Weight Problem Advice urgently needed

[mrdee 1]

Hello,Let me begin with giving you some background information:I am 50 years old, male.I am 1.70 m. (5 ft 6 in) tall.I weigh 108 kg (16.5 stone, 238 lbs).I am diabetic and use insulin (which is not exactly good for losing weight).My problem is:I eat sensibly, which I can see by the fact that my sugar levels are normal, for eating I follow the GI (Glycaemic Index) of foods, and eat only the things which have a low GI and hence do not raise my blood sugar.I work out in the gym every day and do karate twice a week.Last year I managed to lose a lot of weight by eating the way I do now and taking regular exercise.However, even though I torture myself at the gym, and my muscles clearly feel that something is happening to them, I don't see any real difference.Worse even, when I stepped on the scales last Saturday, my weight had gone from 105 kg (16.5 stone, 231 lbs) to my current weight. That means I had put on more than half a stone (6.6 lbs to be exact) in 3 weeks time.Surely, by living the lefestyle I do, I should not put on any weight, should I?I know some people would argue now, "Yes, but muscle weighs more than fat", but surely, I should, apart from growing muscle, be burning fat as well, shouldn't I?After all, my current weight is far too high for someone my height, isn't it?Has anyone seen a similar problem before (or been in a similar situation)?Or even better, is there anyone who can offer some useful advice?Anything will be gratefully accepted.

Edited October 28, 2008 by mrdee (see edit history)

[Running With Scissors 0]

Instead of going to the gym (or if you have the time to do both great) try running every day or every other day. If you don't think you can do that try a walk to run program like this Click Here
Running burns a lot more carbs then going to the gym does. I know that it can be hard to gather the motivation to run outside during the winter so get a friend to do it with you. If you do this walk to run program I gave you the weight will fall off you in no time. Just make sure to maintain a heathly diet along with the program.
I hope this helps. If you have any questions just ask.

[Tran-Gate 0]

Get DDR (dance dance revolution)!! It is a fun way to burn a lot of carbs......

[mrdee 1]

Thank you for the advice so far.About running, would running daily on the treadmill at the gym also help (while I am there anyway)?It is indoors, but I assume the movements and effort are the same, plus you can also adjust the treadmill as if you were running up hill.Is that also a viable solution?Thanks.

Edited October 29, 2008 by mrdee (see edit history)

[harrison858 0]

I think you could try the treadmill for like a week or so. Some people have said that the best time to jog is in the morning, around 5-6AM because you get fresh air, you sweat more, and it helps your immune system.

Edited November 1, 2008 by harrison858 (see edit history)

[Running With Scissors 0]

Get DDR (dance dance revolution)!! It is a fun way to burn a lot of carbs......

lol I guess that would work too. I have never tried it but it looks like it could be a decent form of working out.

Thank you for the advice so far.About running, would running daily on the treadmill at the gym also help (while I am there anyway)?
It is indoors, but I assume the movements and effort are the same, plus you can also adjust the treadmill as if you were running up hill.
Is that also a viable solution?

Thanks.

I prefer running outside because of the wind and the hills and such make it harder hence burn more fat (or for me get faster). A tredmill works too but I personally hate them because I think my stride is too bug and it forces me to shorten it or fall of the back. I have been told before that running on the tredmill does have all the effect as running outside does and it makes sence. Onside you must push yourself forward with every step but on the tredmill all you do is pick up your feet and put them in front of you (no forward push off). In the begining the tredmill should be fine but I think you'll find running outside more enjoyable because there is more to see. Maybe if the gym is in a reasonable distance you could bike there and back.

I think you could try the treadmill for like a week or so.
Some people have said that the best time to jog is in the morning, around 5-6AM because you get fresh air, you sweat more, and it helps your immune system.

I like running during the middle of the day in the winter and around the time you said in the summer or sometimes 7pm. Running does help your immune system in the long run but during a hard workout your defence levels are low.

[anwiii 17]

do more cardiovascular excersizes. treadmill, swimming laps is good, jumping jacks, etc. if you belong to a gym, ask a trainer there what a good excersize program for you is. if you're just building muscles, you're gonna gain weight. try burning the fat by doing the excersizes that make you breath hard. if you're not building up a sweat, you need to start doing that. don't drink too much before you hit the gym, but drink a lot of water after you're done so you don't dehydrate.i also suggest eating some carbs a couple hours before you hit the gym.

