[Blue_Bird]

I'm starting to eat healthier, I began today. My goal for right now is to lose 10lbs, I want to lose much more than that but that's just a short term goal. I was in group today and one of the ladies there told me it's better to start with smaller goals, it's much less daunting than saying "I have to lose 80lbs". It seems you have to work a little harder to lose weight when on psych meds. I'm not sure why I'm posting this, I just want to share and hear other's experiences.

[sideblinded]

You are so right about meds causing weight gain but I have a theory about this. Anyone can debunk the hype about this as I did with the med, mirtazapine (Remeron) It has a bad wrap as it increases appetite so most say that they gain weight on this medication. People describe wanting food at midnight and crave gobs of bad stuff. Yes, my appetite is increased on it BUT I changed my diet to only oatmeal in the morning, a protein fruit shake for lunch and only boiled or grilled chicken or fish with vegetables for dinner. I also can indulge on popcorn and I lost 30 pounds without even exercising. My point is....if you change your eating habits no matter what med you are on, you can lose weight. I used to be on a couple meds that had me at a heavier weight. They were Doxepin and Seroquel. These might be harder to lose weight on but I asked my doc to go off of these and my weight went down immediately.

Since you started eating healthier, you are way on your way to losing some weight. Kudos Blue_Bird. I'll be rooting for you.

I guess meds have been really weird with me. I was on Seroquel for a time and haldol for a while and never gained weight. My guess is that I have diet restrictions to due kidney issues that tend to restrict my calories. Hard to gain weight when you are filing up on lettuce I guess. I actually kinda wish for these weight gain effects as I have lost a lot of weight due to my restrictions.

[jaynedough]

Way to go Blue_Bird! It's great that you're looking at ways to be healthier. Maybe you can keep us updated on how you're doing; it might help me & others. I, too, gain weight with some psych drugs. I think some of it is that I already have weight and food issues. Also, the drugs that cause sleepiness make me reach for foods that'll give me a sugar rush.

[spincera]

I wanted to start off by saying congrats on your changes and goals Blue_Bird. It is wonderful what you are doing. Keep up the good work.
I also recently started eating healthier. I started on Monday. I also started exercising on Monday as well. I am not doing anything really strenuous, but I'm starting off small. I was also told that that was the key. I haven't been eating like I used to and I have lost 5 lbs over the past week and a half or so. That was before I changed my eating habits. I think the weight loss is due to not really eating due to lack of sleep. I decided that wasn't the right way to lose weight, so I've been trying to eat healthier. I now snack on carrots and cherry tomatoes and drink more water. Unfortunately, I have been eating healthier, but still haven't had much of an appetite due to lack of sleep still, unfortunately.

I havent taken meds in 6 years and I am loosing so much weight. probably due to the manic episode ive been in. I may have an underlying undiagnosed eating disorder, I dont know. this year I am setting big personal goals, one of them is going back on medication - scary for me.....
I dont know, I really dont want meds, but alot of close friends are saying I may benefit better this time around.
this seems irrelevant to the thread topic, idk. hahahahaa.

I just wanted to add when I do eat, it is mostly healthy. I have never cared about my weight, I just have issues eating and hoarding/bingeing food. I get scared like I wont have food and then I get scared its all gonna rot. ....its weird. hahahahaha. :shrugs: