| Weight gain is a major concern for many | | | | do not produce enough of another hormone |
| fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) sufferers. The | | | | called; growth hormone. Growth hormone |
| weight they gain adds insult to injury meaning it is | | | | stimulates our muscle tone, burns fat and |
| already tough enough for these FMS sufferers to | | | | improves insulin sensitivity. Without optimal |
| be in so much discomfort from their fibromyalgia, | | | | amounts of growth hormone, our body will have |
| now they have to battle with weight gain on top | | | | a tendency to store fat. |
| of their other symptoms. | | | | · Some fibro sufferers do not eat enough |
| Many fibro sufferers typically have Irritable Bowel | | | | food throughout the course of the day. When a |
| Syndrome or IBS for short, which is a condition | | | | sufferer doesn't eat enough, their metabolism will |
| associated with fibromyalgia. Because of their | | | | slow down and muscle weight (muscle tone) will |
| irritated bowels, most sufferers have to limit, | | | | decrease but body fat won't. This is because |
| watch or restrict their consumption of food | | | | muscle tone regulates metabolism. Increased |
| especially during an acute IBS flare-up. Even with | | | | muscle tone means a higher metabolism and a |
| their restricted diets, these fibromyalgia and IBS | | | | higher metabolism means the more calories one |
| sufferers' still gain weight. Simply put, even if they | | | | will burn, even at rest. This will help you keep |
| are not eating much, they still gain weight. | | | | your weight under control. This is also why it is |
| This scenario becomes very baffling to them. | | | | important to perform a basic exercise program. |
| Many of these sufferers try every a weight-loss | | | | · Some fibro sufferers eat too much |
| plan or fibromyalgia diet; there is with the hope | | | | "junk food." Eating sugary snacks (mostly because |
| that they will lose weight. Often times they do | | | | they are convenient) will spike your blood sugar, |
| lose weight for a short period of time but end up | | | | which will cause your body to release insulin. |
| gaining it back after a few months. | | | | These insulin "spikes" will signal your body to store |
| Here are some of the reasons why fibromyalgia | | | | more fat in the body. |
| syndrome sufferers gain weight: | | | | · Weight gain or water retention are |
| · Fibromyalgia sufferers are typically | | | | side-effects from many of the fibromyalgia |
| under a lot of stress. Increased stress leads to | | | | medications that sufferers are taking. |
| the excess release of the stress hormone | | | | · Many FMS sufferers do not exercise |
| cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels contribute to fat | | | | enough (if at all) because of constant pain or |
| storage. | | | | chronic fatigue. This will obviously decrease your |
| · Most fibromyalgia sufferers do not sleep | | | | metabolism and contribute to weight gain. |
| well. By not getting enough deep sleep, our bodies | | | | |