Weight loss common in stroke survivors
Recently, a That's Fit reader sent us a question. Several years ago she had a stroke. Since then she has lost too much weight and was looking for advice on gaining weight healthfully. It's such a great question. So often health and wellness sites focus on tips for weight loss, but anyone who's on the other side of the scale needs help, too. Just like there are unhealthy ways to lose weight, there are also unhealthy ways to gain it. It's important to work with a professional to gain weight healthfully.Weight loss is common in stroke survivors. In fact, a cousin of mine had a stroke a couple of years ago and has subsequently lost far too much weight. While the reasons could be different for every survivor, some possible reasons for weight loss include difficulty swallowing, depression, decreased food intake, and neurological conditions that make eating difficult.
If you or someone you know is a stroke survivor and has experienced severe weight loss, the first step is to see your doctor. Your doctor will likely run tests to verify that there is nothing else that's causing the weight loss. If no other issues are discovered, you will likely be referred to a registered dietitian. An RD can give you personalized advice on how to gain weight healthfully and maintain that weight gain. The American Stroke Association has more information for living a healthy life after a stroke.
Starbucks revamps its breakfast menu
Fructose makes you fat
10 top foods for a good night's sleep
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-13-2008 @ 9:44AM
greg birkofer said...
I am a 48 year old male. I had a stroke this past January when I weighed in at 205 pounds. As of today my weight is down to 165. I have been to the doctor and he has run to blood tests and other tests. I am scheduled to see a G.I. doctor this week. I feel fine but I am suffering from depression and some of that is I am tired of people talking about my weight. I eat good and walk every day. I was put on a basically cardiac diet when I left hospital in February. Why do people keep looking to find out something elsi is wrong wirh me. Thank you for this article.
Reply
7-13-2008 @ 9:47AM
Maggie Vink said...
Hi Greg,
I'm sorry you're having to deal with all of that. It must be so frustrating. And all the GI tests and so forth must be annoying after having your life so monitored by doctors and so many post-stroke tests. It's all a matter of procedure, though. So hang in there and you'll get through it. Hopefully your doctors won't find anything else wrong and you'll be able to work with a nutritionist to find tricks that will help you get back to your fighting weight.
All the best!
Reply