Overweight and asthma

[ash6]

Hi all

I am struggling a bit at the moment and i am tending to overthink things with my asthma. Not that long ago i had a CT scan on my lungs to see if there was anybother damage to my lungs other than some slight scarring on the bottom of my lungs and thankfully all was ok and my bloods were all ok apart from low folic acid. I am around 30kg overweight and trying tonstop smoking but its proving really hard. Has anyone who has been overweight lost that weight? And how did it make your asthma feel? I am just stuck in a bit of a rut, i want to exercise more but i get out of breath really easy and that makes me panic about my asthma so i get more breathless

Its so annoying

[twinkly29]

It can be really hard with anything health wise, especially breathing, to find that spot between what you need to do or "should" do and what you actually can do. Plus the psychological side of feeling you should etc.

It's quite possible that any breathlessness when exercising isn't actually asthma (at that point I mean) - it's common (normal even maybe) for people with respiratory issues to think that all breathing symptoms are their condition but often they're not. We all have breathing pattern issues at times and of course anxiety can mimic asthma too. That said, of course it could also be asthma. Building up slowly, varying what you can do depending on how you are each time, and making sure you allow recovery time....and of course using your relief medication if required ... should help though. If it's not asthma related then relievers won't help but one way to get an idea of what's going on is to try them.

This might be worth a look though. Respiratory physio recommended, free to sign up and deals with basic breathing exercises which would help any breathing pattern issues, be good for for anxiety anyway and can be used alongside asthma. It starts off stationary/at rest but moves the exercises into being active which is what I was thinking ultimately might help. Maybe not if things are uncontrolled in an asthma sense but then they need dealing with so at least that would be flagged.

Oops edited to add the link 😆

lifeguidehealth.org/player/...

[Slb306]

Hi, like you I have about 30kgs to loose and so far over the last 6 months or so have lost nearly 15kgs and I feel so very much better. Being in the CEV and shielding mostly since last March it has been a a challenge but really worth it. I adopted a very simple reduce the calories (but don’t starve 😌), significantly increasing veg and fish intake, reducing meat, sugar and anything processed. Takes time for meal prep but not as expensive as many of the more trendy diets! Combined with some walking and cycling I think it’s sustainable. The NHS weight loss plan give you loads of ideas, hints and tips, well worth a look. Good luck !

[Poobah]

I'm overweight and my consultant and asthma nurse want me to lose weight. And I know they're right as when I do my asthma is so much better. The magic starts to happen quite quickly too and just gets better the more weight I lose. All I'd say is, the older you get the harder it is to lose weight. But starting is probably the hardest step in the process. I've never smoked and can't imagine what it must be like to give up and go on a diet! I had very good success using Paul McKenna's "I Can Make You Thin" (I hate that title), especially the hypnosis CD. I had to use it at bedtime as I never got to the end and it was the extra help I needed. You'll know in the first week if it's changed your habits enough to make a difference. If it works for you then he also does a quit smoking regime. Check out the NHS on hypnosis nhs.uk/conditions/hypnother...

The bottom line is, eat less, move more. I know it but TBH I love my food and hate exercise. 🙄

[Griffon]

Hi Ash , As someone who is overweight my self I can tell you that losing weight and giving up smoking are the two major issues that you can do to radically improve your health . Excess body fat impacts on health in many ways , but a basic asthma related one is the internal fat compresses the lungs and reduceses their ability to function , this is why obesity is one of the major factors in corona fatality . There really is only one way to lose weight , and that is to stop eating . For myself I have found training myself to view hunger pangs as beneficial and a good thing is a start , also when shopping to avoid buying snacks and nice things ready to eat . If there's nothing in the cupboard there's nothing to lead you into temptation ! It really is mind over matter and you will be amazed at how beneficial weight loss will be -- but it does remain life long battle of will .

[Poobah in reply to Griffon]

I agree about the hunger pangs - I try and embrace them rather than act on them. When they start I just drink and focus on whatever task I'm undertaking. And definitely don't have anything in the house for snacks, try and treat yourself in other ways.

[ChrissieMons]

I think you have to be careful about suddenly taking up exercise if you're not used to it. You could set yourself little targets about going up and down a flight of stairs, timing it. It may be hauling yourself up with the bannister to start, but it should get easier the more you do it. Lots cheaper thanthe gym, even when they are open! Very best of luck!

[LeiLey]

Hi I find myself similar in that I need to lose weight. I like the idea of starting off with small targets at first, I’m on getting the Wii fit back out with the kids as that is better than doing nothing (it has exercises and games that has varying levels).I also need to find out how to eat healthy and have healthier snacks on a tight budget 🤞

Good luck with it all 😊

[Itswonderful]

Hi Ash6. I did a Type 2Diabetes Quiz that popped up on my Facebook account and self referred to the Diabetes Prevention Course. I am about 10 pounds overweight but it means I’m at risk of developing Type 2. The course is free and interesting and it lasts over 9 months. I have only done the first session but it is already helping me think differently, eat differently and move more already. I would recommend as it is very supportive and informative. Good luck.