HELP!!!!! I have gained a bunch of weight due to medication, and have lost a ...

[Sanity Rules]

lot of muscle tone due to same. Because of these reasons, I can not mount my small 14 hand horse without someone helping me anymore ... even with a mounting block. I am trying everything to lose weight (from 220 pounds) and gain muscle tone again. But please please please please ..... suggestions ?????????!!!!!!!!! :cry::cry::cry:

[mjrtango93]

Are you off the medication that caused the issue in the first place? If not it will keep being counter productive to what you are trying to accomplish.

[Sanity Rules]

Doc switched my meds, and *says* that this combination will not mess with my weight. But I'm certainly not seeing any progress with weight loss. And it is extremely difficult for me exercise due to the loss of muscle.

[Simkie]

I'd consult a medical nutritionist who can get you on a good diet that gives you the building blocks for good muscle development and a personal trainer who can help you with some specific exercises to work on the muscle groups that are weak.

There's no reason to go it alone! There are people out there who know just how to help :)

[Hazelnut]

Doc switched my meds, and *says* that this combination will not mess with my weight. But I'm certainly not seeing any progress with weight loss. And it is extremely difficult for me exercise due to the loss of muscle.

Start small and add minutes a week.

Do weight work first and then cardio. Burns more calories overall cause it raises your metabolism.

For instance lift soup cans with your arms and do leg lifts, 10 each. Increase reps by two weekly.
Then walk for ten minutes. Do this two times a day.
Increase walk time by two minutes weekly.
Its a start - add excercises as able.
See Doc for advice on what you can do and start from there.

[Sansena]

I'm facing similar issues.. I'm off the meds now, but they've done their damage. That and sitting on my fat @$$ looking after DH post op. It's been about 9lbs in 40 days.

I'm going back to my pre-wedding diet: Go vegetarian. When I'm hungry for a snack, I make myself a few cups of green tea. STAY AWAY FROM SPLENDA. Stuff makes you blow up on air.. And as others have said, start small with exercise, like walking to the mailbox daily in stead of stopping your car on the way in from work. Take the stairs, not the elevator, clean the house more, or do what you can at the barn like help unload feed/shavings/ hay instead of having the delivery man do it. Muck a few stalls a day if you're able. I think barn work is why most of us horse women stay sexy. ;)

I know the weight will drop off once I head back to work once DH is 100% again. Until then, I'm following the above, and hoping like hell it'll work.

[Sanity Rules]

Thanks folks for your support. Ongoing support would be much appreciated! I just have to find medical support here that takes my insurance for this kind of care. Ugh.

[Sanity Rules]

Thanks for sharing, Sansena! It really helps to know that I'm not the only one out there in the horse world who has this problem!

[Sanity Rules]

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[FindersKeepers]

The best way to get started is to go natural.

Cut processed foods out of your diet comepletely. Buy everything fresh and cook everything yourself. You have to get your body back on track and get rid of the toxins that made you blow up in the first place. It's not an easy journey.

Eat lots of lean proteins, fruits, veggies, and fiber. Drink lots of water (unless you have a medical condition causing you to retain water...then go by what your doctor recommends.) If you are craving a sweet, eat something natural... not something sugar free. That stuff will not help.

Then just pick up your daily activities at first. Park further from the door at the grocery store. Make multiple trips to the tack room, instead of loading up like a mule and taking everything at once. Clean stalls, sweep aisleways, and take your horse for walks...as in you on the ground, leading him like a dog. It gets you moving, and still gives you time to bond with him and be close to him. Just walk laps together around the arena, both on foot. Adding a lap every couple of days.

by just increasing the exertion of your daily activities, you'll build muscle and burn calories, without feeling like you're really trying. The intesnse work outs can come into play once you have muscle tone back. Once you lose a couple pounds, and start to feel better, pick up the exercise. Starving yourself or working out to death, won't do it. Just be patient and adjust your lifestyle.

And get the real deal on the medications you are on...because if weight loss is a side effect, it doesn't matter what you do now. (I work in the medical field, so feel free to PM me the list if you want me to get you the manufacturer's info.)

[twofatponies]

If you are really out of shape and daunted, start with something really small. Walking is simple, basic, requires no special memberships or equipment, and will help build you up without stressing your body (check with your doctor, of course, to see if he has specific suggestions/limitations).

Remember you have the whole day - do your exercise in five minute sessions at first! If you are embarrassed or don't have a nice street to walk down or the weather is bad, walk around your house!

