Antipsychotic weight gain

The medication that is often used to treat schizoaffective disorder can have unwanted side effects. The biggest one is weight gain associated with antipsychotics. For some this weight gain is, maybe a few pounds. For others it can be massive, anywhere from 20 lbs and upwards. Weight gain on antipsychotic medications come from two factors, the main one being an increase in appetite and the second one in changes in metabolism. It also doesn't help the drowsiness associated with them cause one to become less active.

There is no way to tell until you on them what effects it will have on your weight and since the weight gain can be sneaky, I have seen people report a slow steady weight gain, it might sneak up on you. Since it is easier to combat weight gain before it happens compared to losing weight it is best that you take preventative measures. I know that I have already covered some of these in prior posts but I felt it would be good to cover it again.

I have been on both Sequel and Zyprexa, two of the biggest culprits with weight related issues. What I have found is that preemptive diet and exercise changes helped me to keep the weight gain to a minimum. It wasn't easy and many times I felt like giving up when I saw the number on the scale go up, but after increasing my activity and watching more closely what I ate my weight evened out. So I would like to share my method.

1. Ask your Dr if you are healthy enough for exercise and where you should start. It is also a good idea to ask what your calorie intake should be based off your physical activity level.

2. Get moving. Walking, aerobics, swimming, and biking all great beginner activities. Hell put the radio on and dance like no ones watching. These cardio workouts are not only a great way to get and stay in shape but good for the heart. Also some house hold chores are great for calorie burning, instead of mopping get down on your hands and knees and scrub your floors. ;) My house is super clean because I factor in household chores into my daily calorie burn.

If your just starting out and not used to physical activity start small. 5-10 minutes a day is better than nothing.  Don't be discouraged and keep at it. 

3. Get junk food and soda out of the house. The increase in an apatite usually comes with a craving for foods that are either sweet of loaded in carbs. Also most medications used in psychiatry cause an increase in thirst. If your grabbing a soda every time you are thirsty that can be adding to the weight gain. Its amazing how many calories and sugar are in soda. Instead drink water.

Its okay to treat yourself every now again but do so in moderation. My job involves a lot of physical activity so on the days I work I may allow myself a soda or some cookies. The key is knowing what a serving is and sticking with it. For soda I only allow myself the 7.5 oz cans and cookie wise it is 2 single cookies. Just watch your carb and sugar intake.

If junk food is your issue then start slowly. Replace one item a day with a healthier choice. My co-worker did the replacement plan and weaned themselves off soda in a little over a week. Now if plain water is too tasteless for you use lemon or lime slices to flavor it.

4. Remember to eat healthy. This is one that I always recommend people research. Start with what you know you like such as baked chicken, fish, vegetables, fruits and go from there. Vegetables should be either fresh or frozen, canned ones often are loaded with sodium. As for bread read the labels carefully. Rather than regurgitate the information here is a link to a great guide for buying healthier bread.

Keep fruits and raw vegetables on hand as these also make great snacks. You can either use a low cal dressing or peanut butter or hummus as a dip. I try to keep my snacks to under 130 calories. This allows me more wiggle room for meals. 

5.Track what you eat and pay careful attention to portions. Find a calorie counting app and use it. You might have to periodically change your calorie intake depending on the results you wish to achieve.

6. Don't skip meals.  Skipping meals makes you more likely to over eat. Try to schedule in three meals and two to three snacks a day. Keep meals healthy.If I need seconds I always go for the low calories veggies first.  Often times a single portion of veggies is under 50 calories.  

7. Ask you Dr if you might need a medication to help. A lot of times Dr.'s might prescribed either Metformin or Topamax to help combat weight gain and/or weight gain related health issues.

No going to lie, it takes hard work and dedication to fight antipsychotic weight gain. But it is worth it both for your self esteem and physical health. What are some of the things you have done combat weight gain associated medicine?