Posted: June 10, 2020 at 2:53 pm
But if youre experiencing sudden weight gain that just doesnt seem to make sense to you (and it doesn't seem to have to do with normal life changes), then it may be a sign that something odd is going on with your bod. Think: out of whack hormones or other sneaky health conditions that are causing your metabolism to misfire.
Ultimately, you'll need to work with your doc to get a clear explanation for your unexplained weight gain. Before visiting the doc, keep a log of everything you eat as well as your exercise habits (including activity outside of your workouts) for at least a few days if not a week or two, says Melina Jampolis, MD, an internist and physician nutrition specialist. Maybe youre eating more calories now, or youve spent weeks sitting down more than usual thanks to a heavier workload.
Your doc can help you get to the bottom of whether any lingering health issues might be causing the weight gain. And there are tons of reasons for unexplained weight gain that have nothing to do with eating more and moving less.
Ahead, a list of conditions that could be causing your sudden weight gain, and how to tell if its time to see a doctor.
When a young woman walks into a docs office with unexplained weight gain, the thyroid is the first place most physicians will investigate, says Dr. Jampolis. And for good reason: A whopping one in eight women will develop athyroiddisorder in her life, according to theAmerican Thyroid Association.
That butterfly-shaped gland in the neck is responsible for secreting a hormone that regulates the metabolism, and if youve got an under-active thyroid (called hypothyroidism) the metabolism may slow down, triggering weight gain.
Women with hypothyroidism may also suffer from low energy levels or fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, hoarseness, or constipation, says Dr. Jampolis. Notice any of them and you should book a chat with your doc who can check on your thyroid with a simpleblood testif necessary.
Researchshows that as many as one in five women havepolycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)an endocrine disorder that throws off the balance of reproductive hormones estrogen and testosterone, and can trigger a number of unpleasant symptoms like wacky periods, facial hair growth, and migraines.
PCOS can also muck up the way your body uses insulin (the hormone that helps turn sugars and starches into energy), which means (womp, womp) unexplained weight gain around the mid-section is common, says Dr. Jampolis.
If your menstrual cycles are off, a gyno will likely take a peek at your hormones to diagnose this one.
When you'restressed, you're thrown into fight-or-flight mode and get a surge of adrenaline, along with a heavy dose of the hormone cortisol, which is supposed to help you restore energy reserves and store fat. Because, hello, you just sprinted three miles from a tiger (okay, dramatic example)you're starving.
The problem? Lots of us getchronicallystressed sitting at our desk all day or just living a crazed life, says Dr. Jampolis. When your cortisol levels stay elevated for a prolonged period, then your body continues storing fat, which can lead to weight gain.
If youve persistently felt down in the dumps or anxious, have trouble sleeping, feel fatigued, or youve lost interest in the stuff that used to make you tick, talk with an MD or mental-health pro who can make suggestions for getting back on track if stress seems to be the culprit behind your sudden weight gain.
Theres nothing like a busted night ofsleepto make a girl crave sugar and fat (anything to survive at work the next day, right?). That's because missed shuteye does a number on your hunger hormones and metabolism: Sleeping too little raises ghrelin, the hormone that signals its time to eat, while lowering your levels of leptin, the hormone that conveys the Im full feeling, says Dr. Jampolis. The result: a totally unsatisfying chow-fest the next day.
Putting off sleep to watch just one more episode? That hour could be contributing to sudden weight gain. A2018 study in the journalSleepfound that people who slept just one hour more per week lost more fat than those who slept an hour less. The people who slept less lost lesseven though everyone in the study ate the same number of calories, proportionate to their weight at the start of the study.
The gut relies on good bacteria to function well (probiotics, anyone?), but theres also bad bacteria chilling in your digestive tract. When that balance of good to bad gets thrown off, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO, for short) can take place, triggering extra gas in your GI tract along withbloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, andyou guessed itsudden weight gain.
Docs arent entirely sure how SIBO may trigger those extra pounds, says Dr. Jampolis, but treatment for SIBO typically includes antibiotics to treat the bacterial overgrowth, according to theU.S. National Library of Medicine.
The transition period to menopause (a.k.a. perimenopause, which can start in women as early as their mid-30s, but usually starts in your 40s) triggers hormones like estrogen to rise and fall unevenly, which can cue weight gain in some women, says Dr. Jampolis. (Othersigns of perimenopauseinclude irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and a change in your libidosymptoms your doc can usually suss out with her eyes closed.)
Compound perimenopause with the other inevitable body changes that happen with age (like a loss of muscle mass and increase in body fat), and it may feel like the scales tipping fast. Talk to your doctor to manage "the change" in stride.
There's a laundry list of both prescription and over-the-counter meds that can trigger sudden weight gain or water retention that shows up on the scale as extra poundage. Antidepressantsmost commonly the selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Paxil, Lexapro and Prozacmay affect the appetite centre in the brain, says Roco Salas-Whalen, MD, an endocrinologist at theMedical Offices of Manhattan.
Meanwhile, beta-blockers (meds that reduce blood pressure) can slow your metabolism, and certain steroids (like prednisonean anti-inflammatory that causes water retention and an increase appetite) can add on pounds. Even OTC antihistamines like Benadryl, which can disrupt an enzyme in the brain that helps regulate food consumption, can trigger noticeable weight gain, says Dr. Salas-Whalen.
A word to the wise: Dont stop taking any pills cold-turkeychat with your doctor, who may be able to find a more waist-friendly substitute.
RELATED:8 Times Your Weight Gain Is A Sign Of A Bigger Health Problem
A super-rare condition called Cushings disease (only 10 to 15 people per million are affected, but 70 percent of those diagnosed are women) causes excess cortisol production and can trigger excessive weight gain just around the abdominal area (the legs and arms usually stay lean) and the back of the neck, says Reshmi Srinath, MD, assistant professor of diabetes, endocrinology, and bone disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Cushings typically presents with significantly low energy and complications like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. But the telltale sign is very large, red stretch marks on their belly, she says. If this sounds eerily familiar, talk to your doctor asap.
Theres a reason behind the bloat, and it may have just as much to do with the water you forgot to drink as the food that you ate.
Kristen Neilan, RD, a dietitian at University of Florida Health, says most of us arent drinking nearly enough water. Thats because many of us mistake the feeling of thirst for the feeling of hunger. Confusion, tiredness, and lightheadedness are all signs of even mild dehydration, she says. Sounds a lot like how we feel when were hankering for a snack.
Mixed signals arent the only possible culprits behind your unexplained weight gain. Adequate hydration increases mitochondrial functionwhat that basically means is that it increases your metabolism, says Neilan. Without enough water, your cells cant do their thing (namely, convert your food into energy) quickly and efficiently.