Pick up the stray books/socks/etc. in the living room one at a time and walk them to the den or bedroom or wherever, and put them away.

Wash the dishes by hand and dry them by hand and put them away one at a time, walking back and forth across the kitchen.

Take the laundry to the washing machine one little handful at a time, back and forth, back and forth. Hand wash the little delicate items - that's great for your arms.

Make lots of little trips around the house constantly, and stand up for as long as possible - it strengthens your body and burns calories just to stand instead of sit!

Put some dance/rock music on the radio to give yourself some extra pep and dance a little while you work.

Make housework like cleaning kitchen cabinets - burns calories, works your whole body.

Drink lots of tea (no sugar!) to cut your hunger pangs and give you a little boost of mild caffeine. Keep tupperware containers of sliced apples, carrots, etc. in your fridge for easy snacking. Eat that Activia yogurt, too.

These things are not super strenuous but will start to build up your basic muscle tone so you can move on to walking longer distances, stair climbing, etc. You can do it! (channeling Richard Simmons :D )

[Vesper Sparrow]

I'd do a yoga or pilates class, which will work more of your muscles and do it in a balanced way. In many yoga poses, you push against or support your own body weight, so it does build muscle. In addition, it really helps with breathing and body awareness. I really miss yoga but, with two horses to ride, I just don't have the time for it anymore.

[Rev]

To add to the great suggestions above...
If your routine has you sitting for any length of time (ie computer, or TV/books in evenings, etc)...Replace your chair with one of those big exercise balls.

It's a subtle thing, but sitting on the ball engages your core, straightens your posture and makes it second nature to do things like gently "post", flex and stretch. Burns more calories in the process.

Set your "reminder" chime on the 'puter so that you get up to move and stretch about once per hour.

Note, too that a few good informational sessions with a Phys Therapist and nutritionist can set you up with a program that you can manage and follow on your own. Plan to use your insurance allotments to schedule interim "checkups" with these practicioners to monitor progress and adjust to your changing needs.

Hope this helps.

Rev

[Sanity Rules]

All of these suggestions are great!

What do you all think about those miniature trampolines ..... I am way too embarrassed to exercise in public, and I forgot to mention that I am arthritic, so low-impact it must be ...... that's one of the reasons, besides the fact that I love him to death, that I want to be able to ride my Eagle!

Going from 125 pounds to 220 pounds in about a year is a real esteem crusher, let me tell ya :eek::cry:

[RedMare01]

Start small and add minutes a week.

Do weight work first and then cardio. Burns more calories overall cause it raises your metabolism.

For instance lift soup cans with your arms and do leg lifts, 10 each. Increase reps by two weekly.
Then walk for ten minutes. Do this two times a day.
Increase walk time by two minutes weekly.
Its a start - add excercises as able.
See Doc for advice on what you can do and start from there.

Actually, I just read an article that found more calories are burned by doing cardio and then weights. The cardio raises your heart rate much more than just resistance training, and by doing it first, you can then keep it going at a faster rate while lifting weights.

I think the trampoline is a great idea. Also, try water aerobics classes (they usually have them at the Y) to work out with low resistance. If you feel self conscious about being in a bathing suit around other people, take a tour ahead of time...believe me, 99.9% of the population are not supermodels.

Good luck!

Caitlin

[ddashaq]

I know you said that you don't want to exercise in public, but with joint problems swimming or water aerobics would probably be very good for you. At my pool, it is mostly senior citizens and they don't care how you look!

[Sanity Rules]

Thanks guys! I will check into the water aerobics programs in the area. I will do this in addition to the miniature trampoline. Thanks again for all of the support! :D

[summerhorse]

I know the exercise in public trauma but you would find a medical type gym with Physical therapists to help you exercise with weights might be a good idea to help build back the muscle tone. No jiggling really so nothing to be embarressed about. With arthritis your Dr. might be able to give you a Rx or whatever to get you into one. Otherwise try a regular gym geared more to the um, not so fit than say GOLD'S! Start slow and build up. Get someone to build you a mounting block tall enough. Like stairs.

[JSwan]

Doc switched my meds, and *says* that this combination will not mess with my weight. But I'm certainly not seeing any progress with weight loss. And it is extremely difficult for me exercise due to the loss of muscle.

I don't understand. How is it difficult for you to exercise? Are you not ambulatory? If your body is that weak that you are unable to walk without assistance, you should be dealing with your doctors.

