calling all antipsychotic users whp gained weight, please help
idreamskinny85
Posts: 38 Member
Today I broke down crying. I only eat 1000 calories a day, exercise 6 times a week for an hour doing cardio, HIIT, and strength training. Over the last 1.5 years I have gained 45 lbs. I used Celexa for 1.5 years. I stopped the Celexa 3 months ago because I was fed up with the weight gain. I stopped gaining weight but I still can't lose weight no matter what I do. Right now I am eating 1000 calories average per day (staggering my calories, one day 800 another 1200). I am thinking of going down to only 400 to 500 calories a day and working out longer. I am pretty much going to eat a low carb protein shake for breakfast (150 calories), a small salad with only veggies for lunch (150 caloriez), and a 4oz piece of lean meat for dinner (200 calories). I know it sounds harsh, but honestly I can't lose weight . I feel like my metabolism has been slowed by this med. I actually had this happen previously when I took Prozac. While on it, I ballooned up 20lbs. I exercised and recorded my macros and calories as normal. I panniced and stopped taking the Prozac. It took about 5 to 6 months for my weight to start coming off. During the 5 to 6 months I had trouble losing weight after stopping I was in military Bootcamp. I was only allowed 3 small meals a day. I counted my calories. I ate mostly veggie salads because I saw the restrictions of Bootcamp and heavy exercise as a chance to lose the weight I gained. I didn't lose an ounce. So I am pretty sure the antipsychotics have slowed my metabolism. I have read of studiez saying that it is possible. Anyways, I can't afford to gain anymore weight so I am restricting myself to 500 calories and cooking all my foods. Anyone know of ways to speed up my metabolism so I don't have to wait so long to start losing weight? I am so depressed about being fat. It is really frustrating. I know 500 is low but it's the only way. If I gain anymore weight, I will be kicked out of the military.
Anyone know of ways to boost my metabolism? I only have 5 months to get this weight off. Thanks.
Anyone know of ways to boost my metabolism? I only have 5 months to get this weight off. Thanks.
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Replies
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Please go and talk to your doctor and get a referal to a dietician.
Until then- up your calories to 1200 a day and eat back 50-75% of your exercise calories.
Make sure you are weighing all your food and using appropriate entries.
No one without medical supervision should eat 800 cals a day let alone 500.
Cheers, h.6 -
Celexa and Prozac are not antipsychotics. They are antidepressants. There is a big difference between the two.
Anyways, as far as I know, there have been no scientific studies showing that these medications actually slow metabolism. There are studies that suggest they they can cause increased appetite. Additionally, when someone is depressed, they may have a depressed appetite. When the symptoms subside due to taking these medications, appetite may increase to a normal level, thus increasing weight. This is why some of them say "weight gain" as a possible side effect.
Also, if you were truly consuming that few calories and working out as much as you say you do, you'd be losing weight at a very fast pace and likely feel awful.
Check your food logging.
If you really believe that you are logging properly and that your exercise burns are accurate- see a doctor about your concerns.5 -
Your post is concerning for a few reasons, the first being that Celexa and Prozac are antidepressants not antipsychotics. Perhaps you need to see a different doctor? All due respect, but 500 calories a day is a terrible idea, you will lose muscle mass and your internal organs, including your brain, will suffer. I do wish you all the best.2
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Kicked out of the military? This sounds mission critical to get help as soon as possible..
I think that a new doctor is in order here, and def get blood work done such as extensive metabolic panel, T4, TSH (thyroid), etc.. reevaluation of your medication and assistance with getting you educated on properly providing the right foods to nourish your body through loosing weight and training at bootcamp.
I do not think your own doctor would approve of 500 calories a day in order to live and function. You will burn out quickly if you do not nourish your body properly, and what is worse falling seriously ill (which you will have to leave the military) or being kicked out military?
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Go see a doctor. Starving yourself is not the answer and will cause you long term health issues.0
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Do you weigh all your food? If not, there is a chance you are eating more than you think.
I have been on Prozac and depakote (now changed to lithium due to blood panels) for years. If I stay in my calorie goal, I have no trouble losing weight. The medications can make you have an increased appetite, but unless you are eating over maintainence, they can't cause weight gain.2 -
Do you weigh all your food? If not, there is a chance you are eating more than you think.
