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When Severe Illness Leads to Weight Gain
When Severe Illness Leads to Weight Gain
When we think of severe illness, one would generally equate this with a thin, frail body. In fact there are a number of severe illnesses that can lead to weight gain. This may be caused by the illness itself, it may be related to a side effect of the illness, or may be caused by medications. A brain injury is a good example of a severe condition that can lead to weight gain. This article looks at what causes weight gain in brain injury/severe illness and how this can be managed or avoided.
The illness or condition itself
Injury to the brain can result in damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Both of these areas are involved in hormonal control and damage to either of them may cause an increase or decrease in the release of different hormones. These hormonal changes can result in weight gain. There are some medications that can treat hormonal related weight gain. An endocrinologist can run a series of tests to determine if there are any hormonal disruptions and recommend appropriate medications.
BDNF
BDNF, or brain derived neurotrophic factor, is a protein found in the regions of the brain controlling eating, drinking and body weight. It plays a role in regulating each of these functions. Injury to the brain may lead to a decrease in BDNF with symptoms including increased appetite, decreased metabolism, depression and fatigue. This is certainly an issue that should be discussed with your physician if there is any concern.
Medication
Many prescription medications can lead to weight gain due to factors such as water retention, increased appetite, decreased energy levels and decreasing metabolism. It is more than likely that someone with a severe illness will be taking a number of medications, and one or more of these may list weight gain as a side effect. It is vital to discuss your medications with your doctor and work closely with a dietitian who can help with Diet and Lifestyle changes to assist with weight control.
Depression
Depression is common during a severe illness and one of the side effects of depression is weight gain. Depression can lead to changes in eating habits, cravings, binge eating and lack of motivation to exercise. Adopting a healthy lifestyle will not only help avoid weight gain, but is also known to reduce depression. Exercise causes a release in endorphins and hormones which can enhance feelings of well being. In more severe cases of depression, an antidepressant can help to relieve symptoms and motivate one to a healthier lifestyle.
Sleep Issues
The discomfort, hormonal changes, medication and malaise associated with severe illness quite often leads to sleep issues. Insomnia can lead to weight gain for a number of reasons. Decreased sleep hours means increased wake hours, very likely leading to an increased food intake. Whatever the food choices, eating more over a 24hr period increases overall kilojoule intake. More often than not, food consumed during normal sleeping hours tends to be high in fat and sugar. When one feels tired, depressed and fatigued, emotional eating is more common. Tiredness also means people are less motivated to exercise. It is in this way that sleep issues can cause a vicious cycle of weight gain in the severely ill. Lack of sleep can also disrupt hormone levels. Leptin and Ghrelin are two hormones involved in appetite regulation, both of which can be negatively affected by lack of sleep thus leading to weight gain.
Sleep is an issue that should be discussed with your doctor, who may prescribe medication to help. A dietitian can provide a meal plan to boost energy levels and assist with weight control.
Decreased exercise
Severe illness can result in fatigue, lack of motivation, chronic pain or a complete inability to exercise due to the illness itself. All of these issues can be dealt with in some way with the help of the correct health professional. Doctors may prescribe medication to help with depression and pain. Dietitians can help develop a diet that stabilises energy levels, provides adequate energy and nutrients and helps to reduce fatigue. If physical movement is an issue, a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can work with your condition to develop an appropriate exercise program.
What can a dietitian do to help?
A dietitian is trained to take an individual’s lifestyle as a whole, and create a diet suitable to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Dietitians are medically trained and understand how medical issues, medications, treatments and side effects can attribute to fluctuations in an individual’s weight. Dietitians are also very much aware of the healing benefits and enjoyment food brings to the body and the mind, and will endeavour to create an eating plan that is easy to follow and enjoyable. Perth Diet Clinic dietitians will work closely with your medical team to ensure your weight is maintained at a level that is beneficial to your condition without compromising health or enjoyment.
Added to site on : Monday, 24 March 2014