Dieting and Bipolar

[honeybee]

I suffer with Bipolar disorder and am currently depressed.Because of this I'm finding it hard to motivate my self to stick with my diet also my medications make me feel hungry all the time so I'm really struggling.my bmi is 20 but I feel like I need to loose weight as since starting olanzapine I've gained weight.Any advice would be helpful.

[Wendy Green]

Hi,

If your BMI is currently 20 then you really don't need to worry about your weight. A BMI ranging between
18.5-24.9 is classed as a healthy weight for your height and you're at the lower end of the range.

For more information on your BMI and a BMI calculator follow this link:
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/loseweight/p ... index.aspx

Perhaps your current depressed state is making you worry about your weight unnecessarily?

Focus instead on eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes poultry, fish - including oily fish,lean meat and low-fat dairy foods as well as whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and nuts and seeds; these foods will supply the amino acids, fats, vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy mind and body. Make sure you take regular exercise too - outdoors in a green space if you can - as this will help to improve your mood and maintain your healthy weight.

I hope your depression lifts soon.

[Jenny Radcliffe]

Hi Honeybee

I don't really have much to add to Wendy's very sensible advice.

You are currently a normal BMI and it is not helpful to become overly concerned about your weight as this can set up unhelpful eating patterns, for example being overly restricted in your food intake leading to episodes of overeating. This kind of erratic eating tends to result in weight gain in the longer term.

You are right that psychiatric medication like olanzapine can result in increased appetite and weight gain. The best way of managing this is by having three balanced meals a day with plenty of fruit and vegetables and lean protein. Fad diets that recommend cutting out whole food groups are not helpful. Regular physical activity, even just a daily brisk walk, will help with weight management and your mental health.

[Dr Masud Haq]

Hi Honeybee

The only thing I would add is that if you have bipolar disorder then it would be worth seeking some further advice from your specialist as it's quite possible that the olanzapine treatment may need to be reviewed.

best wishes