I have been on Prozac and depakote (now changed to lithium due to blood panels) for years. If I stay in my calorie goal, I have no trouble losing weight. The medications can make you have an increased appetite, but unless you are eating over maintainence, they can't cause weight gain.
Yup I'm on Celexa (and have been on depakote but too much GI distress on it) and I haven't gained a lb0 -
I keep getting the you are eating too much comment. Well right now I am eating only 1000, so 500 is the next step unfortunately. I have researched the drug and weight gain is listed as a possible side effect. I have read Harvard studies that point to the drug possibly effecting metabolism, but noone knows why. I have had blood work done, joined a "fat camp" voluntarily in the military, seen a nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a doctor. My nutritionist and personal trainer have viewed my logs and encouraged me to eat more. I refuse because I know I will gain weight. I have read online people who have gone through exactly what I have gone through, but in real life the only one who believes me is my bf, who is a psychologist.
I have been a gym rat since 19, only having trouble losing weight while on the two drugs.
The most frustrating thing is dealing with this alone. Again, is there anyone going through what I am going through? Please contact me. How did you restore your metabolism and drop weight?
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Do you weight your food?0
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Try 1,300 calories a day for a while. Too low sets you up for bingeing.
I saw your diary before. It was a mess.
500 one day, over 2,000 the next.
Again: Too low sets you up for bingeing !!!
Be honest with yourself and others here.
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JanetYellen wrote: »Try 1,300 calories a day for a while. Too low sets you up for bingeing.
I saw your diary before. It was a mess.
500 one day, over 2,000 the next.
Again: Too low sets you up for bingeing !!!
Be honest with yourself and others here.
Seconding this0 -
Yes, i am honest. The weekly average is 900 calories. Some days lower, some higher.
quote="JanetYellen;36453456"]Try 1,300 calories a day for a while. Too low sets you up for bingeing.
I saw your diary before. It was a mess.
500 one day, over 2,000 the next.
Again: Too low sets you up for bingeing !!!
Be honest with yourself and others here.
[/quote]
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Talk to your doctor about another medication that is less likely to increase your appetite. (Wellbutrin comes to mind.) As for your diet - get a food scale and weigh everything. Please don't eat below 1,200 without your doctor's approval.
Does anyone have that video where they show a full day's meals measured versus weighed?0 -
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DearestWinter wrote: »Talk to your doctor about another medication that is less likely to increase your appetite. (Wellbutrin comes to mind.) As for your diet - get a food scale and weigh everything. Please don't eat below 1,200 without your doctor's approval.
Does anyone have that video where they show a full day's meals measured versus weighed?
I take Wellbutrin and have lost 30 pounds over the last year and eat well over 1200 calories per day.0 -
idreamskinny85 wrote: »I keep getting the you are eating too much comment. Well right now I am eating only 1000, so 500 is the next step unfortunately. I have researched the drug and weight gain is listed as a possible side effect. I have read Harvard studies that point to the drug possibly effecting metabolism, but noone knows why. I have had blood work done, joined a "fat camp" voluntarily in the military, seen a nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a doctor. My nutritionist and personal trainer have viewed my logs and encouraged me to eat more. I refuse because I know I will gain weight. I have read online people who have gone through exactly what I have gone through, but in real life the only one who believes me is my bf, who is a psychologist.
I have been a gym rat since 19, only having trouble losing weight while on the two drugs.
The most frustrating thing is dealing with this alone. Again, is there anyone going through what I am going through? Please contact me. How did you restore your metabolism and drop weight?
These drugs possibly increase appetite which can lead to weight gain. I did a search of peer reviewed studies and found many that suggest this, especially when the person had a reduced appetite due to their depression. I also tried to find these Harvard studies you mention, but could not find them. Do you have a link to the peer reviewed article written for the study?
You do need to eat more if you are indeed eating as low as you are saying. I will repeat what everyone else is saying. Make sure you are logging accurately. If this is indeed the case, you need to speak with your doctor.0 -
It seems to be you are in starvation mode. Low calories and extensive training can shout down your thyroid function. Increase calories, stop counting them, add more fat and check your thyroid.
