One of the most common questions my patients ask me is how they can lose weight. People with arthritis gain weight due to a variety of reasons: decreased mobility and inability to exercise, medications such as prednisolone (steroids / cortisone) , sometimes medicines such anti-depressants. If the weight gain is mainly central (around the waist and hips) patients should also be checked for insulin resistance or pre-diabetes.
Weight gain can be limited by watching what you eat mainly. We do not recommend severe calorie restricted diets, rather a sensible approach to eating: eat regular meals, avoid skipping meals, control portion size, avoid sugary and high carbohydrate foods. I ask my patients to include protein in every meal. Protein promotes a feeling of fullness or satiety whereas a high carbohydrate meal will leave you feeling hungry sooner. Include healthy snacks as well. Ideas for healthy small meals include cucumber and low fat yogurt, grilled cheese or paneer, celery sticks or raw vegetables with yogurt dips. Eating salds with grilled chicken or fish is ahealthy option.
Exercise ay be difficult if you are in pain but try to increase your activity level. A walk 3-4 times a week even for 20 minutes at a time can boost your metabolism . We have also found great success in low impact exercises such as our yoga programs which improve disease activity and promote a sense of well being.
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