Can you lose weight on bipolar meds?

Being diagnosed with bipolar disorder is no walk in the park. Not only are you dealing with fluctuating moods, but you also have to deal with taking medications that often come with unwanted side effects such as weight gain.

But fear not! In this article, we will explore whether it’s possible for individuals to lose weight while on bipolar meds and provide some tips to help you achieve your weight loss goals without compromising your mental health.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Medications

Before diving into the topic of losing weight on bipolar meds, let’s first understand what bipolar disorder is all about and how medications work.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings between highs (mania) and lows (depression). The two primary types of medication used to treat bipolar disorder are mood stabilizers and antipsychotics.

Mood stabilizers help control manic episodes, prevent relapse, and stabilize moods. Antipsychotics help manage severe symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations during manic or depressive episodes.

Now that we know what kinds of medicines are typically prescribed for bipolar disease let’s tackle the issue at hand; can one lose weight whilst taking these drugs?

Can You Lose Weight on Bipolar Meds?

The short answer is yes; it’s possible to lose weight while taking bipolar meds. However, losing pounds may require some effort due to body changes related side effects caused by medications like increased appetite cravings or sluggishness which make physical activity seem arduous indeed! Losing those extra pounds requires diligence so buckle up!

It’s essential first to realize that not everyone who takes bipolar medicine gains significant amounts of weight -especially if they stay active through regular exercising- but for those who do experience an increase in their BMI(Body Mass Index), Here are several ways inspired people have had success in losing weight while taking bipolar meds:

Mindful Eating

One strategy that has helped many people with bipolar disorder lose weight is by practicing mindful eating. This technique involves being aware of what you eat, how much, and the impact it has on your body.

When eating mindfully:
– You are more likely to enjoy each bite and consume fewer calories.
– You treat yourself without overdoing it – this avoids engaging in binge-eating habits if feeling down.

Tips for mindful eating include:
– Eating slowly so that you can experience every flavor
– paying attention to hunger cues,
– avoiding distraction when dining (such as watching television), among others!

Regular Exercise Routine

Physical activity not only boosts mood but also helps burn calories leading into sweating off those pounds gained due to medication side effects.

Here are some easy ways inspired individuals have found success incorporating exercise into their routine:
1. Walking 10,000 steps per day – grab a pedometer to track progress!
2. Dancing or aerobics classes thrice weekly keeps the outdoor life fun and exciting!
3. Enroling in a fitness programme like CrossFit or Yoga will whip up an awesome physique

Portion control

Consistently consuming moderate portions reduces calorie intake—preventing excess weight gain.

A great way to track portions sizes is utilizing smaller plates; hence there’s little room for extra servings! Alternatively, one could use pre-packed portion-sized-meals delivered direct-to-doorsteps but be cautious as they tend to cost quite a penny!

Drinking water regularly

Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily can help reduce appetite cravings making healthy replacements fit where junk food cravings lay usually checkmated! Snacking on fruits and keeping away from sugary drinks alleviates dehydration-related feelings related thereby preventing increased chances of life-threatening conditions such as kidney stones.

Final Thoughts

Losing weight while taking bipolar medication may require a bit of extra effort, but it’s by no means impossible. Don’t despair; slow and steady wins the race! Consistency with an inspired approach through mindful eating habits, regular exercise routine, portion control, drinking water regularly should yield noticeable results over time.

Remember that losing weight is rarely about quick fixes or crash diets – If loss does not happen as swiftly as presumed- DONT QUIT!! Putting to practice at least one thing in this article you were previously unaware of could prevent any hiccups meaning you bounce back to optimal health faster than initially anticipated.

Stay active! Stay Mentally Healthy!

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