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Why Does A Patient Gain Weight In Cushing's Syndrome?
In Cushing's Syndrome, I understand that some patients experience wait gain. What is it about the increased levels of cortisol that result in this weight gain? Is it because the patient's body is so focused on the stress that is it not able to metabolize food?
Thu, 28 Jan 2016
Hello, you ask a very good question. Yes, you can blame the metabolic changes caused by the cortisone in cushings syndrome for the ease in gaining weight and the difficulty in losing it. The type of diet that works best for Cushings Syndrome is one that will keep your blood sugars stable (low glycemic index foods, fresh fruit rather than juice, no sugar, vegetables, 2 servings of dairy per day and lean protein).
Restricting sodium will decrease water retention. try not to go over 1500-2300 mg sodium per day. Make certain you are getting adequate vitamin d and calcium along with potassium (found in fruits/vegies). I hope this has helped somewhat. Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
Restricting sodium will decrease water retention. try not to go over 1500-2300 mg sodium per day. Make certain you are getting adequate vitamin d and calcium along with potassium (found in fruits/vegies). I hope this has helped somewhat. Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
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Hello! Cortisol is involved in energy metabolism and one bad thing it does is affect the ability of insulin to work, which is one way it causes weight gain.Cortisol can drag triglycerides out of the fat cells and relocate them to fat cells deep in the abdominal muscles and affects fat cell development.And, cortisol may directly affect the appetite by binding to receptors in the hypothalamus.
I do hope that gives you some insight into three mechanisms by which cortisol promotes fat weight gain. I hope that answers your query. Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
I do hope that gives you some insight into three mechanisms by which cortisol promotes fat weight gain. I hope that answers your query. Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
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