Many people with MS experience weight gain due to reduced energy levels or treatment side effects. Low impact exercises and dietary changes may help manage weight fluctuations.
Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience weight fluctuations due to its symptoms, like fatigue, and the emotions it can cause, such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
Certain medications may also lead to weight gain.
But it’s important to try to reach and maintain a moderate weight. Being overweight or underweight can worsen MS.
MS causes fatigue, making you feel too exhausted for physical activity. The pain and dizziness can also affect your energy levels and ability to exercise.
Symptoms of depression are common for people with MS. And
Anxiety
MS treatment can also cause weight fluctuations. Doctors often prescribe steroid therapy to decrease inflammation and treat MS relapses, but it can cause weight gain.
Most steroid side effects are mild and will go away once you finish your treatment. But some people may experience weight gain from long-term treatment with steroids.
Exercise is beneficial for people with MS, regardless of whether they wish to lose weight or gain weight.
People who experience muscle loss usually have symptoms severe enough to limit mobility. Exercising and eating a balanced diet can help prevent this.
Fatigue and other MS symptoms, such as body temperature shifts, can make exercising regularly more difficult. But certain activities may be more beneficial when you’re experiencing symptoms.
Swimming may be helpful, and it doesn’t put pressure on your joints. Water activities may also help with your symptoms if your body temperature rises while exercising.
You can also wear a cooling vest or scarf when doing outdoor activities like hiking.
Exercises don’t have to be physically draining. Taking a short walk each day can make a world of difference. You can also practice low impact exercises like stationary bicycling, tai chi, and yoga.
Speak with a healthcare professional before beginning a more strenuous exercise regimen.
Consider working with trainers who’ve worked with people with MS. They can develop a strength training program that suits your overall health.
Benefits of exercise for people with MS
Exercise has many benefits for those with MS, including improved:
- bladder and bowel function
- bone density
- cardiovascular health
- cognitive function
- energy levels
- flexibility and strength
balance - walking ability and endurance
- fatigue
- quality of life
Exercise can also improve mood by stimulating your brain to make endorphins.
Eating nutrient-rich meals goes hand in hand with exercising for weight loss. But it’s important not to think of your eating habits as “dieting,” especially since there’s no specific diet for people with MS.
Balancing your diet
Most healthcare professionals recommend that people with MS follow a general diet that is lower in fat and high in fiber. Maintaining a small and sustainable calorie deficit can help you lose excess weight gradually and sustainably.
Some
A warning about special diets
Many special diets exist, and some specifically target people with MS. Most of these diets have little to no evidence supporting their benefits for MS, and many haven’t been tested for effectiveness or safety.
It’s important to speak with your healthcare team if you want to try a specific diet. They can help you decide on the best dietary pattern for your needs.
Weight loss typically happens when you burn more calories than you consume. The amount of calories you need depends on a number of factors, including your:
- sex
- weight
- activity levels
Sticking to a well-balanced meal plan and learning portion control can help you achieve your weight loss goals. Visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate website to learn more about portion control and which food groups to prioritize.
The quality of food also counts. Try to stick to whole, unprocessed options such as:
- fresh fruits and vegetables
- whole grains
- lean proteins
- olive and fish oils
Supplementing
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may benefit people with MS. A
- relapse rates
- inflammatory markers
- quality of life
Biotin, a B vitamin, may also help with disease progression. According to a
- vitamin D
- vitamin A
- vitamin B12
People with MS may need to supplement with these nutrients to maintain healthy levels. Increasing dietary intake of folate, magnesium, and iron may also
More research needs to be done, but it may be worth consulting your doctor or dietician for advice.
Planning your meals and cooking large servings so you can have easily reheatable food may also help, especially when you don’t feel like cooking. It can help you avoid skipping meals.
Being underweight may be a sign of nutritional deficiencies. Talk with a healthcare professional if you’re losing weight over time. You may need to change medications or try another treatment.
A registered dietitian can create a diet that’ll help you put on more weight.
Maintaining your physical and mental health and keeping your stress levels low can help you keep your weight in the range that’s most beneficial to you.
Other treatment options that may help include:
- physical therapy
- stress management exercises
- getting plenty of rest
For the majority of people with MS, it’s possible to manage weight loss or gain. Exercise can help with both weight gain and weight loss along with the symptoms of MS.
Some physical activities, such as swimming and yoga, may be more beneficial than others if you frequently experience symptoms.
Reach out to your doctor if you’re having difficulty managing your weight or want advice about eating or staying active.
Check out Healthline’s Multiple Sclerosis Resource Center.