In rare cases, an expanding belly is the result of an ovarian tumour and fluid buildup associated with it, saysSanaz Memarzadeh, MD, PhD, a gynecologic cancer surgeon at UCLA Health. Patients come in with abdominal bloating, and their usual pants are not fitting, she says. Sometimes the tumour is so large it can cause distention of the abdomen, says Dr. Memarzadeh.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer after menopause. But its important for women at every age to look out for this symptom, as well as feeling full too quickly, pain in the lower stomach area, and extra pressure on the bladder. See your doc if the bloating persists, especially if your family has a history of ovarian cancer.
Smoking can often act as an appetite suppressant, so when you quit, the cravings can hit strong.Pouya Shafipour,MD, a weight-loss specialist atPaloma Health, explains that smoking can lead to a rise in dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for instant pleasure. It's the same kind of pleasure you get when you eat a sweet snack, like ice cream.
Quitting smoking causes that dopamine level drop, but your cravings for it still remain, and this craving for a dopamine hit can sometimes lead to eating something satisfying, and more than usual. "When one quits smoking, the body still has cravings for dopamine and often people get this craving from excess intake of refined sugar and starch (i.e., candy and other starchy snacks) and gain weight," says Dr. Shafipour.
To counteract the lower levels of dopamine once you quit smoking, it's important to engage in other behaviours, like exercise or meditation, that help release feel-good endorphins and also provide a nice distraction and healthy new habit.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes both require insulin management in order to keep blood sugar levels regulated. In people with type 1, the pancreas essentially isn't producing enough insulin, so those that have it need to regularly insert themselves with the hormone. Insulin allows the body to absorb glucose (or sugar) and use it for energy.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance from a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy eating behaviours. That can usually contribute to weight gain in itself, explains Dr. Shafipour. Type 2 diabetics have a higher baseline insulin level which by itself causes more weight gain, typically around the belly," says Dr. Shafipour.
But an increase in insulin from external hormone treatments can also lead to weight gain. Insulin lets glucose into your blood cells so that it can be stored for energy, but if you're eating more calories than your body needs, your cells will take what they need leaving the remaining glucose to be stored as fat.
To counteract weight gain, it's important to closely monitor your diet and avoid eating too much fast food or foods high in refined sugar, Dr. Shafipour says.
Most cancers in their early stages will result in weight loss, instead of weight gain, unless it's a cancer that causes the release of cortisol, like a tumour in the adrenal gland.
However, as cancer progresses it can cause weight gain. "This weight gain can be due growth of the size of the tumor itself or [if it spreads] to other organs like the liver, which can cause fluid build-up in the stomach or the stomach cavity," says Dr. Shafipour.
But don't be too alarmed, as this is usually a worst-case scenario. Most cancers will cause other symptoms that may cause you to see a doctor while it's still in an early stage.
First, you should take a look at what your lifestyle's like. If your diet is poor, it's normal to gain between 1/4kg to 1/2 a kg a week. Your menstrual cycle can also caught your weight to fluctuate between 2-2.5kg depending on what stage of your cycle you are.
But when is weight gain a cause for concern? If you're gaining one to two pounds or more a week, and you don't see the numbers going down, then it might be time to see a doctor. "If one notices that they're gaining weight rapidly, more than 1kg a week, and it's not related to your menstrual cycle, poor sleep, anxiety or depression, or snacking or overeating, then they should probably see their primary care physician, who will do a thorough history and physical as well as some appropriate laboratory work-up to find the causes of weight gain," says Dr. Shafipour.
A doctor can work with you to determine whether an underlying condition is determining your weight gain, and find appropriate remedies to help you maintain a weight that makes you feel good.
This article originally appeared on Women's Health US.
RELATED:Snacking On Nuts Found To Help Prevent Weight Gain
Read more:
13 Common Causes Of Sudden, Unexplained Weight Gain - Women's Health
Posted: June 9, 2020 at 5:43 pm
The novel coronavirus can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Patient: Doc, I get heartburn every time I eat birthday cake.
Gastroenterologist: Next time, remove the candles.
In a medical specialty about the gut, bloating and pooping, jokes pretty much write themselves. But for many people struggling with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and Covid-19 infection, life is far less funny. And right now, the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of slowing down. Amid nationwide protests following the murder of Mr. George Floyd, Covid-19 cases and deaths in the U.S. are rising steadily, now at 1.98 million and 112,000, respectively.
As coronavirus unnervingly looms, we continue to learn more about this novel SARS-CoV-2 pathogen. For instance, stomach ache and diarrhea may be the first signs of the infection, as Robert Glattner, MD discussed in March. Since that time, weve gained additional information about the COVID Gut both in adults and in children, as well as its mechanism of action and treatment options.
Diarrhea is a common symptom in children who test positive for Covid-19.
A recent case report from China reported that digestive issues were the first symptoms observed in five Covid-19-positive children. Another study from the U.K. described eight children presenting with atypical appendicitis. Abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting were observed in children presenting with the Kawasaki-like illness now referred to as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.
We also know that adults infected with Covid-19 are also presenting with GI issues. In fact, the CDC tacked on GI complaints to their symptom watch list.
The main GI symptom in adults is diarrhea, occurring in up to 30% of patients, states Mark Pochapin, MD, Director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Langone Health. However, patients also can have lack of appetite (anorexia), nausea and vomiting. Dr. Pochapin also cited a Stanford study demonstrating that Covid-19-infected patients with GI symptoms were five times more likely to be hospitalized than those without GI symptoms (8 times more likely if experiencing diarrhea).
Endoscopic procedures such as EGDs and colonoscopies are routinely used screen for benign and ... [+] cancerous polyps.
In addition to digestive symptoms, clinicians need to be mindful of abnormal tests.
The common GI manifestations of Covid are diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, observes Shifali Arora, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UNC Chapel Hill. But the other issue to watch out for are elevated liver enzymes which we see typically as well. Namely, AST and ALT are enzymes that are usually elevated during liver injury. In addition, a recent meta-analysis revealed that 48% of patients with Covid-19 and GI symptoms had viral RNA detected in their stool.
The pandemic put a halt on all elective procedures including esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) and colonoscopies. How these endoscopy procedure units open and ramp up will differ nationwide, according to Dr. Arora who is assisting with reopening efforts at her institution. She adds: Clinicians and staff have been working hard to create new workflows and work spaces that allow for socially distanced waiting rooms, providing masks for patients and staff, and extensively cleaning between cases.
SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus binds to the ACE2 receptor which is found in many organs including the lungs, ... [+] colon, pancreas, liver and gallbladder.
So, whats the connection between this presumed respiratory virus and the gut? Well, it involves the ACE2 receptor which is found in multiple organs, including the lungs and the GI system (e.g. esophagus, gallbladder, pancreas, liver and colon).
