Weight gain is a major concern for many fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) sufferers. The weight they gain adds insult to injury meaning it is already tough enough for these FMS sufferers to be in so much discomfort from their fibromyalgia, now they have to battle with weight gain on top of their other symptoms.

Many fibro sufferers typically have Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS for short, which is a condition associated with fibromyalgia. Because of their irritated bowels, most sufferers have to limit, watch or restrict their consumption of food especially during an acute IBS flare-up. Even with their restricted diets, these fibromyalgia and IBS sufferers’ still gain weight. Simply put, even if they are not eating much, they still gain weight.

This scenario becomes very baffling to them. Many of these sufferers try every a weight-loss plan or fibromyalgia diet; there is with the hope that they will lose weight. Often times they do lose weight for a short period of time but end up gaining it back after a few months.

Here are some of the reasons why fibromyalgia syndrome sufferers gain weight:

· Fibromyalgia sufferers are typically under a lot of stress. Increased stress leads to the excess release of the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels contribute to fat storage.

· Most fibromyalgia sufferers do not sleep well. By not getting enough deep sleep, our bodies do not produce enough of another hormone called; growth hormone. Growth hormone stimulates our muscle tone, burns fat and improves insulin sensitivity. Without optimal amounts of growth hormone, our body will have a tendency to store fat.

· Some fibro sufferers do not eat enough food throughout the course of the day. When a sufferer doesn’t eat enough, their metabolism will slow down and muscle weight (muscle tone) will decrease but body fat won’t. This is because muscle tone regulates metabolism. Increased muscle tone means a higher metabolism and a higher metabolism means the more calories one will burn, even at rest. This will help you keep your weight under control. This is also why it is important to perform a basic exercise program.

· Some fibro sufferers eat too much “junk food.” Eating sugary snacks (mostly because they are convenient) will spike your blood sugar, which will cause your body to release insulin. These insulin “spikes” will signal your body to store more fat in the body.

· Weight gain or water retention are side-effects from many of the fibromyalgia medications that sufferers are taking.

· Many FMS sufferers do not exercise enough (if at all) because of constant pain or chronic fatigue. This will obviously decrease your metabolism and contribute to weight gain.

By: Dr. Mike Swierczynski

About the Author:

Dr. Mike Swierczynski DC, MSTo learn more about fibromyalgia and weight gain, please visit: http://fibromyalgia-info.com

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