I'm sorry you're having trouble.... but even at my most infirm I was able to walk. In fact, walking was the recommended exercise by my PT and physicians.

Good luck.

[crosscreeksh]

Others have addressed the important medical/exercise issues above. I'll answer your question about getting on a horse in a weakened condition...after all, riding IS therapeutic for the mind and body!! I have a bad shoulder, so I've built a bunch of mounting blocks and placed them conveniently around our farm. The are sturdily built of 2x4's and the top "deck" is 30 inches high with steps leading up. I have mine placed about 3 feet from a building or fence to keep the horse close to me and I can walk up the steps and swing my leg over the back of the horse without using the stirrups. When you pick up your stirrups you can walk on away from the block. It's also good for dismounting!! It's not just for wooses...visitors here all love it!! A set of mobile home steps can also be used!! Good luck!

[nightsong]

this is a MEDICAL issue (weight and muscle tone) and, as you have medical issues none of us know BEANS about, PLEASE talk to your doctor, not strangers on a forum.

I'm also wondering if, at 220 pounds, youre too heavy for that pony, especially as you have so little muscle tone to ride properly with.

[bridgetah1]

I go to Curves - it's very low key, but still effective. I've lost 24 lbs, so far. It's taken a couple of years, but it's been a steady loss, and haven't been dieting.

Good luck to you.

[Sanity Rules]

Others have addressed the important medical/exercise issues above. I'll answer your question about getting on a horse in a weakened condition...after all, riding IS therapeutic for the mind and body!! I have a bad shoulder, so I've built a bunch of mounting blocks and placed them conveniently around our farm. The are sturdily built of 2x4's and the top "deck" is 30 inches high with steps leading up. I have mine placed about 3 feet from a building or fence to keep the horse close to me and I can walk up the steps and swing my leg over the back of the horse without using the stirrups. When you pick up your stirrups you can walk on away from the block. It's also good for dismounting!! It's not just for wooses...visitors here all love it!! A set of mobile home steps can also be used!! Good luck!

Wonderful idea, Crosscreeksh!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I just have to find somebody who knows what they are doing to help me build such steps! :D

[Sanity Rules]

this is a MEDICAL issue (weight and muscle tone) and, as you have medical issues none of us know BEANS about, PLEASE talk to your doctor, not strangers on a forum.

I'm also wondering if, at 220 pounds, youre too heavy for that pony, especially as you have so little muscle tone to ride properly with.

That has been a concern of mine also. But I do have permission to ride my friend's horse, who is 16 hands.

[Sanity Rules]

I know you all mean well, and your thoughts and posts have been for the best of my health and well-being, as well as Eagle's. It is extremely well apppreciated! I just need that nudge in the right direction, you know? :sadsmile:

[AppendixQHLover]

I know you all mean well, and your thoughts and posts have been for the best of my health and well-being, as well as Eagle's. It is extremely well apppreciated! I just need that nudge in the right direction, you know? :sadsmile:

I was on the wrong medication for over a year and gained back almost every pound that I had lost. I am still down almost 40 lbs from my highest weight but it is depressing to think that I was down 100 lbs at one time.

I did get my new medication but now it is finding the motivation and inner strength to keep going. Thankfully I am still strong becuase of riding and staying active. I went shopping last night for a interview outfit, and got very depressed. Today the pants that I just bought are a little big. OH well, that is ok that means that they will be to big in a short amount of time providing I get moving.

[Sanity Rules]

I was on the wrong medication for over a year and gained back almost every pound that I had lost. I am still down almost 40 lbs from my highest weight but it is depressing to think that I was down 100 lbs at one time.

I did get my new medication but now it is finding the motivation and inner strength to keep going. Thankfully I am still strong becuase of riding and staying active. I went shopping last night for a interview outfit, and got very depressed. Today the pants that I just bought are a little big. OH well, that is ok that means that they will be to big in a short amount of time providing I get moving.

Congratulations on the fact that you ARE losing weight! Unfortunately, for me the problem is that I AM on the CORRECT medication now for my condition ... and I still haven't lost ANY weight or found it possible to start rebuilding the muscles that I lost on my previous, INCORRECT, medicine.

