Tuesday, November 17, 2020

The weight loss mental health link

I know others have observed this before, but I’ve decided to share some of my experiences with mental health and weight management. I’ve been diagnosed Bipolar II and have a history of wildly fluctuating weights from 150 lbs at my lightest to 270 lbs at my heaviest current weight as a 6’1 female.

Anyway, over the past five years I really started packing on the pounds, going from 180 lbs to where I’m at currently. During this time, I’ve been horribly depressed finding comfort in food, drink, and not much else. It’s worth noting that over those 5 years I mostly decided to try to self manage my symptoms (having bad experiences with meds in the past).

Recently decided that enough was enough and saw a psychiatrist who put me on a combo of 150 mg Wellbutrin with 75 mg of Lamotrigine.

You guys, it’s been nearly four weeks and my mood has never been better. Energy has returned and I finally have a bit of a “zest” for life again. Another notable change is the massive reduction in appetite. Went from eating 3000+ calories a day easily to around 2000 (trying to work my way down to 1750 or so to start losing). Cravings are gone, too.

I’m posting this as a reminder about the significant connection between mental health and weight loss. If you suspect you may have a mental illness like depression, bipolar, anxiety, etc... it’s so worth getting checked out. Once you’re receiving the proper treatment, the weight loss becomes that much easier!

Anyway just had to share because I’m super stoked on life right now and can’t wait to start my renewed weight loss journey on the right foot!

TL;DR make sure you take care of your mental health first before you try losing weight! The link between these two things is strong. I couldn’t lose weight if my life depended on it previously. Currently getting treatment for my mood disorder and my hope has been restored.

EDIT: wanted to add that it’s important you work with your Dr to find the right treatment for you as some psych meds cause weight gain. I was on seroquel preciously and that was a total nightmare. It was the drug that caused me to go off medication in the first place due to the severe side effects, including significant weight gain. Finding the right regimen takes time and patience.

submitted by /u/MadMick01
[link] [comments]

from loseit - Lose the Fat https://ift.tt/3nzLuy2

No comments:

Post a Comment