BTW How tall you are? Your weight? Daily Macros?
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If you eat 500 calories a day over time you'll not need to worry about the military kicking you out due to weight. They'll instead have to "kick you out" due to medical reasons. That is not sustainable. Your body will rebel.
I see you've answered a few questions here. But you haven't answered the most important imo.
Do you weigh all solid foods to the gram with a food scale? Measure all liquids with cups/spoons?0 -
idreamskinny85 wrote: »I keep getting the you are eating too much comment. Well right now I am eating only 1000, so 500 is the next step unfortunately. I have researched the drug and weight gain is listed as a possible side effect. I have read Harvard studies that point to the drug possibly effecting metabolism, but noone knows why. I have had blood work done, joined a "fat camp" voluntarily in the military, seen a nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a doctor. My nutritionist and personal trainer have viewed my logs and encouraged me to eat more. I refuse because I know I will gain weight. I have read online people who have gone through exactly what I have gone through, but in real life the only one who believes me is my bf, who is a psychologist.
I have been a gym rat since 19, only having trouble losing weight while on the two drugs.
The most frustrating thing is dealing with this alone. Again, is there anyone going through what I am going through? Please contact me. How did you restore your metabolism and drop weight?
Look, I reread your post more carefully. Don't worry first of all. It seems like you are stressing too much about it. You are not alone at this situation. I've gained some weight for last half a year. Despite me being on keto diet and heavy lifting 3 times per week. What you read about other ppl doesn't matter. Everybody is different in small details. Calm down and start learning. Experiment with your body and eliminate one by one every reason that sabotages your goal reaching.
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Yes I do use measuring cups and spoons. I just started cooking all my meals 5 weeks ago. I do not weigh my food. If I buy 2lb of chicken, I simply divide it into 8 equal servings and say each one is 4 ounces.0
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It seems to be you are in starvation mode. Low calories and extensive training can shout down your thyroid function. Increase calories, stop counting them, add more fat and check your thyroid.
BTW How tall you are? Your weight? Daily Macros?
My daily macros are 20% carbs, 40% fat, and 40% protein. I have had blood work done, I have no thyroid problems. I am 5ft8, and a whopping 189lbs.0 -
Buy a scale and start weighing everything that you eat. Use the measuring cup for liquids if that is what it was designed for.2
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idreamskinny85 wrote: »Yes I do use measuring cups and spoons. I just started cooking all my meals 5 weeks ago. I do not weigh my food. If I buy 2lb of chicken, I simply divide it into 8 equal servings and say each one is 4 ounces.
This is most likely your problem.
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idreamskinny85 wrote: »It seems to be you are in starvation mode. Low calories and extensive training can shout down your thyroid function. Increase calories, stop counting them, add more fat and check your thyroid.
BTW How tall you are? Your weight? Daily Macros?
My daily macros are 20% carbs, 40% fat, and 40% protein. I have had blood work done, I have no thyroid problems. I am 5ft8, and a whopping 189lbs.
I would suggest add healthy fat to 60% and decrease protein to 20%. Try it for a week to see how it goes and how you feel. Don't weight your food and don't count calories. You are stressed enough already
)) 0 -
idreamskinny85 wrote: »I keep getting the you are eating too much comment. Well right now I am eating only 1000, so 500 is the next step unfortunately. I have researched the drug and weight gain is listed as a possible side effect. I have read Harvard studies that point to the drug possibly effecting metabolism, but noone knows why. I have had blood work done, joined a "fat camp" voluntarily in the military, seen a nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a doctor. My nutritionist and personal trainer have viewed my logs and encouraged me to eat more. I refuse because I know I will gain weight. I have read online people who have gone through exactly what I have gone through, but in real life the only one who believes me is my bf, who is a psychologist.
I have been a gym rat since 19, only having trouble losing weight while on the two drugs.
The most frustrating thing is dealing with this alone. Again, is there anyone going through what I am going through? Please contact me. How did you restore your metabolism and drop weight?
