With some medical conditions, it is common to lose weight without attempting. Even if you were carrying extra pounds before getting sick, unintentional weight loss can become a health risk. At what point should you be worried?
"If someone loses more than 10% of their weight within a 6-month period, we believe that they are at risk of nutrition," says Marcia Nahikian-Nelms, PhD, RDN, director of coordinated dietary programs in the state of Ohio University College of Medicine.
Even if you could lose 10%, the drop in the scale for a relatively short period of time can make it harder for your body to heal.
"The ability to do it through treatment and recovery depends on lean body mass," says Nahikian-Nelms. When a person with overweight, fighting against an unintentional disease, "they do not lose only fat, they also lose muscles. The loss of muscle is what really puts someone at risk of nutrition. It affects strength and immune function. system]. "
These seven tips can help you minimize weight loss.
Weight Loss Coach - When Is Losing Weight a Problem?
This may seem like an add-on for an already long list when you or someone you love has a medical condition. But weight loss can be easy to lose otherwise.
"I recommend that patients get regularly, at least weekly, keep an eye on the trend," says Lisa Cimperman, RD, a spokesman for the Nutrition and Dietetics Academy.
"For someone not to do this, signs of weakness and fatigue may be the first things you see to warn you for the fact that your loved one has lost a significant amount of weight."
Play off the notion of three square meals. Add snacks and eat throughout the day. You are looking to keep calories entering.
When you have a medical condition, weight loss can set it up for malnutrition. It is when you do not receive the right amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
People who are malnourished and are admitted to the hospital take longer to heal wounds, stay more time at the hospital, and are more likely to be readmitted. They are also at risk for post-surgical complications up to two to five times higher.
"I tell my patients all the time", let's pack each bite or sip with calories, proteins and other nutrients, "says Nahikian-Nelms.
If you have problems that mastigue or swallowing, work with a dietist in strategies, such as mashed food to ensure enough nutrition.
"We can change the texture of food and the way we give them to you to make sure you get the nutrients you need," says Nahikian-Nelms.
Your doctor or a nutritionist can also suggest other ways to get the calories and nutrients that your body needs if meals and snacks are not enough.
Make a short walk every day. It will increase your hunger and your energy. Search backs up. Studies show that the aerobic exercise helped alleviate fatigue in adults during and after cancer treatment. So when it is possible, try to be active, even if it is not as active as it used to be.
Do not drink water before and during meals. It will fill you and you will eat less. Drink between meals instead so that you do not run back at mealtime.
Try this trick if you are taking care of a loved one who needs to eat everything that is served for them. Put your favorite food on the other side of the dish, with the other things they need to eat closer to them. Encourage them to start with items they need and work the way for those who enjoy more.