[encryptedwrath 0]

A medical consultation would probably be the first thing you'd want to do. If it turns out to be a problem , then at least you found out the problem , if not , then try some weight loss machines like Wii Fit , or go out Jogging every day . Also , carry on with the gym but don't be too dependent on it

[ihost 0]

Hello,

 

Let me begin with giving you some background information:

I am 50 years old, male.

I am 1.70 m. (5 ft 6 in) tall.

I weigh 108 kg (16.5 stone, 238 lbs).

I am diabetic and use insulin (which is not exactly good for losing weight).

 

My problem is:

I eat sensibly, which I can see by the fact that my sugar levels are normal, for eating I follow the GI (Glycaemic Index) of foods, and eat only the things which have a low GI and hence do not raise my blood sugar.

 

I work out in the gym every day and do karate twice a week.

Last year I managed to lose a lot of weight by eating the way I do now and taking regular exercise.

 

However, even though I torture myself at the gym, and my muscles clearly feel that something is happening to them, I don't see any real difference.

Worse even, when I stepped on the scales last Saturday, my weight had gone from 105 kg (16.5 stone, 231 lbs) to my current weight. That means I had put on more than half a stone (6.6 lbs to be exact) in 3 weeks time.

Surely, by living the lefestyle I do, I should not put on any weight, should I?

I know some people would argue now, "Yes, but muscle weighs more than fat", but surely, I should, apart from growing muscle, be burning fat as well, shouldn't I?

After all, my current weight is far too high for someone my height, isn't it?

 

Has anyone seen a similar problem before (or been in a similar situation)?

Or even better, is there anyone who can offer some useful advice?

Anything will be gratefully accepted.

Hi mrdee,

 

First of all, it is not normal for you to have rapid weight gain, because it does not fall into diabetes type 2 symptoms (neither the type 1).

The following are the common symptoms of diabetes which you've probably already noticed:

 

Unusual weight loss, Excessive thirst and hunger, Increased fatigue, Irritability Blurry vision and so on.

So as you can see, there is no way diabetes would be the cause of it.

So you've got to see a doctor so he can send you to a specialist and check the following: Heart, Liver, Kidney.

Actually, it is really common to have an heart failure, ovary syndrome or even a cushing syndrome. Get your tyroid checked also in case.

 

There is a strong relationship between various autoimmune diseases, especially between Type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid conditions, celiacs disease, etc.

I'm not sure how strong the link is between Type 2 diabetes and hashimotos, because hashimotos can result in an underactive thyroid, which can result in weight gain. Keep your weight in check and thyroid levels (TSH) in the normal range.

 

As you can see, in a sense, this goes all against my previous statement saying that diabetes is not causing weight loss. Yes I really mean it. It does not, but with the relation with some other diseases, it can. It is a possibility to take in consideration.

 

Also, if you already did not knew, there are ways to cure Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be ''cured'' through weight loss and keep it stable (which is pretty hard in your situation unless of a liposuction).For Type 1 diabetes, the only known cure is an islet cell or pancreas transplant. Eventually, all those requires surgeries, so it is at your own risk! Got to consult your family doctor for this.

 

Well, I really hope this helps! Good luck.

 

Tim.

Edited November 2, 2008 by ihost (see edit history)

[mrdee 1]

Hi mrdee,

 

First of all, it is not normal for you to have rapid weight gain, because it does not fall into diabetes type 2 symptoms (neither the type 1).

The following are the common symptoms of diabetes which you've probably already noticed:

 

Unusual weight loss, Excessive thirst and hunger, Increased fatigue, Irritability Blurry vision and so on.

So as you can see, there is no way diabetes would be the cause of it.

So you've got to see a doctor so he can send you to a specialist and check the following: Heart, Liver, Kidney.

Actually, it is really common to have an heart failure, ovary syndrome or even a cushing syndrome. Get your tyroid checked also in case.

 

There is a strong relationship between various autoimmune diseases, especially between Type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid conditions, celiacs disease, etc.

I'm not sure how strong the link is between Type 2 diabetes and hashimotos, because hashimotos can result in an underactive thyroid, which can result in weight gain. Keep your weight in check and thyroid levels (TSH) in the normal range.

 

As you can see, in a sense, this goes all against my previous statement saying that diabetes is not causing weight loss. Yes I really mean it. It does not, but with the relation with some other diseases, it can. It is a possibility to take in consideration.

 

Also, if you already did not knew, there are ways to cure Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be ''cured'' through weight loss and keep it stable (which is pretty hard in your situation unless of a liposuction).For Type 1 diabetes, the only known cure is an islet cell or pancreas transplant. Eventually, all those requires surgeries, so it is at your own risk! Got to consult your family doctor for this.

