Weight gain. Is it related to my stroke?

Hello @joliepalillo, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I've had weight issues most of my adult life and just this past year have been able to shed a little over 30 pounds since January. I know it can be a struggle when you try and eat right and exercise regularly. Have you thought about talking with a nutritionist or asking your doctor if there may be some other cause of not being able to lose weight?

Hello @joliepalillo and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I understand you had a stroke and experienced weight gain that is now making you question if your stoke could've effected your hormones.

You will notice that I have moved your post into both the Healthy Living Group as well as the Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases Group to allow you to better connect with members who may be able to share their experiences to help you.

In the meantime, I would like to share an older discussion that I think may be of help from a member who's fiancé, as well as others in the discussion, experienced the same.

-Stroke Survivor - always hungry
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stroke-survivor-always-hungry/
Can you share with us if you might have any medications that could be impacting your situation?

Hi @joliepalillo, welcome to Mayo Mayo Clinic Connect. I am so sorry hear of your health struggles at such a young age. I can understand some your health issues. I had an AVM which ruptured at my cerebellum. As a result I have muscle weakness, double vision, motion sickness, and balance issues. My 3rd and last surgical repair of my AVM has accidentally left me with neuropathy on the left side of my body from head to toe. My neurology team of doctors has provided very vague answers. Little is medically known because firstly, there are not many survivors and secondly, symptoms are dependent on the location of the stroke or aneurism. The variations of location are many causing different symptoms.
As far as weight control, it seems I am stuck at the same weight when I had my ruptured AVM. The loss of nerves or damage to nerves has caused miscommunication between my nerves and brain. It has become very difficult for me to lose any weight. It is a slow process. 11 lbs is very reasonable to me. Have you been doing physical therapy? Insist and keep at it to become stronger. It helps the brain relearn. How long has it been since your stroke? At first I was in a wheelchair but now 4 years later I am able to ambulate. Physical persistence has taught my brain to form different pathways to be able to learn again. My recovery has been slow but progressive. I will be happy to answer any questions through my experiences. I also have learned by trial and error which activities or supplements have helped. Hang in there. Best wishes. Toni

Hi @joliepalillo haven’t heard from you lately. Have you been able to resolve your weight issue? Hope you are doing well. Toni

I had a stoke in November of 2023 and have since gained 50 lbs that I just cant get rid of. Is that a side effect of the stroke. It was mild.

I actually lost weight after my stroke. I just did not want to eat.

However, my lack of mobility in the ensuing years makes me gain weight quickly if I'm not careful.

I still get weird cravings -- for a while, I couldn't get enough Cap'n Crunch; then it was canned peaches; next it was salads; now it's peanut butter.

For me, the trick is to move more, even just getting up and moving around the house a lot. (It's very hot here in Texas, and going out to walk is suicidal.)

Have you tried online exercise classes? YouTube has tons of that stuff. You don't have to be athletic, just do what you can. You'll feel better anyway.

Good luck!

Having a stroke can slow you down. I mean, it depends on the "residuals of stroke." If your life becomes more sedentary, sure that's gonna put pounds on if you still eat as much. It was true for me, even when my life turned not the least bit sedentary anymore, but I worked hard, and food supplies were plentiful, so I ate a lot more. Some people have serious issues with depression after physical disabling. Food and sadness seems to go together then.

I gained a bunch of weight after my strokes in November of last year. The stroke didn’t cause me to gain weight my own stupidity did. I figured since I was still alive I could eat whatever I wanted. That was not the case. I use a Weight loss app, which is free, called LoseIt, that I’ve had good success with. You basically track everything you eat. I’ve lost 20 pounds in 2 1/2 months. I decided living a better healthy is a better option than eating myself to death. Good luck in your journey. It is possible to lose weight after a stroke.

Thanks you for your response but I did not change my eating habits. In doing more research it could be a medication that I am taking. It states it can cause weight gain. I also found my hair was falling out yet another side effect of the same medication Lyrica. There are a couple more I need to discuss with my doctor.

These are some possible reasons but many of them are not likely. You can manage this and lose it.

1. **Reduced Mobility**: Decreased physical activity post-stroke can lead to weight gain due to lower calorie expenditure.

2. **Medication Side Effects**: Some stroke-related medications can have side effects that cause weight gain.

3. **Altered Perception of Hunger and Satiety**: Damage to brain regions that regulate hunger and fullness can disrupt normal appetite signals, leading to overeating.

4. **Emotional and Cognitive Changes**: Depression, anxiety, or cognitive impairments after a stroke can lead to emotional eating or difficulty controlling food intake. Also would think stress can be a factor.

5. **Metabolism Changes**: A stroke may alter the brain's regulation of metabolism, potentially leading to weight gain.

6. **Changes in Taste and Smell**: Stroke-related changes in taste and smell can affect food preferences and lead to higher calorie intake.

7. **Reduced Muscle Mass**: Loss of muscle mass from inactivity can lower metabolic rate, making weight gain more likely.