Is weight gain a symptom ?

[nicegirlme]

Hi,

I was just diagnosed with Lupus and was wondering about the weight gain also. I have gained almost 60 lbs in 3 years. Everthing I have read says that like you said you loose weight. This is quite confusing to me. Does anyone know if weight gain is a symptom?

[Clare.T]

Welcome to the forum !

But I'm sorry about your diagnosis and hope lupus isn't affecting you very badly.

I have moved your post to start a new thread for you on this particular topic. Weight gain is not listed as a symptom of lupus either on criteria lists or in general. Weight loss is though.
If you have been ill for some time it's possible that lack of exercise has caused the weight gain. Prednisone also causes weight gain if you have been on that

I hope you'll soon find the right medicines and start feeling much better.

:)

Bye for now

Clare

[peonyprincess]

I unfortunately gained alot of weight because I had been so ill and exhausted for such a long time that I gained weight. I have also gained alot of water weight which is common of you have kidney and/or heart or lung involvement.

There are also some medications that will also in aiding to gain weight. Prednisone is one of the biggies but so isn't Neurontin. Chances are these are medications that are mosr definately needed.

Best advice would be to really watch what you eat and try to maintain your weight if not try to lose the extra pounds. I eat alot of fresh fruit, veggies and drink alot of water. I also grill, bake or broil so as not to pack on the extra weight. I know it is frustrating, but I guess I personally would much rather and be relative painfree than to exercise. I do about 1 mile on treadmill at least once a day it is a slow go, it could be worse, but I do eventually take off the excess amount of weight. As for snacks, I eat alot of carrots, celery, apples, etc and that also seems to help.

Good luck with the medications.
Nancy

[nicky00]

Personally I think the exhaustion, pain makes one less active , perhaps even comfort eating to make up for lack of engergy.

Having said that I could swear despite my age of 44 that my body processes differently and weight is laid/lain down strangley. I was one of those who really did not suffer hardly from 'orange peel' (dont hate me I was never perfect!).

My skin changed and so did my weight even when I ate reasonably healthyly.

I know menaupausal women lay down weight an in different places due to change in hormones etc.

I looked 7 months pregnant!!

The times I feel better are the times I feel Im getting thinner.

Gradually I am getting there, but I do realise for me I have to make the most of those days I can excercise rather than leaving it to when I cant if you see what I mean,

Nicky

[Katharine]

Hi,
I was told that one could either lose or gain weight. Unfortunately for me it was gain - 7kg in one year. But, as the others mentioned that could be that your body's so exhausted that it does that to you - I don't think I can entirely blame my other half's wonderful cooking :lol:
Katharine

[jude mack]

Hi Kathrine

Welcome, you came to the right place for answers. I normally weigh about 115lbs. When I first became ill I gained allot of weight, up to 161lbs, I'm only 5'1 so that didn't look too good. That only happened once, now I mostly lose weight when ill and stay around 112lbs. when feeling okay. I hope you feel better soon. Enjoy the site.

Hugs Jude:)

[RubyRed444]

Hi

Make sure you get your Thyroid function checked wen you can. This another issue that Lupus can disguise. Left untreated can be a big factor in weight gain as its cause a slow metabolism

Good luck
RR

[leahb133]

The only time I had weight gain was on the prednisione. I know during a flare, even on the prednisone, I was a rail. I had lots of weight loss. My friend however that has lupus, has had constant weight gain on or off steroids. Hope that helps :)

[nicegirlme]

Thanks everyone for all of your advice. I have been quite sedentary for about 3 years now and guess that is the main source of my weight gain. I am trying to work as a nanny right now, but it is making me sooooo tired. I work about 6 hours 5 days a week and I need about 12 hours a sleep a night to function. The thing I hate most about lupus is not being able to be in the sun. I've always been a big swimmer and go to the beach alot. It is a HUGE adjustment for me to stay out of the sun. Well anyways thanks for the advice.

Lori

[STAR1]

Hi
I'm on a small dose of Pred 7.5mg daily but have gained 12lbs over 3months. I think it must be a combination of fatigue and comfort eating although I walk my 2 dogs everyday for about 1hr, this is not enough excercise. It's hard getting balance right. My GP told me in no uncertain terms "bless him" that I MUST lose at least 2stone!!!He made me feel very sad as he spoke as though I really ought to have more control.:lol:
My husband says there is just more to love:) :lol:

[Soundy]

I started gaining a little weight as I got the achy hips , knees and ankles ... we walk alot on the farm just for the sake of walking... look at trees ,bird , rabbits ,coyotes or what ever we turn up... as my symptoms worsen my walks lessened and ?I gained weight... 30 pounds or so pread over about 4 years ... all before my DX ...

[amandabeth]

I've Gained Weight, My Doc Said It's Due To Fluid, But My Problem Is That I'm So Tired,

Is There Anything I Can Do? I Don't Want To Take Anymore Tablets

From A Very Very Tired

Amandabeth

[Raglet]

unfortunately, weight gain is just a matter of taking in more calories than you burn up during the day.

Even with prednisone, the same formula applies, just the urge to eat grows with the prednisone.

sad but true, and don't beat yourself up for the weight gain, that won't help. Eat healthy and get some exercise (the pool is great for people with sore joints) and weight loss is possible if that is what you are aiming at.

hope this helps

raglet

[PrincessDi]

When I got my first symptoms of lupus my entire body bloated for around 6 months. Not fat but water retention I'm sure. I am 5 foot 6 inches and weigh 118 pounds now that the bloating has gone.