I believe several posts have been right in that I should insist that my doctor seriously address these issues. :confused:

[Windsor1]

If you're that uncomfortable exercising in public, then don't--at least not for now. The prevailing wisdom now seems to be that you're more likely to stick with an exercise program if you actually enjoy what you're doing (imagine that!), and it doesn't sound like you'd enjoy exercising outdoors. Maybe as you slim down you'll be more comfortable venturing outside. :yes:

And you don't have to go out to get a great workout--you have a bazillion options in terms of both equipment and DVDs. This web site offers you literally hundreds of DVD workout options:

http://www.collagevideo.com/

You can narrow down the selection according to type of workout (aerobics, muscle toning, kickboxing, dance, etc.), your goals (weight loss, endurance, tone abs, etc.), and the DVDs are customer-rated and reviewed to make it that much easier to find just what you're looking for.

This DVD, for one, features an easy-to-follow, lower-impact routine especially for plus-size women:

http://www.collagevideo.com/workout-video/shapelygirl-lets-get-moving-5548

And it's only 32 minutes, so pretty manageable time-wise.

I recently picked up one of these at Target:

http://www.theairclimber.com/

It's low impact and includes a DVD with four separate workouts. Three of them are just 20 minutes long, which is great when you're pressed for time or just not up to a long session.

Anyway, good luck!

[Sanity Rules]

Thanks Windsor1 :)

[Ambrey]

Not sure what type of meds it is, but some of them mess with your weight by messing with your appetite. When I was on Paxil I gained a lot of weight, but I was able to take it off with Weight Watchers.

And there are mounting blocks... then there are MOUNTING BLOCKS. Get the capital block where you can just hop horizontally onto your horse. We have 2-step blocks and 3 step blocks at my barn and I only mount my big guy on the big ones :)

I started a progression of chronic illness and totally know how you feel. I ended up 60 lbs over my "normal" weight and completely lacking in muscle. It was such a vicious cycle- I was just exhausted all the time, then I didn't exercise, then I gained weight, then I lost muscle, then I was tired... and so on. When I started getting good treatment for the illness, and then got my horse and started riding, it reversed the cycle and although I'm still above "normal" I'm quite a bit healthier than I was 2 years ago! So do what you can do to stay on that horse!

[Sanity Rules]

Thank you so much for the encouragement, Ambrey! It's a combination of four different meds ... :eek:
It's just nice to know that there are people out there who understand! :sadsmile:

[HydroPHILE]

I went from 276 lbs (due to medication) down to 186 lbs (currently and still losing), and it took me 7 months to do.

What I did:

1) Cut out most soft drinks
2) Started drinking a glass of V8 a day (I truly think this helped)
3) Started riding bikes

I started riding bikes again. The first time I went out, I hadn't been on a bike in 15 years. I rode 6 miles and thought I would die. I am now up to 30-40 miles each time we go out, and I LOVE IT! (Of course, we have the Silver Comet Trail so it helps).

You literally melt the pounds away, and it helps build your core muscles and leg muscles that assist with riding :)

[StockyCrosses]

I love my mini trampoline!!

I'm chiming in for support! Sorry I don't have any suggestion :( I'm in a similar boat.

[Ambrey]

Ooh, and get a Wii and Wii fit!

[paw]

Since it's a result of medication, I'll second the advice to get your doctor to refer you to a (sports medicine) physical therapist, if your insurance will cover at least part of the cost. Physical therapists study how the active body works and know all kinds of diabolical ways to build strength appropriately, for any level of fitness. They can give you things to do that will help you without getting hurt (essential, IMO, when your muscles aren't in shape - it's too easy to pull something!).

Good luck!

[IrishKharma]

Why not take your horse for a walk beside you. Start small.

Just walk a few 10ths of a mile. (down a drive, around the ring etc.) and she will get in shape also!


Good luck. I gained 9 lbs and it's really been hurting me. I need to do what I say also!

[Sanity Rules]

Ooh, and get a Wii and Wii fit!

It was "slipped" that I was getting a Wii for Christmas ....:D

[Sanity Rules]

Why not take your horse for a walk beside you. Start small.

Just walk a few 10ths of a mile. (down a drive, around the ring etc.) and she will get in shape also!


Good luck. I gained 9 lbs and it's really been hurting me. I need to do what I say also!

Something else I was thinking about doing. I was even thinking about line driving him around the harvested corn fields. What do ya think? At least then, if I get walk until I get tired, then push it on further til I get back to the barn.

[Sanity Rules]

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[Ambrey]

Something else I was thinking about doing. I was even thinking about line driving him around the harvested corn fields. What do ya think? At least then, if I get walk until I get tired, then push it on further til I get back to the barn.

