Weight loss with Cushing disease?

mandyloose123

I have been gaining weight over the past 2 years despite my efforts. I finally received a diagnosis of Cushing's disease. I was told to diet and exercise by my Dr but I should add that I also now have heart problems as an added complication...also new. Has anyone successfully lost weight with this diagnosis?

CSARdiver

@tomteboda has some insight into this.

With any metabolic issue you control the variables you can. If medically cleared for it try light cardio - even walking and progressive resistance. You just may not be able to push boundaries as hard.

Some decent general information here:

https://csrf.net/category/doctors-answers/weight-loss-diet-exercise-qa/

https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/cushings-syndrome/4-lifestyle-tips-cushings-syndrome

tomteboda

Thanks for the mention, @CSARdiver.

Let me offer first my sympathies. This disease is one tough cookie. My mom has Cushing's. It makes life pretty much hell for weight control because it messes with your hunger, satiety, metabolic rate, blood sugar, and protein metabolism all at once.

The good news is that it can be overcome.

First, it matters if your Cushing's is caused by drugs, a tumor, or is an innate imbalance. If it's drug - induced, your physician should be having a conversation with you about alternative treatments. If it's caused by a tumor, you need a referral to a skilled neurosurgeon (most tumors causing this are on the pituitary or adrenal glands). These types of Cushing's can be entirely resolved, fortunately, and account for the vast majority of diagnosis.

My mom has the endogenous form, which means she's stuck with it for the rest of her life. For a long time she believed she was helpless about the weight issue, and coupled with depression led to some pretty hard times. She got all the way up to 527 lbs (!)

With careful calorie counting, she is down to 340 over two years time, a weight loss of 187 lbs. It's been tough for her to stick with it, but very much worth the effort. Her blood suggests are much lower now, she's needing less time using oxygen (by far), and having fewer asthma attacks too.

You'll need to keep in top of your blood sugar, and watch for adequate protein intake. People with Cushing's have a lot of trouble with that, and their bodies will scavenge muscle much faster than other people's bodies will. You will feel hungrier than others on the same calorie limit. We've found eating more often helps my mom with this.

You can control your weight with Cushing's. It's just that it will take more effort than most other people. But please, please, please do not give up! And please for four your care, for proper treatment of your heart problems and other health issues. I hope you have good doctors who are supportive. If not, find ones that are because you will need them. Best wishes!