Posted by ramsea on August 5, 2005, at 5:44:03
In reply to Re: Does Lithium make everyone gain weight?, posted by bipolarspectrum on August 3, 2005, at 3:42:05
You know, I never drink sugary drinks. Never, and not fruit juices either. I have been forced to do some research into this matter, and can only say that the matter of weight gain and psych meds is very complicated, and can rarely be reduced to one factor. Heredity also come into it, and things like if you were overweight as a kid but lost that weight--if you take psych meds you may be more prone to weight gain. Every lithium study reveals weight gain as a side effect of ***some**people. People who don't have this side effect are lucky, that's all.
We are all unique creatures. I was told that everyone gains a few pounds water weight with lithium. Not everyone gains fat, but a substancial number do, regardless of their previously having been normal in weight with a healthy, non-obese diet, and lots of exercise.
I exercise 2 hrs daily (at the least--I do lots of walking too, love my stationary bike, weights and yoga). I am not a liar and not in denial. Most of us who gain a hefty amount of weight as a side effect end up looking pregnant--it really goes for the middle, females may get enlarged breasts, plus some puffy faces and other bits swell.
I still stick with lithium as it works so well for my dreaded manicmixedtype symptoms, but I do wish lithium-users and professionals, and friends/family too-- would realize that for some of us we are trapped in weight hell. I was bulimic and skinny as a teenager, due to being bullied as a child for chubbiness--it all made me quite suicidal at a young age (that and some other stuff too but the weight issue hit hard and became symbolic). So I get so frustrated, so alone, so furious even, when it is suggested to me that I am not working hard enough to be slim.
It's true--some folks get big and bigger through gluttony, some of us run endlessly on a treadmill getting nowhere and get tarred with the same brush as those who well-over eat and choose food that's junk and don't exercise. Please world, remember some of us are doing all the right things and this overweight (though not "grossly") shape is as good as it gets. I will still exercise daily and follow my healthy, controlled food regime. Even though few people credit me for all this hard work.
poster:ramsea
thread:535406
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050803/msgs/537758.html