losing rapidly

Question
QUESTION: I am on a medication and as a side effect I am rapidly losing weight.  I was
already really thin, 120 pounds, 5'6", at 22yo.  I have lost 8 pounds in two
weeks.  I cannot stop taking the med.  Can you give me some suggestions for
food that will help me put on a few pounds and not clog my arteries?  And do
you have any other suggestions?
ANSWER: Winii,

Are you eating regularly or have you lost your appetite? Have you talked with your physician who put you on the medication?

I can't say too much without knowing what you are on and what it is for. Please give me more info.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Wellbutrin had already decreased my appetite but I
had learned to deal with that.  I got on Effexor and
my weight started dropping.  They're both for
depression.  I just don't get very hungry.  When she prescribed effexor, the
doctor said it might increase my appetite.  I haven't talked to her since.

Answer
Winii,

I appreciate your candor. However, because of the medical nature of your situation, I really suggest that you talk to your doctor about the weight loss problem. If you don't get the level of interaction that you want then seek another medical opinion.

Having said that - have you ever tried fish-oil pills (omega-3 supplements). They have shown some efficacy in the treatment of depression and have the added benefit of potentially regulating appetite.

I study the effects of omega-3s on depression and weight gain in my own research lab at the University of Michigan. This is still a young field but is showing much promise. Omega-3s actually increase dopamine and seratonin levels in the brain, which are typically low in depression. They also help regulate appetite and energy storage (weight).

If you want to try some, make sure that you get high quality fish oil capsules that say 'molecularly distilled' on the back. This ensures that the mercury and PCB's have been purified away from the fish oil.

I am also affiliated with a high quality nutrition company and you can also get quality tested fish oil pills from them at http://www.healthcoachgroup.com
Just search for 'biomega-3' under the products link.

If you decide to give these a try you should take them for a full month before really evaluating their benefit. It takes about that period of time to influence the brain chemistry.

Hope this helps.

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