Weight in lupus patients

Hello,
I was diagnosed with lupus… horrible thing. And I got this antibiotics, but I also gained 6 pounds!!! Besides this lupus, I am also fat now!!! Is this normal that lupus patients gain weight?
What can I do?

Hey,
I am sorry for your lupus…
Weight gain is very common in lupus patient… weight gain is a side effect of those medications you are taking, but do not think of stop taking those pills because of weight gain- lupus is more dangerous than weight gain. I guess, the only solution is proper dieting- less bread, more fruit and vegetables.

buchberger wrote:

Hello, I was diagnosed with lupus… horrible thing. And I got this antibiotics, but I also gained 6 pounds!!! Besides this lupus, I am also fat now!!! Is this normal that lupus patients gain weight? What can I do?

I know the feeling, I also have lupus and from a size 6 I jumped to a size 12. Just by itself the disease is a horrible thing to have and then in top of it become fat...

I'm just start a healthy diet so I hope I can lose some weight.
Brenda

[quote="buchberger"]
Hello,
I was diagnosed with lupus… horrible thing. And I got this antibiotics, but I also gained 6 pounds!!! Besides this lupus, I am also fat now!!! Is this normal that lupus patients gain weight?
What can I do?

HI! My name is Michelle, I also have SLE. I was diagnosed 5 years ago and have gained nearly 50 pds! The steroids are the main cause as well as the lack of excercise. I was a proffesional cheerleader, than went on to run a gym where I taught high impact step areobics and kick boxing. I now have a hard time just getting out of bed. Depression plays it's part in my weight gain as well. I am currently trying the Atkins diet, which means absolutley no carbs. My doctors say it is okay to do but for no longer than 2 months. I have lost 12 pds in 2 1/2 weeks. I'm hopeful that I can shed this horrible weight and get back my life. Fruit is okay, however you must choose the proper ones. Well good luck to you, and to all with this horrible disease!!

Adkins is a TERRIBLE diet for a lupus patient!! The majority of lupus patients have some form of kidney disease (some times not revealed until autopsy) and this diet is extremely hard on your kidneys. You don't want to add additional stress. A much better, safer way is to go about with the previous response stated---a healthy diet. Buy Dr. Phil's book "The Ultimate Weight Loss Solution". It's about changing your lifestyle so that you are eating healthy foods AND not eating from other problems like depression (which comes with a chronic disease) or anger.

As for gaining weight, does the doctor have you on steroids? They are the largest cause of weight gain in lupus patients. The best offense is a good defense. Watch what you eat especially when on steroids so that your weight doesn't spiral out of control. Steroids muck with your blood sugar, they cause you to retain water and put on fat. Other drugs used on some lupus patients (like tricyclic antidepressants) also cause a sweet tooth.

I've had lupus for 21 years; it's a struggle. Good luck.

Tracy

Hi... I also have SLE. I've had it since I was 9 years old...
I'm now 26 years old and trust me, I've gone through alot
because of the Lupus. I have gained and lost weight for
years now and I do not think the Atkins diet is a good thing
for you to do. If you want to lose weight, just eat right (lots
of veggies and protien) dont starve or deprive yourself,
do pilates and/or yogi, aqua aerobics is also awesome and
easy on your joints. Also, make sure you take it slow and dont
over work yourself, get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water.
Other then that stay positive and take it day by day. God Bless.