In terms of the mechanism, it's thought that the ACE2 receptor plays a role in the pathogenesis of Covid-19, explains Supriya Rao, MD, gastroenterologist and managing partner at Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants in Chelmsford, MA. This receptor is present in very high amounts in the GI tract. The virus adheres to the receptor via its spike protein and can then cause symptoms.
Moreover, according to Dr. Wenbin Li, author of the Wuhan study, the presence of the ACE2 receptor in two different organ systems suggests that Covid-19 can infect patients through the respiratory tract in the form of air droplets as well as through the digestive tract by fecal-oral transmission.
Speaking of transmission, we still dont know how much a toilet plume can transmit Covid-19, reminds Dr. Pochapin: People should pay particular attention to hand washing after using the toilet, close the toilet lid and wear a mask in public bathrooms.
Current treatment for Covid-19 patients with GI symptoms includes medications such as Imodium and ... [+] Pepto-Bismol.
We still do not have a treatment, cure or vaccine for Covid-19, so doctors are managing symptoms.
Treatment relies on supportive care antiemetics, PPI (proton-pump inhibitors), antidiarrheals and adequate hydration, advises Dr. Rao.
Loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth (Pepto-Bismol) are common over-the-counter medications used to treat diarrhea. Omeprazole (Prilosec) is a PPI that can reduce heartburn and gastritis. Promethazine (Phenergan), odansetron (Zofran) and metoclopramide (Reglan) minimize nausea and vomiting.
A recent study reports that the coronavirus pandemic has caused seismic shifts in the management of patients with liver transplants, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, a.k.a. liver cancer, and other forms of advanced liver disease. Decreased access to routine care including procedures such as EGDs to screen for esophageal varices has prompted hepatologists and other GI professionals to adjust quickly.
Gut health. Follow a meal plan that's high in fiber, whole grains, fruits and vegetables; and low in ... [+] processed foods and animal products.
The gut microbiome is key to maintaining overall health and immunity, according to Dr. Rao, who recommends following a plant-based diet thats high in diverse fruits and vegetables, fiber, whole grains, and minimal animal products and processed foods. She adds that adequate water intake and sleep, smoking cessation and daily exercise are also critical.
Stress and anxiety can also manifest as GI symptoms, points out Dr. Arora. In the midst of a pandemic, record unemployment and nationwide racial tensions, who isnt tense as an overstretched elastic band?! Someone with irritable bowel syndrome may experience a flare-up of symptoms during this stressful period, indicates Dr. Arora.
Other key GI health tips:
Digestive health sometimes takes a back seat to cardiac or neurologic issues. Until something goes wrong. Sharp abdominal pain, unrelenting vomiting and severe diarrhea are some of the most debilitating and concerning symptoms experienced by humans. As coronavirus continues to spread, we need to be mindful of GI issues, report them to our doctors and treat them accordingly. Were still learning about this novel virus, and like a trainee gastroenterologist, we have to work our way up from the bottom. [I clearly have too many GI doc friends]
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Coronavirus In The Gut: GI Manifestations, Mechanism And Medications - Forbes
Posted: June 6, 2020 at 2:53 am
Ask the Doctors: Gastroparesis treated primarily with diet
Dear Doctor: My husband started having a lot of stomach pain and was also feeling queasy. Needless to say, I feared the worst cancer but, instead, his doctor says it's gastroparesis. Is it dangerous? What's the best treatment?
Dear Reader: Gastroparesis is the name of a condition in which the stomach is slow to empty its contents into the small intestine. This isn't due to any type of blockage. Instead, as the name of the condition suggests ("gastro" refers to the stomach, and "paresis" indicates nerve-related muscle weakness), the cause is a malfunction in the nerves that serve the region. This includes the vagus nerve, which animates the stomach muscles and helps send food to the small intestine. Symptoms include the pain and nausea your husband experienced, as well as poor appetite, feeling full after only small amounts of food or drink, heartburn and unintended weight loss.
When functioning properly, the stomach takes about four hours to saturate its contents with gastric juices, break everything up into smaller particles and pass the majority of it along to the small intestine. For people living with gastroparesis, the process takes significantly longer.
The result is delayed digestion, which can lead to a range of problems. Food that remains in the stomach for too long is susceptible to fermentation, which can encourage the growth of bacteria. The condition can interfere with appetite and sometimes leads to malnutrition. When the contents of the stomach are stalled, they can coagulate into a mass known as a bezoar, which can cause a blockage. And for people living with diabetes, the delayed movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine can interfere with glucose control.
Gastroparesis is often seen in people living with diabetes, which can cause nerve damage. It may also arise as the result of viral stomach infections, hypothyroidism, certain autoimmune or neurological disorders, or surgical injury. It's a known (albeit rare) side effect of medications such as opioids, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants and calcium-channel blockers, which can impede digestion.
Diet is important in the management of gastroparesis, with an emphasis on nutrient density and ease of digestion. Patients are asked to eat small meals of soft, well-cooked food, and to avoid high-fat foods, which delay the emptying of the stomach. Foods high in fiber are difficult to digest and are also limited, or in some cases eliminated. Fruits and vegetables, which contain nondigestible fiber, should be served cooked, and in some cases pureed. For instance, instead of an apple, a patient will have a small serving of applesauce. They are also encouraged drink liquids that contain glucose and electrolytes, including clear soups, low-fat broths, low-fiber fruit and vegetable juices, or sports drinks. Since glucose control and malnutrition are both a challenge, many people with gastroparesis work with a registered dietitian.
When the condition can't be managed with diet, medications that cause the stomach to contract and emerging therapies such as electrical gastric stimulation may be an option. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. We recommend that your husband seek out a gastroenterologist to fully assess his case and plan his treatment.
Eve Glazier, M.D., MBA, is an internist and associate professor of medicine at UCLA Health. Elizabeth Ko, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at UCLA Health.
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Ask the Doctors: Gastroparesis treated primarily with diet - Times Record
Posted: March 24, 2020 at 8:47 pm
"; images = images + ""; images = images + ""; images = images + ""; images = images + ""; images = images + ""; images = images + ""; images = images + ""; images = images + ""; images = images + ""; images = images + ""; images = images + ""; jQuery('.imgGallery').prepend(images); jQuery('.each_image:first').show()}function navigateSliderNext(){coutner_img = parseInt(jQuery('#thecnt0').html());counter_img++;if(counter_img>total_img){counter_img=1}jQuery('#thecnt0').html(counter_img);jQuery('.each_image').hide()jQuery('.each_image[id="is'+counter_img+'"]').show()}function navigateSliderPrev(){coutner_img = parseInt(jQuery('#thecnt0').html());counter_img--;if(counter_imgAbout Dr. HE Obesity Clinic
Dr. HE Obesity Clinic in Istanbul, Turkey offers expert assessment and surgical treatment for obesity from leading bariatric surgeon, Assoc Prof Dr Hasan Erdem, and his team. With extensive pre- and post-operative counselling and a one-to-one patient-orientated approach, the clinic is committed to finding the best treatment solution for each individual case. All surgery is carried out at partner hospitals in Istanbul. Treatment options available include sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and non-surgical weight loss (gastric balloon).