 

Well, I really hope this helps! Good luck.

 

Tim.

Thank you for this post. Tim.

To go into a bit more detail: I do have type 2 diabetes, was not born with it, I was diagnosed with it in 2000.

I know diabetes type 2 could be cured by spectacular weight loss, and I did mention to my doctor about a gastric bypass, but I got a complete 'no no' story from him.

 

I recently had a blood test, everything (Liver, kidneys, Choleterol, Thyroid etc.) was normal.

One thing I must say, though, I do not trust the doctor i saw very much, I only see him when there is no other choice, he is the type of doctor who cannot even be bothered to examine you properly. When I see him, and I tell him "I have a pain here or there", or whatever, quite often, without even looking at me, he begins to tap his computer and then says, "take this or that three times a day, that should cure it", without even properly explaining what is wrong with you.

The same thing, when i told him I had problems losing weight, in spite of healthy eating and having lots of exercise, he told me a sort of *BLEEP* and bull story about "Well, you have had your body for half a century now, and it has now got used to carrying this sort of weight (I am sure it has not, otherwise i would not feel so tired and I would not have all the problems I have), so healthy eating and exercising will not make a lot of difference". So, in short, he was sort of telling me, "don't try to lose weight, it will not work anyway", I definitely refuse to accept this, and I know that I MUST lose weight in order to sort a lot of problems out, so i obviously need help, and any advice will be welcome.

I also don't know whether this is relevant or whether it has anything to do with my problem, but the weight loss seems to have started since the doctor also changed my medication. I told him I am constantly tired, and he changed my Atenolol (a beta vlocker to control adrenaline and blood pressure) from 100 mg to 50 mg (so he halved the dose). Since then my vlodd pressure has gone up a bit, but he said it was the only reason he saw for my lethargy. I wonder whether that contributes to my problem.

 

Also, I don't know where you are from, but I think the majority of doctors here in the UK are a load of rubbish, many of them either don't care, are totally incompetent, or both. And I can safely say that, having lived abroad for many years and seeing the difference of treatment I used to get there when I needed it.

 

Oh yes, I also forgot, in 2001 I developed angina pectoris, and then ended up having a heart attack (although, that is the competence of the UK doctors again, I have NEVER had an answer to my question after all those years whether I did or did not have a heart attack).

Anyway, I had an angioplasty then and a stent was put into my artery, and, touch wood, i have been all right since then.

 

I hope this gives some more information, and if you can offer further advice I would be glad to hear it.

Thank you for what you have told me so far.

By the way, I think we can eliminate ovary syndrome, as I am of the male species.

Edited November 3, 2008 by mrdee (see edit history)

[ihost 0]

Thank you for this post. Tim.

To go into a bit more detail: I do have type 2 diabetes, was not born with it, I was diagnosed with it in 2000.

I know diabetes type 2 could be cured by spectacular weight loss, and I did mention to my doctor about a gastric bypass, but I got a complete 'no no' story from him.

 

I recently had a blood test, everything (Liver, kidneys, Choleterol, Thyroid etc.) was normal.

One thing I must say, though, I do not trust the doctor i saw very much, I only see him when there is no other choice, he is the type of doctor who cannot even be bothered to examine you properly. When I see him, and I tell him "I have a pain here or there", or whatever, quite often, without even looking at me, he begins to tap his computer and then says, "take this or that three times a day, that should cure it", without even properly explaining what is wrong with you.

The same thing, when i told him I had problems losing weight, in spite of healthy eating and having lots of exercise, he told me a sort of *BLEEP* and bull story about "Well, you have had your body for half a century now, and it has now got used to carrying this sort of weight (I am sure it has not, otherwise i would not feel so tired and I would not have all the problems I have), so healthy eating and exercising will not make a lot of difference". So, in short, he was sort of telling me, "don't try to lose weight, it will not work anyway", I definitely refuse to accept this, and I know that I MUST lose weight in order to sort a lot of problems out, so i obviously need help, and any advice will be welcome.

I also don't know whether this is relevant or whether it has anything to do with my problem, but the weight loss seems to have started since the doctor also changed my medication. I told him I am constantly tired, and he changed my Atenolol (a beta vlocker to control adrenaline and blood pressure) from 100 mg to 50 mg (so he halved the dose). Since then my vlodd pressure has gone up a bit, but he said it was the only reason he saw for my lethargy. I wonder whether that contributes to my problem.

