to say stop medication but let the doctor know so that you don't find yourself with another problem besides anxiety. Everyone reacts differently to stresses. Stress in itself can put on the pounds. So it's nothing you are deliberately doing, it's a combination of causes. x

[Michele_B in reply to Agora1]

I am currently off of meds. But I was on Prozac which made me have no appetite at all. So not sure if because I'm off of them now, that its causing me to "make up for lost time" or what...

I wish the anxiety didn't affect my appetite at all.

[Rachiebaybee]

I've gained 10 pounds since my anxiety has gotten really bad. I eat when I feel nervous because it takes my mind off of it. I'm actually happy I gained the weight. I was under 100lbs (97 to be exact). I have a really high metabolism so I'm really surprised I gained the weight. I'm trying to eat healthier but I'm not gonna lie. It's hard. I'm in the process of giving up weed (20 days clean), coffee, pop, and cigarettes, so junk food is my last vice. I want to eat health but all I want is cookies and chips.

[Michele_B in reply to Rachiebaybee]

SAME! All I want to eat is crap! Thats what I wish I could get away from. If I were eating healthy foods it would be a non-issue.

[Rachiebaybee in reply to Michele_B]

Me too! And portion control is another issue of mine. I can eat an entire thing of oreos in one sitting.

[Hidden]

yes!! Since my latest episode which has been since April I have gained 10 lbs

I comfort eat plus take mirtazapine 45mg which ups you appetite!

I don't stop scoffing its my happy place until feel unwell xx