How long does it take to lose weight after lithium?

Are you one of the people who have been prescribed with lithium and wondering how long it would take your body to lose weight after taking this medication? Well, we have some news for you! It is not as simple as you think.

Lithium is a medication that is commonly used in treating mental disorders such as bipolar disorder. One of its side effects includes weight gain, which could be very frustrating for many. The good news is that there are ways to counteract this effect and make sure that you achieve your desired weight loss goal without compromising your mental health.

So hang tight and keep reading because we are about to dive into all the details on how long it takes to lose weight after lithium!

Why Do You Gain Weight While Taking Lithium?

Before diving into how long it would take you to burn off those extra pounds from lithium, let us first understand why this happens.

Lithium can cause various changes in metabolism that could lead individuals taking them prone to gaining more than 20% of their previous bodyweight (now THAT’S what I call a big Bang!). This has something do with decreasing thyroid hormone levels responsible for our regulating metabolism (say what?).

Furthermore,lithium increases appetite while at the same time reducing an individual’s physical activity, making energy consumption much lower than normal.

Another way lithum causes weight gain involves water retention by upregulating anti-diuretic hormones leading individuals taking them engorge more fluids.

How Long Does It Take To Lose Weigh

We know patience isn’t everyone’s strength when trying out new therapy or diets but losing weight can never happen overnight. On average, safe amount of pounds tends toward 1-2 lbs per week although an individual may experience faster progress if strictly following appropriate dietery practices;
consuming adequate protein
fiber
minimal high calorie beverages
vegetables and fruits
limiting processed foods.

However, how long / the pace of losing weight from lithium is very patient-specific, as every individual’s body functions differently toward medication depending on various factors like metabolic rate (how fast/slow one converts food to energy), hormones level (there is gender specificity such that women tend to fill up their fat reserve faster than men).

This table gives an average idea of what duration you could anticipate gaining a significant traction against your gained weights.

Duration Of Weight Gain Time To Begin Losing
A week or two Several weeks
A few weeks One – four months
Months Connected with discontinuation

Note: The withdrawal symptom here, apart from rapid mood changes also involves a fast decrease in retained fluids followed by daily urine output from kidney; make sure you balance out drinking adequate amount of water/fluids in order not to get dehydrated.

Ways To Counteract Lithium-Related Weight Gain

Although it takes time, consider:
Regular exercise plan : Your activity plan doesn’t have to be rocket science but incorporating something simple as after-meal walks can contribute positively toward burning off more calories.

  • Median-calorie dietary intake : Consultation-targeted diets are recommended especially for individuals predisposed to hormone-influenced increases plateau-level weight gains.
    Losing 1/2lb per week isn’t advisable, except extensive obesity case scenario which typically requires a medical professional’s involvement even for dieting practices.

For vegetarian-friendly protein sources try the following :

 Lentils
 Beans
 Peanut butter

Extra tip: Eating regularly throughout the day makes it less likely to swing midday between heavy meals and indulgently snacking over high calorie beverages like alcoholic drinks or milkshakes during lunchbreaks.

  • Sleeping enough : Sleep is such a fundamental activity that we believe no one needs convincing on. That being said, not getting adequate rest will lead to weight gain as an individual’s metabolism slows down during sleep-insufficiency periods.

  • Always consult with your doctor and keep him aware of all changes you make, in case the medication dose needs adjusting.

Conclusion

Losing Weight from lithium can be tedious but doesn’t have to be impossible! It takes time, effort, dedication and patience (and love!). Incorporating minor changes gradually into daily lifestyle routine prooves especially helpful when achieving long term results…
Just remember :

  • Regular exercise
  • Controlled calorie-intake through consultation-targeted diets
  • Adequate sleep

And before you know it,you’ll find yourself looking well-splendid quite chuffed with becoming healthier day by day!

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