Yep, up and down hills is great for both of you!

[VTHokie]

I just wanted to "2nd" the idea that water aerobics would be a good low impact exercise idea. I have my own fitness issues that I need to address and have signed on to a fitness challenge at work that starts in February. However, when I did have a gym membership, I found water aerobics to be challenging, and as mentioned, it was not intimidating because nearly all of the other participants were older and also very friendly to newcomers. If you do try it, be careful though at first. You won't realize how hard you've worked until you step out of the pool and start walking.:yes:

[Hopeful Hunter]

I'd really suggest that you try to get a physical therapist to give you a set of exercises you can do now, on your own, to gain some flexibility and strength. Things like the big exercise ball to sit on - and mimic posting trot ;-) - and resistance bands don't require much room and can be used even while your watching TV if you're wiped. Just sit on the ball, loop the band around a doorknob and you can "work out" - but you should have some proper medical guidelines. You might also ask about a nutritional consult since you might want to change your diet to include more proteins to build muscle.

If you don't have one at the barn, the very tall 3 step mounting blocks are amazing - you just walk up, get your breath, and basically step DOWN onto your horse. It allows you to mount without having to pull yourself up, and might be the key to getting you started.

But do talk to your doc and try to get a good sports PT to work with. Best of luck -- you've taken a great step by saying "I want this to change" and a lot of people are rooting for you!

[Sanity Rules]

Thanks Hopeful Hunter. I will speak with my physician at my next appointment, which is in about a week and a half. In the meantime, all your suggestions are very much appreciated, as is everyone's genuine support! BTW, I did sign up for Weight Watchers last night. If it can help, wonderful! If not, I know that I tried!

[Lucassb]

Thanks Hopeful Hunter. I will speak with my physician at my next appointment, which is in about a week and a half. In the meantime, all your suggestions are very much appreciated, as is everyone's genuine support! BTW, I did sign up for Weight Watchers last night. If it can help, wonderful! If not, I know that I tried!

Congrats! WW is terrific!!

[Ambrey]

Thanks Hopeful Hunter. I will speak with my physician at my next appointment, which is in about a week and a half. In the meantime, all your suggestions are very much appreciated, as is everyone's genuine support! BTW, I did sign up for Weight Watchers last night. If it can help, wonderful! If not, I know that I tried!

Good luck! The secret to WW is keeping track of everything you eat. It's also the hardest part!

[selah]

I have often thought that driving would be a great thing to do, especially if health issues such as arthritic hips, weight, etc. etc. etc. were to crop up. A person could still get out in the fresh air with their horse, have the physical exercise involved in caring for the horse, and the horse/pony gets excellent, low stress exercise.
At around 14H, the OP's pony sounds like a great size for such a venture. If he/she is calm about OP mounting with much assistance...it might be a delightful, do-able activity for both.

[Sanity Rules]

I have often thought that driving would be a great thing to do, especially if health issues such as arthritic hips, weight, etc. etc. etc. were to crop up. A person could still get out in the fresh air with their horse, have the physical exercise involved in caring for the horse, and the horse/pony gets excellent, low stress exercise.
At around 14H, the OP's pony sounds like a great size for such a venture. If he/she is calm about OP mounting with much assistance...it might be a delightful, do-able activity for both.

Selah, that is a wonderful idea! Now I just need to find somebody to train him to drive ... and me for that matter! It's been over 20 years since I've driven a horse! But I would so value the time spent with my boy, even if I can't ride him until I lose the weight! :D:yes::D

[selah]

Y'know, SR...I have heard it said that any horse that is broke to ride, can be trained to drive. Most of the preliminary work is done by thorough and patient ground work. You will be working with what you already have, with what you already can do...and you will be strengthening the bond between you and your horse, and increasing his value at the same time.

I, too, have had health struggles this year (complications from re-current breast cancer). We are still blessed to have horses in our lives. They can help us stay sane and centered and keep us moving forward and looking up.:yes:

[slc2]

You can do this, and you will feel gorgeous and feel alot better.

And you CAN do this.

I'd recommend a place like Curves with a structured program and encouraging people all around.

