[Amanda_1981]

Anyone else feel depressed about weight gain from meds? I used to be so thin, and then this darn anxiety and ocd hit me, and unfortunately the only meds that work for me cause weight gain. Before meds, I was a size 6 to 8. Now I'm a 16! And most of that was gained in less than a year from zyprexa. I've jumped from so many meds the past few years, and three of them have caused weight gain. Zyprexa, Risperadol, and Remeron. Now I'm just on paxil and clobazam and risperadol, but the risperadol makes me sooo hungry all the time and makes me crave BAD foods! Unfortunately that seems to be the only med that works for the severity of my anxiety and ocd and insomnia I hate feeling so ashamed of my body all the time and embarrassed to go out in public. Anyone else find it difficult adjusting to the weight gain from meds? I'm trying to follow the diabetic meal plan, as I've heard it's one of the best meal plans to go by to try and lose weight, but sometimes I just can't control these awful cravings I get. (Although they're not nearly as bad now as when I was on remeron and zyprexa!). But they're still pretty bad and I am beginning to feel that I'll never lose the weight. I'm so out of shape and even walking fast, I become out of breath and need to use my inhaler. My asthma never used to be this bad until I gained weight. I want to do daily exercise, but find it hard to motivate myself to do it, as I get tired easily.

How do I break this vicious cycle??

One way to break the cycle is to start to exercise in healthy increments and stick to the diet. In other words, you already know what you need to do.

Good luck.

[Envision]

Weight gain seems very common with AD's and gaining weight certainly doesn't make anyone happy. Exercise is the only thing I have ever found that works as far as controlling weight. Everything else just seems a fad or slows down the metabolic rate and you have to eat like a bird. Is there any form of exercise you might like? If its not fun for you, its tough to stay with it. Plus they say exercise help with depression so it might be good for you in a couple ways.

[Rohag]

Originally Posted by Amanda_1981

Anyone else feel depressed about weight gain from meds?

Yes.

Originally Posted by Amanda_1981

How do I break this vicious cycle?

I honestly don't know. Here's what I'm currently trying and doing:

• I recognize managing depression with stress-intolerance, weight, and several other health issues is tricky business no matter what advice I receive. Weight by itself is not the greatest threat to my existence.
• I try to think in terms of overall health and don't use weight as a measure; I pay far more attention to the results of various blood tests and blood pressure readings.
• I'm s-l-o-w-l-y increasing the proportion of vegetables to other foods in my diet without counting calories. (Counting calories, carbs, etc. or trying to keep a food diary are for me self-sabotaging non-starters.)
• I'm complying with my drug regimen even though it's somewhat self-defeating in the weight and exercise departments.
• I'm trying to incorporate absorbing, pleasurable activities in my day that deaden or take my mind off appetite (depression greatly interferes with this).
• I'm hoping to restart regular exercise doing only a few minutes per day and working up to a decent level at my own pace (last year's attempt fizzled, and I'm not yet ready to begin again).
• Whenever my mood allows me to enjoy life, I try to enjoy it, because, in the long run, I'm dead no matter how healthy I am.

I wish you the very best, Amanda_1981, and not just with regard to weight-control.

[Lisa Michelle]

I'm on meds that increase my apetite, so I can relate a bit, but I suffer with anorexia and the meds were intentionally supposed to increase my apetite, so in a way I can accept it more. I still know how you feel though, you can feel out of control because even though you're sure you've eaten enough, you still feel hungry and if you allow yourself to eat you then feel bad and greedy.

I think exercise would be great for you, it would help with your fitness levels and also boost your mood. I know it's soo hard to feel motivated when you feel so low, but I think that will come. You could find something that you perhaps enjoy instead of actually working out in a gym or something. Do you like walking? I find that's a really easy one and it can be so enjoyable and calming if you can perhaps go somewhere nice, a bit quiet, out in the countryside...?
Do you have any friends or family who could perhaps do something with you?

