Unexpected weight gain
QUESTION:
Cathryn, 35-year-old womanHi. I have gained 13lbs since March 2006. I have not been over-eating and seem to wee more often (like 10 times per morning). I have had several blood and urine tests at the doctor and they have all come back normal.
I am currently attending Weight Watchers and even though I am following it to the letter I have only lost 2lb in 3 weeks! This makes me even more sure that my weight gain and frequent toilet visits are something to do with my health rather than over-eating. I am not massively overweight (weight 11.9 stone and 5'7) but the fact that I cannot shift it is getting me down. I have been referred to the hospital in October. The only other thing I can think of is that I suffer from IBS. Any ideas?
ANSWER:
Jef Gazley, M.S., LMFT, LPC, LISAC, DCC
Hi Cathryn,
This is a bit outside of a counselor's expertise, but based on some personal experience and some training in Touch For Health I might be able to offer some possibilities that you can check out further.
There are a number of medical conditions that can cause weight to stubbornly remain and also some emotional issues. Hypothyroid can cause weight gain despite diet and exercise. Excessive peeing can occur with a Hyperthyroid condition, but I am aware of that symptom with Hypothyroidism. It might make sense to check that out. Be careful however, often naturopathic physicians read blood tests differently than medical doctors. I was diagnosed with a thyroid condition and I was helped by a naturopath, but my regular doctor didn't feel the blood work was positive enough to diagnose it.
Diabetes is also very hard to diagnose and often there is the same disagreement between the medical community and the naturopathic physicians. Frequent urination can be caused by this condition, but I am unaware of a link with weight gain unless the person craves simple carbohydrates. Craving sugar does often occur with diabetes.
IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome can make it tougher to absorb food or eliminate it. Once again you will get different opinions about this problem from different health care professionals. The medical community usually will use symptomatic medication to control IBS. Applied Kinesiologists focus on resetting the Ileocecal Valve by rubbing a couple of acupressure points. It is a very simple and elegant solution to this usually stubborn problem.
I hope this has been helpful in terms of seeking out further help. Good luck and take care.
Jef
This question was answered by Jef Gazley M.S. Jef has practiced psychotherapy for twenty-five years, specializing in Love Addiction, Hypnotherapy, Relationship Management, Dysfunctional Families, Co-Dependency, Professional Coaching, and Trauma Issues. He is a trained counselor in EMDR, NET, TFT, and Applied Kinesiology. He is dedicated to guiding individuals to achieving a life long commitment to mental health and relationship mastery. His private practice locations are Scottsdale and Tempe, Arizona. You can also visit Jef at the internettherapist, the first audiovisual mental health online counseling center on the net.For more information visit: http://www.asktheinternettherapist.com/