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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Pandemic Pudgy

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bellingham, WA

Anyone else gain weight during the pandemic?
My shadow is expanding. My clothes are shrinking.
Instead of a skinny dipper I am now a chunky dunker.

January 17, 2021 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the shared experience of pandemic weight gain, with many describing how lockdowns, reduced activity, stress, and... Read more

Members connected over the shared experience of pandemic weight gain, with many describing how lockdowns, reduced activity, stress, and fibromyalgia symptoms contributed to putting on pounds that felt much harder to lose than they were to gain. Several members offered practical strategies for weight management, including tracking food intake, eating high-protein and low-carb meals, staying hydrated, setting regular meal times, and alternating calorie intake to keep metabolism active. A recurring theme was the need for self-compassion and understanding that chronic illness, medication side effects, and unprecedented stress all play a role in weight fluctuations.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I started out gaining a couple of pounds. Please don't think I am bragging when I tell you that fortunatly, I realized what I was doing and decided to lose a few extra pounds. So glad I did. It is sooo easy to gain, and sooo hard to lose. Guess it's bcuz of the inactivity of being locked down, plus our illnesses keeping us down.

January 18, 2021
A MyFibroTeam Member

Oh I hear you.

January 17, 2021
A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member
Understand. I take tramadol without weight loss, but I do have ulcerative colitis, an Inflammatory Bowel Disease. When I get a flare, food does not stay in me long. So I lose weight.

I do pray you get better soon. Then having fibro complicates it, bcuz you don't often feel like cooking proper foods. That is a major problem for me.

I think I recall you have a lot demanded of you. That can really drain you, physically and emotionally.

Take care, if you can. Lots of empathy and hugs, with prayer.
Lee2

February 16, 2021
A MyFibroTeam Member

They suspect that my weight loss may be caused by a combination of my digestive issues and tramadol

February 12, 2021
A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member
I understand about losing weight. I am a normal low weight (112), but my poor husband has lost 20 pounds and eats constantly. He tries so hard, but he keeps losing. He is in pain mgmt for a very bad spine, so the doc thinks it is the pain meds causing the loss. Tests have mot shown a serious reason.

I hope you dont end up losing too much after your surgery. Can you ask for a high cslorie version of the liquid you will take?

I pray it goes well for you.

Hugs from Texas.
Lee2

February 10, 2021

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