Anyone else experience Weight Gain with long COVID?

I had COVID in January 2024. I was recovering, then my previously strong heart went into A-fib in February as the first sign of Long Covid. I was an avid exerciser, now I'm exhausted all the time. And yes, I've already put on 10 lbs.
I'm trying to eat more salads and still maintain the protein level needed for people above 70.

@yaya77066
YES! I have long covid and gained a total of 37 pounds in six month. Never had a weight problem before. My eating pattern hadn't changed.
I now watch everything that goes into my mouth and I am still 37 pound over my ideal weight.
I doesn't nor seem like diet is helping, and I get too fatigued to really work-out. I can walk around the block.

So sorry you are going through this. As for me, so far I am able to hold the line on 10 lbs. Before COVID I walked 2 to 3 miles a day and worked out with weights at the gum 2X a week.
I have forced myself up and started to walk a block then around the double block 2X. The double block is 1/2 mile. It's a battle to take the steps. My husband got me a walking stick to lean on and help propel myself.
My cardiologist has encouraged the activity.
I've always tried to maintain a very healthy diet of whole, natural grains (complex carbs), beans, very little meat or fish and lots of veggies. I believe them to be high energy foods.

I have had Covid 3 times. The 2nd time was January 2023 a couple of weeks before a scheduled hip replacement. I developed anemia after the surgery and was taking iron pills for several months. I went to PT twice a week for almost 3 months. I continued to tire easily, but did return to working out at the gym and walking 3 m-4 miles several times a week. My weight kept going up even though i had no change in diet and was increasing my physical activity.Once my iron levels were back to normal , i continued to still tire easily. I was participating in a Covid research study and a home sleep study suggested i had sleep apnea. I got an official study from my provider which showed severe sleep apnea. Did Covid cause the sleep apnea ? Who knows? I believe the sleep apnea contributed to the weight gain. In December 2023, i increased my activity levels to more than i was doing before surgery. I have a healthy diet, rarely have sugar products, limit processed foods, etc. I am currently working on increasing my protein intake. I tried intermittent fasting with no weight loss. I have put on 12 pounds and no matter what i do exercise more, eat less, i don’t lose weight.

You are doing all the right things. My husband and I have beds similar to what is in a hospital without the hospital look. We have controls and can adjust the upper part of the bed to prevent snoring. It's a worthy investment. Sleep Apnea is a catalyst for weight gain.

Yes!! I have had Long Covid for 2 yrs and 4 mths. In that period of time I have gained 50+ lbs.
I too believe it doesn’t reflect my eating. I gained a lot of this the first year.
I can light chores. (One or two) but I can not exercise or even walk around the block. If I do, my symptoms get 100 times worse!
I almost always have an upset stomach. My doc gave me a prescription for anti-nausea meds.
It helps a lot.
Hang in there guys

I did 20 pounds what do I do?

I have had Long COVID for years. I was thin, in great shape and ate well prior to COVID. Then I gained over 40 pounds almost overnight. I was barely eating. Long COVID attacked my autonomic nervous system. I have gastroparesis and my weight can fluctuate as much as 25 lbs at once. Even with that I am not the body weight I used to be. I am doing better than I was at the start as I have medicine that helps with my symptoms. None of them help with energy nor my weight. It seems cruel to barely eat because most food is still disgusting to me and be so overweight. It is not healthy to push yourself physically with this so be careful. I hate this, but am now just living with it. I am apparently an overweight person in addition to being one in pain and awful GI issues. But I am alive and I have found new things to make me happy . Good luck to all.

Meds may contribute to weight gain. My weight has fluctuated greatly since Covid. At start of Covid I was overweight. Covid made me lose my appetite and I lost 50 lbs from 2020-2022. My docs have told me some of the meds I am now on (for seizures and mood) contribute to weight gain. Since being put on these meds a year ago I have regained 20 lbs.

I am right there with you. I used to be a runner and work out everyday. Now I can barely move somedays and afraid to get to far away from a bathroom.