 

Also, I don't know where you are from, but I think the majority of doctors here in the UK are a load of rubbish, many of them either don't care, are totally incompetent, or both. And I can safely say that, having lived abroad for many years and seeing the difference of treatment I used to get there when I needed it.

 

Oh yes, I also forgot, in 2001 I developed angina pectoris, and then ended up having a heart attack (although, that is the competence of the UK doctors again, I have NEVER had an answer to my question after all those years whether I did or did not have a heart attack).

Anyway, I had an angioplasty then and a stent was put into my artery, and, touch wood, i have been all right since then.

 

I hope this gives some more information, and if you can offer further advice I would be glad to hear it.

Thank you for what you have told me so far.

By the way, I think we can eliminate ovary syndrome, as I am of the male species.

Hello,

 

Sorry for the late answer, I was busy for a while.

 

So let's see, you have used Atenolol before... no wonder they've tried to hide your ''Heart attack''...

Let me explain myself:

 

Atenolol is NOT to be used by the following peoples, so anyone who:

 

is allergic to atenolol or any ingredients of the medication

has a severely slow heart rate

has serious heart block

has congestive heart failure

has very low blood pressure

has severe peripheral arterial disorders (blockage of blood flow to limbs of body)

has a condition known as pheochromocytoma (in the absence of alpha-blockade)

has metabolic acidosis

has a condition known as right ventricular failure caused by pulmonary hypertension

has a condition known as "sick sinus syndrome"

 

Can you see the logic there? All heart related problems. So, from my point of view, Atenolol was THE medication you needed, but the secondary effects are way too risky for a person like you to be used, but they didn't took this in consideration OR it might also be due of the frequent use of this medication on a long term period of time which created those problems, so you started to have those secondary effects and be more tired and so on. So probably a severe chest pain started due to the heart blockage, which resulted in an insufficient quantity of blood and hence oxygen, which lead to a angina pectoris... Then the heart attack.

 

Which resulted the doctor to change your medication. (Well, reduce the dosage, but now, new problems started to come, because of the sudden dosage change!)... And now you have weight problem...

 

PS. When you say

I definitely refuse to accept this, and I know that I MUST lose weight in order to sort a lot of problems out,

THATS THE SPIRIT! Keep going!!!

 

O.k. so... after the angioplasty which unblocked your blocked arteries, you might have started gaining even more weight, since you were probably at rest for a huge amount of time.

 

PS. Don't forget that with age, it is normal to gain more weight; peoples who were usually thin, starts to gain too! So this might be ONE of the reasons but eventually, not THE reason, because from what you said, it should be allright...

 

Advices? Try to talk with your doctor for alternative medication and different choices you can have and look CAREFULLY the secondary effects and for who it is adapted and who CANNOT use it. It is really really and I repeat again REALLY important. Life of peoples depends on it. Many unexperimented doctors (as me, since I am still a student) made those errors which cost many lives that could been saved...

 

Good luck! If I get anything else pop-up from my mind, I will get in contact with you on this forum.

 

Tim.

Edited November 16, 2008 by ihost (see edit history)

[mrdee 1]

Hello,

 

Sorry for the late answer, I was busy for a while.

 

So let's see, you have used Atenolol before... no wonder they've tried to hide your ''Heart attack''...

Let me explain myself:

 

Atenolol is NOT to be used by the following peoples, so anyone who:

 

is allergic to atenolol or any ingredients of the medication

has a severely slow heart rate

has serious heart block

has congestive heart failure

has very low blood pressure

has severe peripheral arterial disorders (blockage of blood flow to limbs of body)

has a condition known as pheochromocytoma (in the absence of alpha-blockade)

has metabolic acidosis

has a condition known as right ventricular failure caused by pulmonary hypertension

has a condition known as "sick sinus syndrome"

 

Can you see the logic there? All heart related problems. So, from my point of view, Atenolol was THE medication you needed, but the secondary effects are way too risky for a person like you to be used, but they didn't took this in consideration OR it might also be due of the frequent use of this medication on a long term period of time which created those problems, so you started to have those secondary effects and be more tired and so on. So probably a severe chest pain started due to the heart blockage, which resulted in an insufficient quantity of blood and hence oxygen, which lead to a angina pectoris... Then the heart attack.

 

Which resulted the doctor to change your medication. (Well, reduce the dosage, but now, new problems started to come, because of the sudden dosage change!)... And now you have weight problem...

 

PS. When you say

THATS THE SPIRIT! Keep going!!!

