Anyone able to lose weight after medications put weight on?

[basten]

I'm on meds. that made me put weight on. Now, I want to try and lose some. I'm 71, so not that active.

Anyone can tell me if you managed it and if so, how much did you eat and what all day? Did you measure or weigh portions etc.? Thank you.

[Cooper27 Administrator]

I think it will depend on what the medication is, to work out why you've gained weight. Is it water retention or did it increase your appetite?

[TheMoaningViolet]

I am on steroids for an autoimmune condition and to avoid sliding into diabetic range, I significantly reduced carbs consumption (including fruit, only 3 per day (a cup of berries counting as 1) and I am eating mostly berries and apples). I also stopped eating sugar (including honey or any replacements), hardly ever eat potatoes, only brown rice, no gluten etc. I significantly increased the intake of good fats (avocados, olive oil, coconut milk, nuts). My weight initially dropped by 10 kilograms and it has now been stable for the last 5 months. The important part of the picture is getting enough sleep, reducing stress and engaging in moderate exercise. The best thing about this is that I am never hungry and I don't feel deprived. It does require some discipline, but there is still so much that I can eat, it would be foolish to succumb to any cravings given what is at stake.

[basten in reply to TheMoaningViolet]

Thankyou so much. I know my downfalls now and I've been too long craving puddings and sweet stuff. I think its cos I suffer a lot of pain and instead of cutting stuff out I've got despondent and ate more. You are right about a voiding diabetis. My meds make me hungry so it's hard. I've bought advocados and try to eat more fruit. I have sweet potato and carrots and stir frys and fish and chicken. It's the sweet stuff...eat one and I cant stop. I needed someone like you to tell me it can be done. Thankyou. I may have to change my meds too. You have done so well. Regards

[TheMoaningViolet in reply to basten]

I am sure you will be able to do it, but one can be so stuck in a rut you literally need an epiphany. Mine was a desire to be healthy again, instead of getting other conditions induced by the medication. I wish you good luck (as unhappy circumstances could derail you) and patience. For me it worked best to change one thing at a time, not everything at once. I cook for my family and it meant preparing different meals for them, but it was a small price to pay. Don't worry too much about exercise, I am so busy I literally need to build it into other activities, just walk everywhere. And finally, be kind to yourself, don't eat things you don't like the taste of, forgive yourself if you transgress and get as much information about the correct nutrition as possible. V

[basten in reply to TheMoaningViolet]

God bless you and thank you for listening

[basten in reply to TheMoaningViolet]

I wondered what sort of exercise do you do. ?? I am 70 and due to pain a lot on eating so at times a bit restricted. The whole eating cravings etc has made me feel low and lacking in getting motivated. It's a viscous circle. I know steroids put weight on. I had them for a year.

[san_ray70]

As I have an under active thyroid and thought I could not lose weight. I asked my doctor and he told me I would be able to lose weight because I was taking levothyroxine. I joined S.W. and I lost over 2st. It was not easy but you have to try, I was very breathless before I lost the weight. I am 72 and due to arthritus and the lock down not too active. I feel better for it and you will too, good luck.

[basten in reply to san_ray70]

Oh ok thankyou. Yes I must try to tell myself that slowly does it . You've done really well. I've put on 3vstone since September partly meds partly my bad food which I'm trying to avoid. I was a size 16 2 months ago and now an 18 and high BP like you a bit breathless. I dont do much exercise. Due to high BP Ive now got to have an ECG tomorrow. I was just dubious about. S.W. as their meals seem to have a lot of pasta .