Assoc Prof Dr Hasan Erdem is one of Turkey's leading bariatric surgeons and has performed more than 5000 weight loss surgeries to date.
Dr Erdem qualified from the Istanbul Medical School of Istanbul University in 2002 and completed his specialist training in general surgery at Bezmialem Vakif Gureba Teaching Hospital in Istanbul. Following his national service at a government hospital, he worked as Chief Assistant in General Surgery at the Training and Research Hospital of Istanbul, where he carried out research into advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
Dr Erdem established his private clinic in Istanbul in 2016. The author of a number of scientific publications in the fields of obesity, metabolic and robotic bariatric surgery, he was granted the title Associate Professor of Obesity and Metabolic Conditions in 2018.
Read what patients have to say about Dr. HE Obesity Clinic on Trustpilot
Sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve, is a keyhole procedure to remove approximately 80% of the stomach, including the area where the hunger hormone, ghrelin, is produced. The resulting smaller gastric volume and loss of appetite thus leads to rapid weight loss.
Sleeve gastrectomy is suitable for people aged between 18 and 65 who have failed to lose weight by means of diet or exercise and who have a BMI of 40 or higher. It may also be considered in patients with a BMI of 35-40 who have co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnoea.
With the lowest complication risk and highest lifelong comfort compared to other methods, sleeve gastrectomy has become the favoured procedure with bariatric surgeons worldwide.
Gastric bypass offers a permanent solution to the diseases associated with obesity, particularly type 2 diabetes. It is suitable for patients who have a history of multiple unsuccessful attempts at losing weight with diet, those with excess weight that may jeopardise health, people with a BMI of 40 or higher, or people with a BMI of 35-40 with any obesity-associated co-morbidity.
Performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery), the procedure shrinks the stomach to a small pouch and causes the food to bypass the upper portion of the small intestine. This has a dual effect: both the amount of food that can be ingested and the amount of nutrients that can be absorbed is reduced.
Most patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery successfully lose weight and maintain their excess weight loss in the long term. The role of a dietician is important in the postoperative period to ensure that patients adapt to the dietary changes required, however the rates of postoperative patient satisfaction are high in terms of the psychological and physical effects.
An intragastric balloon is a soft, expandable balloon that is inserted endoscopically into the stomach. Once placed, the balloon is filled with liquid, generating a feeling of fullness when smaller food portions are ingested. A gastric balloon may be in place for 6 or 12 months.
The gastric balloon is designed to work in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle changes. It is suitable for overweight people with a BMI over 25 who have failed to lose weight with diet or exercise, who have lost motivation or who do not want to undergo a surgical procedure.
Dr. HE Obesity Clinic welcomes patients from around the world and has dedicated patient coordination and consultation services in English, German, Bulgarian, French, Spanish, Armenian, Italian and Arabic.
For more information, call the clinics 24/7 Obesity Help Desk on 90 543 346 10 37 or fill out the online form to get a free consultation.
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Dr. HE Obesity Clinic: Weight loss clinic in Turkey - Treatment Abroad
Posted: March 14, 2020 at 6:45 pm
Thandeka Kubheka, a TB auxiliary nurse at Witkoppen Clinic, explains the symptoms that people with TB suffer from.
What are the symptoms?
Mlotshwa explained that he and his colleagues have been trained to look out for four main identifying symptoms of the illness:
Coughing for two weeks, or for any duration if you have a compromised immune system (such as someone with HIV)
An unexplained loss of weight.
A persistent fever that youve had for over two weeks and cannot explain
Sweating, especially at night
Juddy Kwetsi, a TB auxiliary nurse at Witkoppen Clinic, holds up some of the medication used to treat the illness. What medication is prescribed depends on the patients weight and what other health issues they may have.Photo: Robyn Kirk
Other related symptoms to watch out for are a loss of appetite, weakness and fatigue. At the clinic, we routinely screen for TB and well ask questions about these four symptoms. We then take a specimen sample from the patient [of sputum, basically a mixture of spit and mucus coughed up by the patient into a specimen jar] and send it to the lab, where theyll test it for the presence of the bacteria.
Lawrence Mlotshwa, the head of Witkoppen Clinics TB department, told the Fourways Review that about 55 patients who had visited the clinic between January and early March this year have been diagnosed with TB. Photo: Robyn Kirk
Witkoppen Clinic has a special section on site, closed off and with hygiene facilities named Bekezela, where patients being screened can safely provide a sputum sample without risking the infection of others. Once the sample is donated, a TB assistant will label the sample with the patients information and send it through to the lab for testing.
Semile Nhlongo of the Witkoppen Clinic accepts a specimen from a clinic patient, which she will label with the correct patient information and send through to the lab in order to determine if this patient has TB. Photo: Robyn Kirk
How is TB treated?
Here at Witkoppen Clinic, we treat patients holistically, so the treatment for TB would be different for, say, someone who is also HIV positive or other health issues, Mlotshwa explained. We treat TB with medication and the regiment has two phases. The intensive phase lasts for two months and we give them medication with four agents to fight off the bacteria. Then its the continuation phase, where we continue to treat the patient with two agents for between three to six months.
The doses for each patient is based on their weight and it is vitally important to finish your course of treatment even if you start to feel better after only a few months. We strictly advise patients that they mustnt stop early, as, if they are not completely cured, the TB will come back stronger, which is how you end up with drug-resistant TB.
Related Article:
Life Fourways Hospital is equipped to deal with COVID-19
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Four things you need to know about TB this TB Awareness Month - Fourways Review
Posted: February 29, 2020 at 2:42 pm
Dear Dr. Blonz: This may seem like an odd question for someone who writes about nutrition, but how long can a body go without food? A close friend recently experienced a loss, which has caused her to suffer a hard emotional blow. She says that she has no appetite. She hasnt been able to eat anything; when she tries, it results in nausea and her bodys rejection of the food.
As would be expected, she has lost a lot of weight lately and doesnt look healthy to me. F.S. San Jose, California
Dear F.S.: My sincere sympathy to your friend and any affected by the loss. Grief can affect the body in many ways, and while a loss of appetite can be one of them, overeating, ironically, can be another. For more on the bodys reaction to grief, visit b.link/ncbi58.
Addressing your question: Our body is designed to avoid waste, so we shift gears to handle food whenever its consumed. But if nutrients are not provided for an extended period, a sophisticated series of adaptations takes place to pare down the unnecessary use of energy and loss of essential resources. While we may be conscious of why we are no longer eating, the systems in our body are not in that loop.
