Any caregivers gaining weight?

Could I get some input in this? I’m trying to understand how someone can continue to eat a lot of food to the point of gaining weight, while at the same time constantly complaining of pain and sickness. This person constantly complains of severe pain and feeling sick, yet keeps eating. How can you eat if very nauseous? This person has been diagnosed with vitamin deficiencies, for which she refuses to treat. And, her diet is very poor. How do you respond to someone like that? She us healthy in all other ways, except for age related arthritis.

You can encourage her to take part in a group therapy/physical activity for her issues. It is up to her to take part, though.

I’ve suggested talk therapy, but she refuses.

Definitely, but I don’t know how much because to get on the scale would be even more depressing. I tried the compound pharmacy injections, but had a wretched reaction so that isn’t an option. I have medically controlled chronic depression (it’s rampant in my Mother's side of the family). I am a stress eater. And, like most caregivers, it’s a real struggle to get to the gym and to take care of myself on a daily basis. I was trying to put weight back on my husband, who has Lewy Body Dementia, and he gained enough, but the dog and I went into overdrive.
I like the deflated basketball image. Thank all of you for encouragement and kindness.

I remember a medical person one time explaining some brain chemistry about eating under stress.
The brain releases serotonin when we do something that makes us feel good and eating carbs it will do the same thing. So, perhaps your brain is trying to get the serotonin levels up by triggering hunger (even if it’s not a real physical hunger) to cope. As you can tell, I am not in the medical field!
Peace, Cheryl

I don’t know how much I’ve gained- I won’t step on a scale- but I 100% feel it- clothes tighter, bra digging in, belly is big. For me I think it’s a LOT of adrenaline/cortisol/stress- that definetly makes you gain. Plus a lot of sitting around in hospital, and when I can “relax” I just feel the need to sleep and rest. Plus eating out more due to hospitalizations or just on the go. People tell me to “take care of yourself”- walk off the stress etc. that’s just not me- I need to just lay down and relax and get sleep…. Order out because it’s easy… I just need things calm and easy where I can. And that ok.

I know the feeling. After a hospital appointment, the day is over for us. Especially when you wait for two hours to be seen.

@sophie100

I completely agree. Plus, my dad has many doc appointments—same idea. And I have found that with all the stress and the inability to go out and do things, eating something comforting has at times become an issue for me (so I try to just not buy the things that will be too tempting for me!).

You just described my life. Going for a walk means leaving DH alone which is not an option. The 2 afternoons I have help here are spent running errands i can't do the rest of the week. And yes, free moments are spent napping and eating because we get little sleep at night and my body wants fuel. Plenty of suggestions offered but just not always feasible. One day at a time, here.