What's the diabetic diet like? I think it's important to not deprive yourself of everything enjoyable, it has to be something you will stick to and not be hating every moment of it. .
What sort of things do you crave when you have cravings? If they're 'bad' foods you could perhaps find some healthier alternatives, so when you feel hungry you're still eating but it's better for you.

Anyway, good luck. x

[Amanda_1981]

Thanks everyone for the replies.. I agree, exercise is the key here in my ultimate goal to lose the weight. For me, it's a matter of motivation right now.. the more I put it off, the more tired I get, the more I don't feel like doing it... and so the cycle continues. Several months ago.. well more like a year ago, I was able to do an hour on the eliptycal (gazelle) (sp?) each day. Now I can barely do ten minutes! It's very discouraging. But I guess I need to start somewhere.. maybe I should try with something easier like a treadmill and then go back to the eliptycal/gazelle. It sucks that I'll probably have to be on these meds for the rest of my life, but hopefully I can manage my weight with them, in time. I guess I just need to be patient.. and push myself more to do the exercise, even when I'm tired and not feeling like it.

Anyone know the best type of exercise machines to start off with for those who are really out of shape? I'm thinking maybe a treadmill or an exercise bike?

[Lisa Michelle]

I think a treadmill would be pretty hard, unless you're just walking on it, and I think you'd benefit LOADS more from walking outside. I really recommend trying that.

As for having an exercise machine though, maybe a bike. You can start off slow and just do as much as you can. I think it's just a personal preference but I also just prefer them to treadmills, they don't wear me out as much (but enough) and they just seem much less boring! Of course better to ride a real bike outside though :P (i've been saying for MONTHS I'm going to ride my bike but feel so anxious about being SEEN on it outside that I haven't done it yet)

I think even if you do 10 mins exercise a day (or when you can manage it) it's better than nothing and it's a start, you'll eventually build yourself up to more. And it doesn't have to be about pure exercise, even cleaning the house (oh joy) can be a good workout.

This is really making me think I should exercise too! I feel your pain with the no motivation thing. I've been saying for monthsssss I need to get in shape and get fit.

[Amanda_1981]

Originally Posted by Lisa Michelle

Do you like walking? I find that's a really easy one and it can be so enjoyable and calming if you can perhaps go somewhere nice, a bit quiet, out in the countryside...?
Do you have any friends or family who could perhaps do something with you?

What's the diabetic diet like? I think it's important to not deprive yourself of everything enjoyable, it has to be something you will stick to and not be hating every moment of it. .
What sort of things do you crave when you have cravings? If they're 'bad' foods you could perhaps find some healthier alternatives, so when you feel hungry you're still eating but it's better for you.

Anyway, good luck. x

Yes, I was actually just thinking walking would be a good idea.. only thing is, where I live, there's only about 3 months out of the year where it's actually warm enough to go on a long walk. We get a ton of snow from usually October to as far as April. I wanted to go for a walk yesterday but it was quite cold and it discouraged me from doing it. Summer will soon be here, so hopefully I can do some more walking as the weather gets warmer. I will ask my sister (who is also trying to lose weight) if she will walk with me.. even if it's for only 15 mintues, that's better than nothing I guess

As for the diabetic diet.. it's basically taking one portion of each food group for each meal of the day. I'm currently trying to follow the 1200 calories a day one, which normally I could do, but the risperadol makes me crave really sweet foods like cupcakes and sweet pop/soda (like pepsi) as the night time approaches. Night eating is my biggest weakness.. that's when I get all my food cravings. Ironically, night time is when my anxiety is always at its worst too. I think if I can figure out ways to stop the binge eating at night and get my anxiety under better control, I'd be off to a good start.

Thanks again everyone for the support and tips/advice. It helps to know I'm not alone in this battle..

[IndigoRose]

Originally Posted by Rohag

Yes.