One adaptation is a scaling-back of the metabolic efforts involved with digestion, which might explain that queasiness or nausea your friend experiences when food is reintroduced. The discomfort tends to pass, but reintroducing food in this scenario should be done gradually, relying on plant foods such as juices, soups, fruits and cooked vegetables.
A lack of food also causes a slowing of the metabolic rate, which brings about a lowering of body temperature. There will be less circulation near the skin surface, which is one of the reasons why people who go without food are easily chilled and may have a sallow look about them.
Friends and family serve as an invaluable source of support, but an inability to eat lasting for days suggests some professional assistance may be needed. In the meantime, given that the body requires more water than any other nutrient, encourage your friend to consume fluids even something like a sports drink, which provides not only fluids, but also electrolytes and calories. To emphasize this important point: We can last only a few days without water.
The human body can survive for many weeks without food, but much depends on ones state of health and the amount of excess energy (i.e., body fat) at the start. I hope that your friend finds the strength to work through her grief and is spared any testing of the limits of her endurance.
(Ed Blonz, Ph.D., is a nutrition scientist and an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco. He is the author of the digital book The Wellness Supermarket Buying Guide (2012), which is also available as a free digital resource at blonz.com/guide.)
Send questions to: On Nutrition, Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.
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On Nutrition: Weight loss worrisome for grieving friend that can't eat - Tulsa World
Posted: February 24, 2020 at 10:48 pm
Weight loss in horses is a common, frustrating, and expensive struggle horse owners and practitioners face. It occurs when the body uses more energy than its taking in, which can happen for a variety of reasons.
In her presentation at the 2019 Annual American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 7-11 in Denver, Yvette Nout-Lomas, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVECC, assistant professor of equine internal medicine at Colorado State Universitys Veterinary Teaching Hospital, provided veterinary attendees with an outline for pinpointing and addressing causes of weight loss in horses.
Weight loss typically occurs for one of six reasons:
Horses might not ingest available nutrients if they lack appetite, have inadequate prehension (ability to grasp food), or have abnormal mastication (chewing), swallowing, or esophageal transit. Heart failure, asthma, and liver disease can all result in decreased nutrient delivery to peripheral tissues. Gastrointestinal dysfunction (gastric ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, parasitism), liver disease, and toxicities can lead to abnormal digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients. Even conditions that dont directly affect nutrient availability can result in weight loss. Horses that are in pain and suffering various disease states, for instance, might have an increased rate of protein and energy use and loss, resulting in greater-than-expected calorie needs.
First, said Nout-Lomas, determine the horses use and age, as these factors are important when assessing his diet. Certain age groups are at greater risk than others for certain conditions, such as dental and musculoskeletal disease in aged horses. Evaluate the horses diet to determine whether the owner is providing an appropriate feed in a suitable amount.
The key is to determine whether the horse is receiving adequate calories, said Nout-Lomas. She uses the equation to calculate energy requirements for adult horses at maintenance and multiplies by a factor of 1 to 3 to estimate the calories needed for those in work.
A 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) horse at maintenance requires about 16.4 Mcals of digestible energy a day. To meet these needs, his should consume about 20 pounds of grass hay (at about 0.8 Mcals per pound) per day. Horses should ideally consume 2-3% of their body weight per day as forage, which in this case would equal 10 to 15 kilograms, or 22 to 33 pounds. Therefore, a horse fed 2-3% of his body weight per day as quality forage shouldnt be suffering weight loss as a result of inadequate calorie provision.
However, said Nout-Lomas, it is important to verify that the horse is, indeed, consuming this amount of feed. For example, in a group situation is it possible hes being chased off feed or has soundness issues that make it more difficult to access the feed being provided? Can he consume the feed, or is chewing or swallowing an issue?
The veterinarian should then conduct a thorough physical examination, paying particular attention to temperature, pulse, and respiration and noting any abnormal heart or lung sounds, said Nout-Lomas. He or she should assess the horses muscling as well as overall body condition score and look for the presence of dependent edema (lower limb swelling). The vet should also note whether the horse has diarrhea and consider performing bloodwork.
The results of these initial investigations will guide what ancillary diagnostics the veterinarian performs. For example, a horse with an elevated respiratory rate and abnormal lung sounds should warrant further respiratory tract investigation. The veterinarian might collect fecal samples to assess fiber length and conduct a fecal egg count to determine worm burden. He or she can pass a nasogastric tube to easily assess swallowing and whether an esophageal stricture might be limiting food from reaching the stomach.
Many additional diagnostics exist at varying levels of invasiveness and cost. Nout-Lomas encouraged clinicians to consider all possible mechanisms of weight loss and to base ancillary testing on signalment (age, breed, gender), history, and examination findings. She shared that in a retrospective study of horses presenting for weight loss, 93% did receive a diagnosis. Most were suffering from parasitism (30%) and dental disorders (20%). Digestive causes and those resulting from kidney and liver diseases were far less common.
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Determining Cause of Weight Loss in Horses - TheHorse.com
Posted: February 14, 2020 at 11:42 am
A new study investigating factors that contribute to psychological distress in adults has found that that risk of malnourishment is linked to psychological distress among Canadians aged 45 years and older.These findings are consistent with other research which has found links between poor quality diet, and depression, bipolar disorder, and psychological distress, says study lead Dr. Karen Davison, Health Science faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey, BC. Collectively, they indicate that nutrition may be an important consideration in mental health care.
Adults who have insufficient appetite, face challenges in preparing food, or consume low-quality diets are identified to be at risk of malnourishment. Indicators of a poor diet found in the study that were associated with psychological distress included low fruit and vegetable intake and higher levels of chocolate consumption.
Given that lower grip strength is a measure of poor nutrition, the researchers also explored the relationship between grip strength and psychological health. Men with low grip strength had 57% higher odds of psychological distress.
This finding is consistent with previous studies which suggests that psychological problems such as depression are associated with an increased risk of frailty says co-author Shen (Lamson) Lin, a doctoral student at University of Torontos Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW).Other factors associated with psychological distress among older CanadiansIn addition to nutrition indicators, other factors found to be associated with psychological distress include chronic pain, multiple physical health problems, poverty and immigrant status.
One in five older adults with three or more chronic health problems were in distress compared to one in 17 who did not have any chronic conditions. One-third of women and one-quarter of men in chronic pain were in distress.
Distress is common among those experiencing uncontrollable and chronic pain. Furthermore, dealing with multiple physical health problems can be upsetting and can make day-to-day activities, work and socializing much more difficult. says senior author, Esme Fuller-Thomson, professor at FIFSW and director of the Institute for Life Course & Aging. Fuller-Thomson is also cross-appointed to the Department of Family and Community Medicine and the Faculty of Nursing.
The prevalence of distress was highest among the poorest respondents; One in three older adults who had a household income under $20,000 per year were in distress.