Look, I reread your post more carefully. Don't worry first of all. It seems like you are stressing too much about it. You are not alone at this situation. I've gained some weight for last half a year. Despite me being on keto diet and heavy lifting 3 times per week. What you read about other ppl doesn't matter. Everybody is different in small details. Calm down and start learning. Experiment with your body and eliminate one by one every reason that sabotages your goal reaching.
Well anything over 1200 calories makes me gain like crazy. 1000-1100 is my maintenance caloric intake. I had my body fat measured by a nutritionist and I am suppose to eat 1500-1800 for maintenance. I learned the hard way that eating that much makes me gain. I have tried plexus slim, thermogenics, meal replacements, heavy weigh lifting, alli, and not eating for a few days. No results. Not an ounce lost.0 -
idreamskinny85 wrote: »It seems to be you are in starvation mode. Low calories and extensive training can shout down your thyroid function. Increase calories, stop counting them, add more fat and check your thyroid.
BTW How tall you are? Your weight? Daily Macros?
My daily macros are 20% carbs, 40% fat, and 40% protein. I have had blood work done, I have no thyroid problems. I am 5ft8, and a whopping 189lbs.
I would suggest add healthy fat to 60% and decrease protein to 20%. Try it for a week to see how it goes and how you feel. Don't weight your food and don't count calories. You are stressed enough already))
Not this!!0 -
idreamskinny85 wrote: »idreamskinny85 wrote: »I keep getting the you are eating too much comment. Well right now I am eating only 1000, so 500 is the next step unfortunately. I have researched the drug and weight gain is listed as a possible side effect. I have read Harvard studies that point to the drug possibly effecting metabolism, but noone knows why. I have had blood work done, joined a "fat camp" voluntarily in the military, seen a nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a doctor. My nutritionist and personal trainer have viewed my logs and encouraged me to eat more. I refuse because I know I will gain weight. I have read online people who have gone through exactly what I have gone through, but in real life the only one who believes me is my bf, who is a psychologist.
I have been a gym rat since 19, only having trouble losing weight while on the two drugs.
The most frustrating thing is dealing with this alone. Again, is there anyone going through what I am going through? Please contact me. How did you restore your metabolism and drop weight?
Look, I reread your post more carefully. Don't worry first of all. It seems like you are stressing too much about it. You are not alone at this situation. I've gained some weight for last half a year. Despite me being on keto diet and heavy lifting 3 times per week. What you read about other ppl doesn't matter. Everybody is different in small details. Calm down and start learning. Experiment with your body and eliminate one by one every reason that sabotages your goal reaching.
Well anything over 1200 calories makes me gain like crazy. 1000-1100 is my maintenance caloric intake. I had my body fat measured by a nutritionist and I am suppose to eat 1500-1800 for maintenance. I learned the hard way that eating that much makes me gain. I have tried plexus slim, thermogenics, meal replacements, heavy weigh lifting, alli, and not eating for a few days. No results. Not an ounce lost.
Inconceivable! You are not in a deficit!0 -
idreamskinny85 wrote: »I keep getting the you are eating too much comment. Well right now I am eating only 1000, so 500 is the next step unfortunately. I have researched the drug and weight gain is listed as a possible side effect. I have read Harvard studies that point to the drug possibly effecting metabolism, but noone knows why. I have had blood work done, joined a "fat camp" voluntarily in the military, seen a nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a doctor. My nutritionist and personal trainer have viewed my logs and encouraged me to eat more. I refuse because I know I will gain weight. I have read online people who have gone through exactly what I have gone through, but in real life the only one who believes me is my bf, who is a psychologist.
I have been a gym rat since 19, only having trouble losing weight while on the two drugs.
The most frustrating thing is dealing with this alone. Again, is there anyone going through what I am going through? Please contact me. How did you restore your metabolism and drop weight?
Look, I reread your post more carefully. Don't worry first of all. It seems like you are stressing too much about it. You are not alone at this situation. I've gained some weight for last half a year. Despite me being on keto diet and heavy lifting 3 times per week. What you read about other ppl doesn't matter. Everybody is different in small details. Calm down and start learning. Experiment with your body and eliminate one by one every reason that sabotages your goal reaching.
