I had covid 10/2019 cold nodule sinus, after covid cleared I had the WORST sinus infection in my life with the WORST headache EVER! During sickness I lost 20 lbs, but a month after recovery, I gained those 20 back and kept gaining. I peeked at almost 40 lbs over pre covid weight, I exorcise more and I eat less, but I can't lose those 40 lbs, my baseline heartrate (post covid) at rest is 100-110, with light exercise it jumps up to 150-160 range, all my cardiologist said was I was fat and needed MORE exercise, after 2 years brain fog and short term memory are still effected

I also had rapid weight gain post covid. I literally could feel my body growing bigger. Went up 2 sizes in clothes in about 2 weeks. Also suffered with other long covid symptoms for over 2 years,- severe post viral fatigue, muscle and joint soreness, wheezing, poor breathing, and could not exercise much other than light walking. Those symptoms have improved now, (after almost 3 years) so I am able to now exercise more. I have maintained a healthy and whole food diet through all of this, (very little sugar, no refined or processed foods, minimal carbs,) yet weight will not shift. It is also mainly around my belly. Im 62, so thought it might be post menopause weight gain, however, I went through menopause at 53 and actually lost weight after it which I managed to keep off until I got covid at 60. My metabolism has never worked right since I had covid. Prior to getting it, my health and metabolism were very good. Very frustrating and amazing to learn that others have experienced the same. Would like to know what covid has done to my metabolism.

I had Covid in January 2022. Prior, I’ve been the same weight +\- 5 lbs my entire adult life with an active, healthy lifestyle. I’ve steadily added 25 lbs to my abdomen area since I was sick. Drs are running tests to check for any potential underlying causes, so far nothing. The only change in my life was Covid and it’s very frustrating to understand why this is happening or why it’s not dropping with intentional effort.

My sick episode occurred during the pandemic onset prior to any Covid-19 testing being available to the general public. So I can't say what I had . But whatever it was, I too have experienced weight gain afterward. My weight has never been a concern in the past. I recently came across a Mayo Clinic article online entitled "Lack of sleep increases unhealthy belly fat" by Terri Malloy, May 23, 2022. I certainly experienced a lack of sleep during the early Covid-19 pandemic as well, not mention far less exercise. I have recently joined "Mayo Clinic Diet" in a effort to learn some basics on dieting in order to stabilize my weight. I have find it helpful, as it pulls together a lot of information in a way I am unable to (with dyslexia) independently.

Perhaps a moderator could provide a link to Terri Malloy's article, they are listed under Mayo Clinic Press Editors.

Yes, I'm 58. When I first came down with covid, I lost 27 lbs in a week. I was walking 3 miles a day prior to covid. Because Neuropathy came along with long covid, I can't walk a long distance now, I walk like I'm drunk. Plus always short of breath. I gained 30 lbs in 5 months because I'm too tired to do anything but lay in bed and watch TV. Because I can't really exercise, I fast. I Still get my vitamins, protein etc. Lots of water. Broth. Veggies and fruit. I've now lost 10 lbs in 2 weeks. Good luck.

I am a Type 1 Diabetic that got COVID February 2021, it almost took me out with oxygen levels of around 50's, 60's, and most days hovered around 70's for 2 weeks straight. But, thankfully God still has me here but the post complications have been a struggle a year and half later. I still can't smell, can't taste (only extreme amounts of sea salt), and now I also have breathing issues and struggle for air when doing basic stuff like walking upstairs or trying to walk and have a conversation. I use to be an avid runner before COVID, I would run a 5k every other day up to 8 miles some days without hesitation, so I was "in shape" for sure so this was hit me hard. Also, since having COVID, I have become a Brittle Type 1 Diabetic with extreme LOW Blood sugars for no reason. Over the last 14+ years I've kept myself well managed and controlled with almost perfect diet (high protein, lots of veggies, drinking 1-2 gallons of water daily) and exercise with an A1C of 7 or a little below (which for a Type 1 is rare and very hard to maintain). However, after having COVID my body while having it and still afterwards will just decide to plummet for no rhyme or reason...not even with having insulin given, etc. I have struggled daily and eat smaller meals without my normal 3 meals a day to try and stay a float, but even with doing 'everything right' I feel like I'm still struggling to stay alive daily. Recently, I stopped nursing my son of 20 months old, and have changed nothing up but increased my weight by 10lbs in 2 weeks! This made NO sense considering I changed nothing in my regime. Now 3 months later I have gained a total of 25lbs of what I lost after having my son and I am really struggling and nothing I have done has caused this or helped it stop and I am besides myself. If I was eating cupcakes and being a loaf and pasta everyday if 1 thing, but no, my regime of healthy diet and walking at least 8,000 steps + a day is the same. I have a wedding next year I am a bridesmaid for and I just feel so gross I thought about asking to not be part of her bridal team because I feel disgusting. Has anyone found anything that has helped with the weight gain? Diet is Not my problem at all but any other things anyone else has tried? Thanks in Advance!

Inexplicable weight gain after recovery from Covid
What treatment can be offered?

Can confirm the same 4 years on roughly, and weight just goes up. Calorie deficit and eating healthy like I used to and maintaining 10% body fat + muscle mass now no matter what weight gain. It's 90% likely hidden viral reservoirs messing with metabolism causing weight gain you can't lose hopefully they find it soon.

Yes for the past 4 months we have been struggling with LC.
my diet has not changed a bit but I have put on 12 pounds in just the last 3 months

I am glad to find this thread and ones like it. I felt like i was going crazy. I had my first vaccine shot in March 2021 and my second in April 2021. I did get Covid in between shots and in the fall or 2021 I starting gaining weight rapidly. I am a 45 year old active female that works out about 4-6 times a week. I walk 3-4 miles at least 2-3 times a week and do a semi personal training HIIT class 1-2 times a week. I get my lunches prepped by a meal prep company (and put this on hold for a few months to see if this was part of the problem) where the macros are listed on the meals and I had been getting this meals for at least a year before getting Covid. I was 119 when I got the vaccine/Covid and now I am about 137. I have tried intermittent fasting, counting calories, different workouts- running, lifting weight etc. This weight all came on in a matter of 2-3 months when I was being active. I have tried everything to keep it off- short of eating lettuce for 3 meals a day, and nothing is budging. I have been to my primary doctor, gynecologist, health coach and endocrinologist. As others mentioned, most of the weight is in my abdomen, and it is also harder to the touch. It is so frustrating!!!!