medication: weight gain, now weight loss

ggirl

I know this might seem like an odd one and that I am never happy but I am hoping some of you may have helpful advice for me. I am on a heavy combination of medication because of a long-term illness and have been very overweight as result for the last few years. One of the meds causes excessive weight gain. I went from a size 8 to 14 within a very short space of time when I went on it, despite changing to a healthier diet. I am only 5 foot so a 14 is a lot of weight to carry. I actually put on 50% of my body weight - scary. Over the years I have tried weight watchers, GI Diet, general healthy eating, the gym, swimming, yoga, walking you name it, all to no avail. Now however I am being weaned off that medication and have been put on another med which by coincidence has a side effect of weight loss. Let me stress that the condition has nothing to do with weight, I have a mood disorder. In the last month (over Christmas!) I have lost 16lbs without trying and it is still going. I am happy to be losing the weight and would ideally like to lose some more and get to a size 10/12 but from reading up on the drug I know the weight could keep on dropping off. I expect lots of people reading this will think 'what the hell is she moaning about' but I wonder has anyone had any similar experience? My appetite is reduced, though not drastically, and I am making sure to eat three meals a day. I am just wondering if there is anything I can do to ensure I stay physically healthy. I eat lots of veg (not mad on most winter fruit), lean meat (chicken or turkey fillets mostly), wholemeal pasta and rice, drink lots of water, don't like tea or coffee and I can't drink alcohol because of my illness so, apart from a chocolate addiction my diet is pretty good I think. I also love yoga which I have started practicing again recently. My doctor just recommends the above but I wonder if anyone has had a similar experience and if so what they found helpful? I would be really grateful for any advice.

EileenG

Haven't had that experience (fairly drug free) but I'd suggest you eat a good diet, with lots of protein fat and fresh veg and fruit and wholegrains. There's a good chance that as you lose the weight and get closer to your proper weight, the weight loss effect will slow or stop. There are several drugs which will cause you to lose excess fat, but not many that will make you lose weight if you are normal or underweight, except things like chemo.

rubadub

ggirl wrote: »

and I am making sure to eat three meals a day.

Try having a lot more meals. I have at least 6 most days. And you can have high calorie healthy meals, natural unsalted peanut butter wholemeal bread sandwiches and whole milk pack a lot of calories.

EileenG wrote: »

There's a good chance that as you lose the weight and get closer to your proper weight, the weight loss effect will slow or stop.

+1. As your weight drops your metabolism does too, you need less food to maintain that weight.

ggirl

Thanks a million for the tips!