It is not surprising that those in poverty were in such high levels of distress: Poverty is a chronic and debilitating stressor. It can often be challenging even to pay ones rent and put healthy food on the table. Poverty may also result in poorer housing and neighborhood quality, and greater residential turnover which are also stress-inducing, says co-author Yu Lung, a doctoral student at FIFSW.
The study also found that immigrant women living in Canada less than 20 years had a higher prevalence of distress than women who were Canadian-born residents (21% vs 14%).
Unfortunately, this survey did not identify the reasons for the greater distress among immigrant women, but we hypothesize that it may be due to the difficulties of resettling in a new country, such as language barriers, financial strain, complications of having ones qualifications recognized, distance from family and other social support networks and perceived discrimination says co-author Hongmei Tong, Assistant Professor of Social Work at MacEwan University in Edmonton.
Although immigrant men also face many of these settlement problems, they were not at elevated risk of distress compared to their Canadian-born peers, says co-author Karen Kobayashi, Professor in the Department of Sociology and a Research Affiliate at the Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health at the University of Victoria. One idea we hope to explore in future research is whether these gender differences could be due to the fact that the husbands initiated the immigration process and the wives may have had limited or no say in the decision to leave their homeland.
The study team analyzed data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging which included 25,834 men and women aged 45-85 years.
The teams findings suggest that policies and health care practices should aim to reduce nutrition risk, improve diet quality, address chronic pain and health problems and poverty among those experiencing poor mental health, adds Dr. Davison. Given that mental health conditions place a large burden of disability worldwide, such program and policy changes are becoming critically important.ReferenceDavison et al. (2020) Psychological distress in older adults linked to immigrant status, dietary intake, and physical health conditions in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Journal of Affective Disorders. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.01.024
This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.
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Study Highlights Link Between Nutrition and Psychological Wellbeing - Technology Networks
Posted: February 8, 2020 at 8:44 am
Experts say these are the most effective ways to lose weight after 50
There's no reason you can't look as fit and fabulous at 50 as you did at 40.
But there is one hitch: Even stars with personal trainers and nutrition coaches have to work a little harder to lose the pounds once they hit this milestone age.
One of the main reasons you'll have to put in extra effort: Your body composition changes as you age. You lose muscle mass at an average rate of 3-5% for every 10 years after age 35, and this can impact the way you burn fat. Your body goes into its aging stage as it leaves the growing one, says Dr. Luiza Petre, a New York City-based weight loss and management specialist, and assistant clinical professor of cardiology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. When this happens, your body doesnt need as much energy as it used to, she explains.
What's more, all those years of playing sports, running after your kids and walking up and down stairs take their toll. You may notice that your joints are a little stiffer and your muscles are a little sorer than they were a few decades ago. Then, there's the issue of your ever-evolving metabolism.
According to the American Council on Exercise, your resting metabolic rate, a.k.a. your body's ability to burn calories while sitting on the sofa doing nothing, decreases by about 1-2% per decade due to muscle mass loss and increased fat mass. Our diets usually don't change enough to account for this metabolic adjustment, meaning weight can creep up slowly but surely with every birthday.
"There are a number of roadblocks people in their 50s will face when trying to lose weight," says Brian Durbin, a NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist and personal trainer. "But once you know what they areand how to work around themit's easy to be successful at dropping pounds."
One of the best things you can do at any age is shake up your routine and try something new. Follow these tips to help you drop the pounds, and keep them off for good, courtesy of some of the worlds best weight-loss experts, dietitians and personal trainers
First stop after you celebrate the big 5-0your doctor's office. Your doctor can assess your current state of health, address any health problems that may be affecting your weight (like pre-diabetes or sleep apnea) and help you come up a plan for diet and exercise, says Dr. Petre. Your doctor may even be able to recommend a physical therapist or personal trainer for you.
Have your doctor check your hormone levels. As we age, progesterone, testosterone and other hormones decline, which sets the body up for storing fat instead of losing weight, says Dr. Jennifer Burns, a naturopathic physician in Phoenix. "Simply getting your thyroid, adrenal glands and other hormone levels checkedand then taking the appropriate steps to bring them back into balancecan go a long way toward helping people in their 50s lose weight," says Burns.
Dr. Tami Meraglia, author of The Hormone Secret: Discover Effortless Weight Loss and Renewed Energy in Just 30 Days, agrees, adding that she believes the hormone to focus on is testosteroneespecially for women over 50 who are trying to get fit. "There is ample discussion in the medical community about the effects of estrogen loss, but few people are aware of the importance of sufficient testosterone levels, which can help a woman slim down," says Dr. Meraglia. In fact, research shows that balanced testosterone levels reduce blood glucose levels, which may help promote weight loss and shrink stubborn belly fat.
Declaring that youre going to lose 20 pounds before your beach vacation next month is unrealistic, not to mention unhealthy. Be honest with yourself. How do you feel? How healthy are you? Making life changes takes courage and mental fortitude, says Dr. Petre. Break up big goals into smaller, more achievable ones. Focusing on how you're feeling and the positive changes you're making to your lifestyle, instead of the number on the scale, will help you stay motivated to reach your goals. Triumphs make your courage grow, she adds. Small achievements amount to large goals achieved.
There are dozens of different eating plans buzzing around the internet, each claiming to help you shed the pounds without feeling deprived (some of best diets for weight loss in 2020 are the Mediterranean Diet, the DASH Diet and WW Freestyle). If you're not sure which one works best for your lifestyle, talk to a dietitian, who can break down the pros and cons and help you choose one that fits your nutritional needs and goals. An RD will also give you ideas on how to resolve road blocks that may get in the way of your goals, like emotional/stress eating, food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies and meal-prep fatigue.
At 50, you've been around the block enough times to know that fad diets don't work. No crazy fasts, cleanses, cutting out fats or complex carbohydrates or proteins, says Jillian Michaels, health and wellness expert and author of The 6 Keys: Unlock Your Genetic Potential for Ageless Strength, Health and Beauty. Instead, consider following a medically supervised, clinically proven plan. Dr. Petre explains that these types of programs have a weight-loss success rate of more than 75%, especially if they involve personal support and weekly check-ins.
Even if you've never picked up a dumbbell in your life, now is the perfect time to learn to love the weight room (but seriously, if you're a newbie, work with a trainer first so you don't hurt yourself!). Because the secret to losing weight over 50 is this: Build more muscle mass to increase your metabolism (you've got about 20% less now than you did when you were 20). "The good news is you can turn all of this around with a well-structured weight-training routine," Durbin says. "That can help you regain the ability to lose weight like you were able to 20 years ago," he says. Aim to lift weights at least twice a week, whether you use free weights or machines or do bodyweight exercises. It doesn't hurt to lift every dayjust make sure to work different muscle groups or train differently each day.