Right now 800 to 1000 is my weekly average. Some days I eat 500, then one day I eat 1800. Each day varies but I watch my weekly averages for macros and cals0 -
idreamskinny85 wrote: »idreamskinny85 wrote: »I keep getting the you are eating too much comment. Well right now I am eating only 1000, so 500 is the next step unfortunately. I have researched the drug and weight gain is listed as a possible side effect. I have read Harvard studies that point to the drug possibly effecting metabolism, but noone knows why. I have had blood work done, joined a "fat camp" voluntarily in the military, seen a nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a doctor. My nutritionist and personal trainer have viewed my logs and encouraged me to eat more. I refuse because I know I will gain weight. I have read online people who have gone through exactly what I have gone through, but in real life the only one who believes me is my bf, who is a psychologist.
I have been a gym rat since 19, only having trouble losing weight while on the two drugs.
The most frustrating thing is dealing with this alone. Again, is there anyone going through what I am going through? Please contact me. How did you restore your metabolism and drop weight?
Look, I reread your post more carefully. Don't worry first of all. It seems like you are stressing too much about it. You are not alone at this situation. I've gained some weight for last half a year. Despite me being on keto diet and heavy lifting 3 times per week. What you read about other ppl doesn't matter. Everybody is different in small details. Calm down and start learning. Experiment with your body and eliminate one by one every reason that sabotages your goal reaching.
Well anything over 1200 calories makes me gain like crazy. 1000-1100 is my maintenance caloric intake. I had my body fat measured by a nutritionist and I am suppose to eat 1500-1800 for maintenance. I learned the hard way that eating that much makes me gain. I have tried plexus slim, thermogenics, meal replacements, heavy weigh lifting, alli, and not eating for a few days. No results. Not an ounce lost.
It's not looking like you're going to take any of the good advice that we gave you.
Maybe someone who has "fixed their metabolism" from the apparent extreme metabolic slowdown that the antidepressants gave you will let you know how they did it.
Until then, see a doctor as you're absolutely sure that you eat so few calories.0 -
RosieRose7673 wrote: »idreamskinny85 wrote: »idreamskinny85 wrote: »I keep getting the you are eating too much comment. Well right now I am eating only 1000, so 500 is the next step unfortunately. I have researched the drug and weight gain is listed as a possible side effect. I have read Harvard studies that point to the drug possibly effecting metabolism, but noone knows why. I have had blood work done, joined a "fat camp" voluntarily in the military, seen a nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a doctor. My nutritionist and personal trainer have viewed my logs and encouraged me to eat more. I refuse because I know I will gain weight. I have read online people who have gone through exactly what I have gone through, but in real life the only one who believes me is my bf, who is a psychologist.
I have been a gym rat since 19, only having trouble losing weight while on the two drugs.
The most frustrating thing is dealing with this alone. Again, is there anyone going through what I am going through? Please contact me. How did you restore your metabolism and drop weight?
Look, I reread your post more carefully. Don't worry first of all. It seems like you are stressing too much about it. You are not alone at this situation. I've gained some weight for last half a year. Despite me being on keto diet and heavy lifting 3 times per week. What you read about other ppl doesn't matter. Everybody is different in small details. Calm down and start learning. Experiment with your body and eliminate one by one every reason that sabotages your goal reaching.
Well anything over 1200 calories makes me gain like crazy. 1000-1100 is my maintenance caloric intake. I had my body fat measured by a nutritionist and I am suppose to eat 1500-1800 for maintenance. I learned the hard way that eating that much makes me gain. I have tried plexus slim, thermogenics, meal replacements, heavy weigh lifting, alli, and not eating for a few days. No results. Not an ounce lost.
It's not looking like you're going to take any of the good advice that we gave you.
Maybe someone who has "fixed their metabolism" from the apparent extreme metabolic slowdown that the antidepressants gave you will let you know how they did it.
Until then, see a doctor as you're absolutely sure that you eat so few calories.
I am telling you what I have learned through out the year through trial. Sorry if some of your advice I have done and hasn't worked0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjKPIcI51lU
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