I honestly don't know. Here's what I'm currently trying and doing:

• I recognize managing depression with stress-intolerance, weight, and several other health issues is tricky business no matter what advice I receive. Weight by itself is not the greatest threat to my existence.
• I try to think in terms of overall health and don't use weight as a measure; I pay far more attention to the results of various blood tests and blood pressure readings.
• I'm s-l-o-w-l-y increasing the proportion of vegetables to other foods in my diet without counting calories. (Counting calories, carbs, etc. or trying to keep a food diary are for me self-sabotaging non-starters.)
• I'm complying with my drug regimen even though it's somewhat self-defeating in the weight and exercise departments.
• I'm trying to incorporate absorbing, pleasurable activities in my day that deaden or take my mind off appetite (depression greatly interferes with this).
• I'm hoping to restart regular exercise doing only a few minutes per day and working up to a decent level at my own pace (last year's attempt fizzled, and I'm not yet ready to begin again).
• Whenever my mood allows me to enjoy life, I try to enjoy it, because, in the long run, I'm dead no matter how healthy I am.

I wish you the very best, Amanda_1981, and not just with regard to weight-control.

Man do I agree with you!!

[IndigoRose]

Originally Posted by Amanda_1981

Thanks everyone for the replies.. I agree, exercise is the key here in my ultimate goal to lose the weight. For me, it's a matter of motivation right now.. the more I put it off, the more tired I get, the more I don't feel like doing it... and so the cycle continues. Several months ago.. well more like a year ago, I was able to do an hour on the eliptycal (gazelle) (sp?) each day. Now I can barely do ten minutes! It's very discouraging. But I guess I need to start somewhere.. maybe I should try with something easier like a treadmill and then go back to the eliptycal/gazelle. It sucks that I'll probably have to be on these meds for the rest of my life, but hopefully I can manage my weight with them, in time. I guess I just need to be patient.. and push myself more to do the exercise, even when I'm tired and not feeling like it.

Anyone know the best type of exercise machines to start off with for those who are really out of shape? I'm thinking maybe a treadmill or an exercise bike?

Something that won't bore you. If you have any past injuries (As a former athlete, I do, which is why I'm saying this in case anyone reading has a past injury.), a treadmill is a safe starting point, but it's also a lot cheaper to walk early in the morning before most people are up. I bore easily, even with injuries, so I've decided to invest in a Wii Fit Plus. You can do so many different things with it and I've already been told by friends that I am going to love it. Now if only every single store wasn't completely sold out!! UHH! Back to machines though, I have an Air Walker (which is pretty much the same thing as the Gazelle) and a Fluidity Bar which allows you to do a lot of different exercises whle incorporating resistance bands, a ball, and the bar. You can use the DVD's the bar comes with or throw Pilates into the mix. Weight-lifting is good as well. I used to be able to lift my own body weight, but now a mere 5 pounds on each arm feels SO
H-E-A-V-Y to me. Blah! I think the most important thing is this: Don't beat yourself up. I know what it's like, especially the not having energy part, as well as not being able to motivate yourself. And I'm glad you brought up the fact that some of these meds make you crave things something fierce. I thought it was my imagination, but after 14 years, I know it's not "just me". It would be great if a group of us, all dealing with weight gain because of meds, could buddy up and support each other to workout and keep on track. Just an idea.

Good luck with everything.

[billieJ]

I heard you about the weight gain. It is depressing, and even more depressing is the lack of motivation and energy to exercise. I don't take Risperidone, as it was too sedating, but then I don't sleep either! I guess it's a toss up. I take Effexor and Clonazepam for depression and anxiety, and I am not gaining too much on them. I think I would have more energy without the Clonazepam, but I suffer rather severe withdrawal without it. However, I assume that that would get better, if I hung in their. I don't know if you've ever tried Luvox, but that tends to take away your appetite and to work on depression and OCD. Cymbalta does the same, and I often had to force myself to eat while on it. However, eventually, I couldn't take it for other reasons, probably unique to me. Best of luck! billieJ