 

O.k. so... after the angioplasty which unblocked your blocked arteries, you might have started gaining even more weight, since you were probably at rest for a huge amount of time.

 

PS. Don't forget that with age, it is normal to gain more weight; peoples who were usually thin, starts to gain too! So this might be ONE of the reasons but eventually, not THE reason, because from what you said, it should be allright...

 

Advices? Try to talk with your doctor for alternative medication and different choices you can have and look CAREFULLY the secondary effects and for who it is adapted and who CANNOT use it. It is really really and I repeat again REALLY important. Life of peoples depends on it. Many unexperimented doctors (as me, since I am still a student) made those errors which cost many lives that could been saved...

 

Good luck! If I get anything else pop-up from my mind, I will get in contact with you on this forum.

 

Tim.

Thanks for the advice.

However, I have began to get REALLY confused now.

I keep hearing about the "Fat Burning Zone".

At the gym the instructor told me that, in order to burn calories and fat, I have to do cardio exercises (treadmill, rowing, cycling etc.) whereby my heart rate has to be 110 - 140 for 30 to 50 minutes. (He calculated that by taking my age off 220, which left 170, and then to take between 65% and 85% off that). I have started doing that by walking 3 minutes, then running 2 minutes, walking 2 minutes, running 2 minutes, walking 3 minutes, this until I had reached a mile. While doing this, my heart rate stayed between the points that had been recommended.

Also, with a lot of huffing and puffing, the first time, I got to 1 mile in just under 16 minutes (15.52), then I managed to get there (by increasing my speed) in 15.20, to end up at doing 1 mile in just under 15 minutes (14.55). I intend to carry on for now, but then I will have to see some serous weight loss. Unfortunately, I do not always have the time (nor energy) to keep up the amount of time I was recommended. For one thing, I also like to do my weight exercises, which have already put a good bit of muscle mass on me.

 

But, back on topic now, my confusion is the following: I explained what the instructor at the gym recommended, but then, I read articles online which tell you to do low intensity cardio exercises for a long time in order to burn fat, others tell you to do high intensity cardio continuosly, but for short periods, while others recommend (like I do now) interval training for reasonably long periods of time.

 

Now I don't know who is right or who to believe anymore. I seem to have lost some weight (about 1kg a week) and everyone tells me it looks like I have lost weight, but, while I know that muscle weighs more than fat, and I have built some muscle mass, I think 1 kg a week is not a lot for the way I bully my body.

 

So, please, is it possible to lift a bit of the mistery and take my confusion away?

What exactly do i have to do, and what should the relationship between cardio and weight training be?

 

All advice will be very gratefully accepted.

[krazygoddess 0]

Well I have to agree with alot of them I think either running or a treadmill would be an excellent idea and swimming If it is winter for you maybe an indoor pool some gyms have them i believe or even like YMCA I know they have pools open all year round, And swimming is suppose to be one of the best excersices you can do It takes all or most or your muscles when you are in the water. Drink lots of water. You really seem to be trying and I bet if you keep it up and dont get discouraged you will get the results you want in the near future.

[mrdee 1]

Well I have to agree with alot of them I think either running or a treadmill would be an excellent idea and swimming If it is winter for you maybe an indoor pool some gyms have them i believe or even like YMCA I know they have pools open all year round, And swimming is suppose to be one of the best excersices you can do It takes all or most or your muscles when you are in the water. Drink lots of water. You really seem to be trying and I bet if you keep it up and dont get discouraged you will get the results you want in the near future.

I do drink lots of water, and like that I get rid of a lot of waste.I must admit, since I started doing that (8 glasses of water a day, appr. 2 litres, of which 3 glasses on an empty stomach). I have began to notice a significant change in some areas of my body.

[wingman23 0]

I can relate to what you are saying here, i believe that the age factor as a lot to do with this. I'll explain.. im now 47 and all my life ive been fit and active, then i hit 46, and no matter what i did, i simply kept putting on the wieght, i weight lifted, walked everywhere, that is if i wasnt riding my mountain bike, and would the weight come off, no, it wouldnt. I think this is what people call middle aged spread, some of us are prone to it i guess, and like me, you arent the tallest of people which doesnt help, im only 5'3 so i really cant carry much weight before it shows. i do everything i can, dont ever eat big meals or eat late, i dont drink alchohol or eat fattening biscuits and cakes, but still, my body seems to go one way, and thats out. Doesnt seem a lot you can do about it, well apart from going on one of those silly diets like the cabbage diet or something, but that really isnt healthy and you always end up fatter than you were when you have to come off it