Does MS make weight loss more difficult?
I was diagnosed with MS in April 2019. Since that time I've made a concerted effort to lose some weight and get more fit. I've been following the diet and caloric range that my neurologist recommended and working out every other day (cardio and strength training). 16 months later I've only lost about 12 pounds. I have another 30 lbs. to go to get to my ideal weight, and I don't want to take another 3 years to get there! I should add that I'm in my late 60s, so no doubt my age slows down my weight loss. I take thyroid supplements prescribed by my doctor, and my thyroid levels are in normal range.
Have any of you experienced this same issue? If so, have you found anything that helps? Any suggestions or support will be much appreciated!
I am 65 and have had the same problem. I think age has the most to do with why I can't get the pounds off. I'm not as active as I used to be, & I too am on thyroid meds. I do have other physical issues that hinder a lot of exercise such as bad knees and lower back problems. I sometimes feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place because I need to get the weight off because of my knees and back but i can't because of my knees and back.
Hi @colletteleonor. I hope it helps you and that you do not find it too stressful. Best wishes! - Lori (Team Member)
You have a lot of issues to juggle, @marieelena, and they all can effect metabolism and your food choices. I can't even imagine how difficult is must be to control your weight. I am glad you are advocating for yourself and I hope you find a nutritional system that is effective for you. Wishing you the best! - Lori (Team Member)
I am a 61 y/o woman who, over a 1.5 year period, gained 35lbs. Stress, depression, loneliness, natural craving for chocolate, quit vaping---all contributing factors. Three months ago I decided that since I looked ridiculous stuffed into my clothes yet refused to buy larger clothes (nor could afford!), that I would do the Atkins Diet since it worked for me years ago. Thanks to harnessing some inner strength I thought no longer existed (and to the Atkins bars I HAVE to splurge on), I have lost 23lbs in that 3 month period. Here's to 23 more pounds! Yay me!
This is fabulous,
! I am so glad your hard work is paying off and yes, you DO have the inner strength! Keep up the great work! Thanks for sharing! Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.
Congratulations!!! That's wonderful, Yay, you!!!
Hi,
! I know losing weight slowly is frustrating, but it sounds like you are making some great progress. I mean, if you manage to lose a pound a month, you will be almost halfway to your goal. So, yes, that would be amping up your weight loss a bit, but I think you can do it. And, just as you would be annoyed if you gained twelve pounds every year, you can take pride in losing any amount of weight in a year's (or sixteen months) time. So, losing that way and plugging away at it will yield the results you are looking for. I don't ever recommend one specific diet plan, as every person is unique. That said, I have noticed that many post menopausal women have good results with a higher protein, lower carb diet protocol. And honestly, many diets fit that basic criteria. You can definitely do some research and please consider consulting your physician before making any big dietary/lifestyle changes, just to be safe. And, please take some time to acknowledge all your hard work and success! You have managed a lot with the deck stacked against you. That's no small feat! I wish you continued success! Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.
