Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 5/21/2011

Question
Hiya Jeanne!

Sorry to come to you again after just a day or two but I'm in a bit of a panic mode right now.

Recently, my weight has been increasing steadily, and it got up to 41.6kg on one day which upset me a little at first, but I managed to see it as a good thing in the end as I do know that I need to gain weight.

But this morning, my stomach hurt a lot and I had diarrhea. Afterwards, I weighed myself again and I was only 40kg. I checked again three times afterwards, but each time, it was still only 40kg.

I'm really confused, does this mean I haven't actually managed to gain any weight over 1-2 months?

Or is it because of other things? I think the only other changes I can think of are:
- I read somewhere that carbohydrates can cause water retention. I've increased fat (to about 20-25%) and protein intake (to about 20-30%) so my carbohydrate percentage is a bit lower.
- Recently, I've been feeling quite depressed (for no particularly reason mainly, but some things like not quite being able to do as well as I hoped in tests and a few fallouts with friends and family played a small part too).
- I had my last cervical cancer jab on Thursday, would this have caused me to lose weight?

I also remember about a month or so ago there was a day when my weight was lower than usual as well - 39.5kg. Is this day just like that day in terms of weight and water retention?

And I'm worried that my parents will get angry and think I've been trying to lose weight again. What should I tell them?

Thanks!
Rose

Answer
Dear Rose,

Not a problem.  I'm glad to hear from you!  No one in the world maintains the exact same weight every day.  Weight can fluctuate as much as 2-3 pounds in everyone.  It also sounds to me like you'd gotten a touch of flu.  With diarrhea you will lose some weight but it is weight that will be regained as soon as you're well.

1.  Carbohydrates do NOT cause water retention.  Salt can cause water retention as well as foods that are loaded with sodium.  This is why I like natural, fresh foods with no preservatives or additives.

2.  If your depression is worse, ask your doctor about your medication.  Remember you don't have to suffer!

3.  A cervical cancer shot is not going to cause you to lose weight.  Only the diarrhea -- that is the answer to your problem!!  :o)



Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
888-520-1700
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com