Janna Lowell, a Los Angelesbased personal trainer, says she gets the best results among her 50-somethings when she has them do some cross training in the pool. Tired joints can keep you from getting a great workout, she says, and aches and pains can turn some people off exercise completely. "Water exercise is easy on the joints and can boost range of motion as well," says Lowell. "Even better, caloric expenditure is about 30% greater in the water than on land due to the resistance water creates." No pool? No problem. Walking is another great, low-impact cardiovascular exercise, as are cycling, kayaking, yoga and dancing.
If you're going to put in the effort to block out the time, don't let your exhaustion or aching joints hold you back from going all out! Alex Allred, a former national and professional athlete turned personal trainer, says this is one of her biggest pet peeves among 50-year-olds. "Far too many people think that just because they showed up, they're working out," says Allred. "But really, you need to be focused on what you're doing and pushing yourself hard enough to break a sweat or at least complete the full range of motion of a certain exercise." Not sure if you're doing a move properly? Ask! "I wish more people would flag down a trainer and ask, 'Am I doing this correctly?'" says Allred. It can make the difference between making the most of your exercise time to lose weight and wasting your time or injuring yourself.
If an aching back, wonky knee or creaky hip has kept you from working out on a regular basis, make an appointment with a physical therapist, suggests Samira Shuruk, an ACE-certified personal trainer. "After 50, many people have sustained injuries and don't know what their activity options are," she says. "Getting advice from a professional can truly help." Physical therapy can also help you rehabilitate an old injury or ease joint and muscle pain, setting you up for pain-free workouts.
Just like pop music isn't the same as it was when you were in your 30s, your metabolism has changed, too, which means you're burning about 250 fewer calories each day. So if you continue to eat like you did in the early 2000sand don't increase your exerciseyou'll inevitably gain weight, says Dr. Katie Ferraro, a registered dietitian and assistant clinical professor of nutrition at the University of CaliforniaSan Francisco School of Nursing. Eliminating the junk food in your diet and replacing it with loads of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can make cutting calories painless, she says.
Its not just what you eat, but how you eat that matters in your 50s, claims Dr. Anthony Dissen, a registered dietitian nutritionist and Vice President of Nutrition at WellStart Health. He suggests focusing on fullness, not portion control, when you are planning your meals. If our stomachs arent full, we dont feel full, and well stay hungry, he points out. When it comes to healthy weight loss and management, we want to strike that important balance between eating until we feel full and satisfied while still decreasing our overall calorie intake.
Between paying college tuition for your kids, juggling more and more responsibilities at work and dealing with aging parents, your 50s can be a prime-time for stress, says Durbin. The result? Emotional eating and a schedule that seems too jam-packed for regular exercise sessions. The solution: Schedule your workouts like they're doctor's appointments, he says. Sticking to a consistent routine can not only help ease stress, it can also help you stay on track with your diet. After all, who wants to ruin the benefits of a tough sweat session by eating a donut?
One great thing about being 50you are completely over the social pressure to stay out late. Doing your best to get seven to eight hours of snooze time every night is key to helping you lose weight, says Michaels. Dr. Petre adds that the two hormones that regulate appetiteleptin and ghrelingo into overdrive without regular shut-eye. This can trigger excessive hunger and lead to poor food choices and weight gain at any age, she says. Find a list of proven of sleep strategies right here.
Its important to practice mindfulness, especially when youre eating. The more we try to multi-task while we eat, the more likely we are to overeat and not feel as satisfied by the meal or snack weve just eaten, Dr. Dissen explains. By simply taking a breath and treating our mealtime as special, it allows us to really taste our food and notice its flavors, textures and tastes. Mindfulness can aid in stress relief, too. Michaels suggests practicing five to 10 minutes of meditation a day.
Whether it's treating yourself to manicure or taking a mental health day from work, taking care of yourself shouldn't be looked at as a luxury. The smallest gestures can make a big difference in reducing stress, which can make a big impact on your weight loss. Plus, when you show yourself a little more love, you can use that energy to do things that support your goals, like eating healthy, exercising and meditating. Not sure how to start a self-care routine? First ask yourself why you need more time to take care of yourself. Are you working too many late hours at the office? Do you feel burned out and wish you could be calmer? Once you figure out why you need to make some more time for yourself, it can help you decide what will be a good activity or routine for you.
The rest is here:
Experts say these are the most effective ways to lose weight after 50 - Alton Telegraph
Posted: February 6, 2020 at 8:45 pm
Experts say these are the most effective ways to lose weight after 50
There's no reason you can't look as fit and fabulous at 50 as you did at 40.
But there is one hitch: Even stars with personal trainers and nutrition coaches have to work a little harder to lose the pounds once they hit this milestone age.
One of the main reasons you'll have to put in extra effort: Your body composition changes as you age. You lose muscle mass at an average rate of 3-5% for every 10 years after age 35, and this can impact the way you burn fat. Your body goes into its aging stage as it leaves the growing one, says Dr. Luiza Petre, a New York City-based weight loss and management specialist, and assistant clinical professor of cardiology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. When this happens, your body doesnt need as much energy as it used to, she explains.
What's more, all those years of playing sports, running after your kids and walking up and down stairs take their toll. You may notice that your joints are a little stiffer and your muscles are a little sorer than they were a few decades ago. Then, there's the issue of your ever-evolving metabolism.
According to the American Council on Exercise, your resting metabolic rate, a.k.a. your body's ability to burn calories while sitting on the sofa doing nothing, decreases by about 1-2% per decade due to muscle mass loss and increased fat mass. Our diets usually don't change enough to account for this metabolic adjustment, meaning weight can creep up slowly but surely with every birthday.
"There are a number of roadblocks people in their 50s will face when trying to lose weight," says Brian Durbin, a NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist and personal trainer. "But once you know what they areand how to work around themit's easy to be successful at dropping pounds."
One of the best things you can do at any age is shake up your routine and try something new. Follow these tips to help you drop the pounds, and keep them off for good, courtesy of some of the worlds best weight-loss experts, dietitians and personal trainers
First stop after you celebrate the big 5-0your doctor's office. Your doctor can assess your current state of health, address any health problems that may be affecting your weight (like pre-diabetes or sleep apnea) and help you come up a plan for diet and exercise, says Dr. Petre. Your doctor may even be able to recommend a physical therapist or personal trainer for you.
Have your doctor check your hormone levels. As we age, progesterone, testosterone and other hormones decline, which sets the body up for storing fat instead of losing weight, says Dr. Jennifer Burns, a naturopathic physician in Phoenix. "Simply getting your thyroid, adrenal glands and other hormone levels checkedand then taking the appropriate steps to bring them back into balancecan go a long way toward helping people in their 50s lose weight," says Burns.