[cranky]

When I first started back to exercising last Spring, I started by walking and I bought a pedometer. Such a simple, silly thing, but it actually motivated me to walk more & more & more everyday, I always seemed to want to better what I had done the day or week before. Pretty soon I started throwing in running intervals and eventually was running more than I was walking. I get you on the exercising in public thing, I did most of my walking & running on wooded trails, I still don't really like running in public, but I can get over that. Never had a problem walking in public though. Anyway, I found that this was the geneses for me to start a good exercise program (I lost 50 lbs). The other thing that helped me was logging my workouts into an online training program, I use one on mapmyrun.com (it's free). I just love to see all the calendar days fill up with all the workouts I do every week.

[Hopeful Hunter]

Weight Watchers IS good -- I did it, still kinda do it and will get more serious shortly, and lost (and kept off for almost a year so far) about 21# (I actually lost a bit more, but 21# is what I've maintained at).

But what I gained was more important -- and understanding of food choices and much healthier relationship to eating. I now eat what I really WANT, and I know what that is. Sometimes it may not be the best choice in the world, but I actually make the choice, consciously, and because I do, I can compensate for it later if it wasn't the healthiest.

It's really let me learn to eat what I actually want, not just eat for sport. I've been surprised to learn that sometimes, what I want isn't the crap food, it's actually something nutritious! And I wasn't a model practitioner, so if WW can work for me, it can work for most people.

Keep up the great effort!

[slc2]

You can do this, and you will feel gorgeous and feel alot better.

And you CAN do this. If I can, anyone can.

I'd recommend a place like Curves with a structured program and encouraging people all around, the exercises are low impact and are designed for people who are in just your situation. You also get to be with a lot of other people in the same situation and it is very positive and encouraging. I lost 15 inches total (a couple inches off each measurement) in a couple months there. It's designed to be very positive and you can vary the level of intensity as much as you need to.

[Sanity Rules]

Everybody's encouragement means so much to me! Thank you for your genuine support!

[Sanity Rules]

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[Flying Hill]

One winter recently due to medication and health issues I gained weight that didn't seem to want to budge. A doctor recommended the Eat Right 4 Your Type diet (www.er4yt.com) to help with the health issues. It is not really a weight lose diet, but one that rates foods as Beneficial (like medecine), Neutral, or Avoid (like a toxin) based on your blood type. Sounds kind of sketchy, but it *really* helped with my health issues, and, without watching calories or limiting amounts, the weight just melted off.

Also, when my health and muscle tone were at their worst (pretty bad!) walking and riding were by far the most beneficial, and do-able, excercise for me. As somebody mentioned, get a pedometer to wear all the time and try to work up to 10,000 steps a day. You'll be amazed at how the steps can add up if you do things like park farther away, take little 5 minute walks every hour, etc. One of the best ways to get the walking in is by taking your horse out for walks, with stops for grazing, or by doing ground work or ground driving. Riding, even at the walk, also will improve muscle tone, which is why therapeutic riding is so beneficial for handicapped people. Good luck!

[Sanity Rules]

Went to my first Weight Watchers meeting this afternoon!

[slc2]

WOW! You aren't wasting any time putting this into action! Good on ya!

[dogchushu]

Went to my first Weight Watchers meeting this afternoon!

Good for you! I hope you enjoy Weight Watchers. They're great.

I have to echo the others who have said to find a fitness program that works for you (after getting cleared from your doctor). I haven't been to Curves, but I hear great things about it. Really, most good gyms will have personal trainers who can help you find something that works with your physical shape right now and with what's fun for you!

[Sanity Rules]

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[Sanity Rules]

Started the WW routine this morning. So far, not so bad. I just hope I start seeing the results on the scale! I am going to start doing groundwork with Eagle ... taking walks, ground driving, etc ... so that should help. Also getting myself a mini trampoline for Christmas.

Please send Jingles our way for Eagle's ERU .... if you've seen the other thread I started, it's a huge issue right now. :cry::cry::cry:

[Sanity Rules]

Please read previous post ... thanks.

[fabulousfred]

How does medication make someone gain weight?

[Quinn]

fabulousfred, there are many meds that can cause tremendous weight gain.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[Sanity Rules]

How does medication make someone gain weight?

Slows the metabolism, for one thing. I know I have been battling other reasons, but too complicated for me to explain! :(

[Ambrey]

How does medication make someone gain weight?

Change fat metabolism, encourage water retention, change appetite signals from the brain, change how the body processes energy... and so on. Different meds have different effects, but there are many that result in weight gain.

The worst one is oral steroids, but antidepressants and antipsychotics are up there as well.

[Moderator 1]

Not horse-related, but lots of good suggestions the OP can talk over with her doctor.

Best wishes,
Mod 1