Originally Posted by Amanda_1981

Anyone else feel depressed about weight gain from meds? I used to be so thin, and then this darn anxiety and ocd hit me, and unfortunately the only meds that work for me cause weight gain. Before meds, I was a size 6 to 8. Now I'm a 16! And most of that was gained in less than a year from zyprexa. I've jumped from so many meds the past few years, and three of them have caused weight gain. Zyprexa, Risperadol, and Remeron. Now I'm just on paxil and clobazam and risperadol, but the risperadol makes me sooo hungry all the time and makes me crave BAD foods! Unfortunately that seems to be the only med that works for the severity of my anxiety and ocd and insomnia I hate feeling so ashamed of my body all the time and embarrassed to go out in public. Anyone else find it difficult adjusting to the weight gain from meds? I'm trying to follow the diabetic meal plan, as I've heard it's one of the best meal plans to go by to try and lose weight, but sometimes I just can't control these awful cravings I get. (Although they're not nearly as bad now as when I was on remeron and zyprexa!). But they're still pretty bad and I am beginning to feel that I'll never lose the weight. I'm so out of shape and even walking fast, I become out of breath and need to use my inhaler. My asthma never used to be this bad until I gained weight. I want to do daily exercise, but find it hard to motivate myself to do it, as I get tired easily.

How do I break this vicious cycle??

[katkatkat]

Hi Amanda - Funny....I am in Ontario as well and I have weight gain from either the meds or my illness or a nice combonation of both!! (most likely the combo) and it makes me feel horrible. I have/had poor self-esteem to begin with and now feel even worse about how I look. So.....basically, I completely understand!!! I don't like walking outside in the winter either from the snow but I also find I get panic attacks once I am (conveniently) halfway through my walk LOL!!!! Figures. My doc says exercise will help the panic attacks but who is going to risk being out in the neighborhood with that???

Anyways...there were some great ideas here. The main one is finding that special thing that gives you a spark and desire to do it. Doesn't matter what it is as long as it is motivating to you. I just got a Wii last weekend - I hope it will help me get moving without having to worry about weather/panic attacks and it is something fun....you don't even realize that you are actually exercising. (and....I got it for free so that was even better!!! I used my Shopper's points to get it!!!)

Good luck with everything....give anything a try until you find what motivates you!!!

[Amanda_1981]

Thanks everyone for all your support and advice. I appreciate it! My mom is a type 1 diabetic and she knows a lot about meal portions and carb control because of it, so I'm thinking I'll get her to help me make up a meal plan (I'm leaning towards the 1200 calories and 120 grams of carbs a day plan). I know my biggest problem is that I tend to get very snacky at night and that's when I crave carbs. I need to learn how to control my appetite at night and also I'm going to start going on small walks a day and gradually lean towards doing 40 mins of walking a day. The only thing about walking here in ontario is that half of the year it's too cold to go outside, and in the summer, the heat and humidity gets so bad, so there's really only about 3 months out of the year where it's decent weather enough to go for a long walk.. but I'm thinking of investing in a tredmill and doing that on the days that it's too cold or too hot to walk outside.

I have a wedding to go to in July and I am hoping to at least lose 10-15 lbs by then. That will be my goal for now, and then after that hopefully I can lose maybe 15 more lbs by xmas. I know the weight isn't going to come off all at once, but I think if I give myself little goals to achieve, it will help motivate me to stay on my meal plan and do the exercise each day.

Thanks again for the replies, I will keep you updated on how I'm doing!

Hi Amanda, I hear what you are saying about the Risperadol. That's what made me gain weight. I seem to be losing it now though. I am trying portion control and it seems to be working. I eat almost anything but smaller amounts. Good luck in your efforts. Peace - Dennis

[Sabrina]

I gained weight from Effexor and my Pdoc at the time told my husband to set traps to see if I was sneaking food. I fired her. But that isn't the point, yes - the weight gain really exacerbated my depression. The fatter I got, the worse my depression got, despite the meds. It really is a Catch 22. It has taken years for me to shrug the weight off and it has been very slow going but I am getting there. I no longer take meds, so any weight issues I have now are my own.

I hear you Amanda.

[Sabrina]

Oh yes, regarding the late night snacking - I have this too and was watching a program on nutrition etc. The thought was put across that late night snacking is often nothing more than a bad habit. I am still trying to break out of mine but if I tell myself not to give into the bad habit, I can have some success.