Dr. Tami Meraglia, author of The Hormone Secret: Discover Effortless Weight Loss and Renewed Energy in Just 30 Days, agrees, adding that she believes the hormone to focus on is testosteroneespecially for women over 50 who are trying to get fit. "There is ample discussion in the medical community about the effects of estrogen loss, but few people are aware of the importance of sufficient testosterone levels, which can help a woman slim down," says Dr. Meraglia. In fact, research shows that balanced testosterone levels reduce blood glucose levels, which may help promote weight loss and shrink stubborn belly fat.
Declaring that youre going to lose 20 pounds before your beach vacation next month is unrealistic, not to mention unhealthy. Be honest with yourself. How do you feel? How healthy are you? Making life changes takes courage and mental fortitude, says Dr. Petre. Break up big goals into smaller, more achievable ones. Focusing on how you're feeling and the positive changes you're making to your lifestyle, instead of the number on the scale, will help you stay motivated to reach your goals. Triumphs make your courage grow, she adds. Small achievements amount to large goals achieved.
There are dozens of different eating plans buzzing around the internet, each claiming to help you shed the pounds without feeling deprived (some of best diets for weight loss in 2020 are the Mediterranean Diet, the DASH Diet and WW Freestyle). If you're not sure which one works best for your lifestyle, talk to a dietitian, who can break down the pros and cons and help you choose one that fits your nutritional needs and goals. An RD will also give you ideas on how to resolve road blocks that may get in the way of your goals, like emotional/stress eating, food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies and meal-prep fatigue.
At 50, you've been around the block enough times to know that fad diets don't work. No crazy fasts, cleanses, cutting out fats or complex carbohydrates or proteins, says Jillian Michaels, health and wellness expert and author of The 6 Keys: Unlock Your Genetic Potential for Ageless Strength, Health and Beauty. Instead, consider following a medically supervised, clinically proven plan. Dr. Petre explains that these types of programs have a weight-loss success rate of more than 75%, especially if they involve personal support and weekly check-ins.
Even if you've never picked up a dumbbell in your life, now is the perfect time to learn to love the weight room (but seriously, if you're a newbie, work with a trainer first so you don't hurt yourself!). Because the secret to losing weight over 50 is this: Build more muscle mass to increase your metabolism (you've got about 20% less now than you did when you were 20). "The good news is you can turn all of this around with a well-structured weight-training routine," Durbin says. "That can help you regain the ability to lose weight like you were able to 20 years ago," he says. Aim to lift weights at least twice a week, whether you use free weights or machines or do bodyweight exercises. It doesn't hurt to lift every dayjust make sure to work different muscle groups or train differently each day.
Janna Lowell, a Los Angelesbased personal trainer, says she gets the best results among her 50-somethings when she has them do some cross training in the pool. Tired joints can keep you from getting a great workout, she says, and aches and pains can turn some people off exercise completely. "Water exercise is easy on the joints and can boost range of motion as well," says Lowell. "Even better, caloric expenditure is about 30% greater in the water than on land due to the resistance water creates." No pool? No problem. Walking is another great, low-impact cardiovascular exercise, as are cycling, kayaking, yoga and dancing.
If you're going to put in the effort to block out the time, don't let your exhaustion or aching joints hold you back from going all out! Alex Allred, a former national and professional athlete turned personal trainer, says this is one of her biggest pet peeves among 50-year-olds. "Far too many people think that just because they showed up, they're working out," says Allred. "But really, you need to be focused on what you're doing and pushing yourself hard enough to break a sweat or at least complete the full range of motion of a certain exercise." Not sure if you're doing a move properly? Ask! "I wish more people would flag down a trainer and ask, 'Am I doing this correctly?'" says Allred. It can make the difference between making the most of your exercise time to lose weight and wasting your time or injuring yourself.
If an aching back, wonky knee or creaky hip has kept you from working out on a regular basis, make an appointment with a physical therapist, suggests Samira Shuruk, an ACE-certified personal trainer. "After 50, many people have sustained injuries and don't know what their activity options are," she says. "Getting advice from a professional can truly help." Physical therapy can also help you rehabilitate an old injury or ease joint and muscle pain, setting you up for pain-free workouts.
Just like pop music isn't the same as it was when you were in your 30s, your metabolism has changed, too, which means you're burning about 250 fewer calories each day. So if you continue to eat like you did in the early 2000sand don't increase your exerciseyou'll inevitably gain weight, says Dr. Katie Ferraro, a registered dietitian and assistant clinical professor of nutrition at the University of CaliforniaSan Francisco School of Nursing. Eliminating the junk food in your diet and replacing it with loads of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can make cutting calories painless, she says.
Its not just what you eat, but how you eat that matters in your 50s, claims Dr. Anthony Dissen, a registered dietitian nutritionist and Vice President of Nutrition at WellStart Health. He suggests focusing on fullness, not portion control, when you are planning your meals. If our stomachs arent full, we dont feel full, and well stay hungry, he points out. When it comes to healthy weight loss and management, we want to strike that important balance between eating until we feel full and satisfied while still decreasing our overall calorie intake.
Between paying college tuition for your kids, juggling more and more responsibilities at work and dealing with aging parents, your 50s can be a prime-time for stress, says Durbin. The result? Emotional eating and a schedule that seems too jam-packed for regular exercise sessions. The solution: Schedule your workouts like they're doctor's appointments, he says. Sticking to a consistent routine can not only help ease stress, it can also help you stay on track with your diet. After all, who wants to ruin the benefits of a tough sweat session by eating a donut?
One great thing about being 50you are completely over the social pressure to stay out late. Doing your best to get seven to eight hours of snooze time every night is key to helping you lose weight, says Michaels. Dr. Petre adds that the two hormones that regulate appetiteleptin and ghrelingo into overdrive without regular shut-eye. This can trigger excessive hunger and lead to poor food choices and weight gain at any age, she says. Find a list of proven of sleep strategies right here.
Its important to practice mindfulness, especially when youre eating. The more we try to multi-task while we eat, the more likely we are to overeat and not feel as satisfied by the meal or snack weve just eaten, Dr. Dissen explains. By simply taking a breath and treating our mealtime as special, it allows us to really taste our food and notice its flavors, textures and tastes. Mindfulness can aid in stress relief, too. Michaels suggests practicing five to 10 minutes of meditation a day.
Whether it's treating yourself to manicure or taking a mental health day from work, taking care of yourself shouldn't be looked at as a luxury. The smallest gestures can make a big difference in reducing stress, which can make a big impact on your weight loss. Plus, when you show yourself a little more love, you can use that energy to do things that support your goals, like eating healthy, exercising and meditating. Not sure how to start a self-care routine? First ask yourself why you need more time to take care of yourself. Are you working too many late hours at the office? Do you feel burned out and wish you could be calmer? Once you figure out why you need to make some more time for yourself, it can help you decide what will be a good activity or routine for you.
Read the rest here:
Experts say these are the most effective ways to lose weight after 50 - Thehour.com
