One of the side effects of medications can be weight gain. For seniors who are taking medications that can cause weight gain that extra weight can cause a big problem for their overall health. Seniors have a hard time losing weight. And even a few extra pounds can increase the risk that seniors will develop serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease. In-home care providers can help seniors manage their weight by helping seniors prepare healthy meals.
If seniors need medication that has weight gain as a side effect they need to be vigilant about trying to control their weight. In-home care can also help seniors by encouraging them to exercise more.
Some things that seniors can do to fight weight gain caused by medication are:
In-Home Care Summit NJ – How Seniors Can Fight Weight Gain Caused By MedicationsCommunicate With Their Doctor
Seniors who are concerned about weight gain caused by medication need to be honest and upfront with their doctor. They should discuss their concerns about gaining weight and talk about strategies that they can use to manage their weight. Doctors can change medications, adjust doses, or prescribe other medications that might help.
Focus On Diet
Seniors should focus on a balanced and nutritious diet that includes a variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoiding processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive amounts of refined carbohydrates will help minimize weight gain.
Pay Attention To Portion Sizes
Seniors should also be focusing on eating the correct portions of foods. Being aware of portion sizes can help seniors avoid overeating. One trick often used to manage portions is to use small plates to make it look like seniors are eating more food.
Exercise Every Day
Seniors need to be getting some movement every day in order to fight off weight gain. Simple exercise like walking is fine if that’s all seniors can comfortably do. Seniors can start with just easy walking and move up to another exercise that burns more calories.
Strength Training
Seniors can incorporate strength training exercises to build muscle. Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat, which can help counteract weight gain. Consider using resistance bands or light weights for safe and effective strength training.
Limit Liquid Calories
Cut back on sugary beverages like soda, juice, and energy drinks, as they can contribute to weight gain. Choose healthy options like water, herbal tea, or other low-calorie beverages instead.
Manage Stress
Stress can contribute to weight gain. Seniors should try to minimize stress by engaging in activities like meditation, exercise, and learning new hobbies to help them relax.
Get Enough Sleep
Not getting sleep can also contribute to weight gain. Seniors should prioritize quality sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep per night.
Monitor Weight
Keeping a food and activity journal will help seniors keep track of their weight and the things they are doing to manage it. The journal will help seniors identify what works and what doesn’t work for them when it comes to weight loss.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring In-Home Care Services in Summit NJ, call the caring staff at Helping Hands Home Care today at 908-418-4299.
After graduating from Seton Hall University with a BS in finance Helping Hands Homecare’s Owner / President, Robert D’Arienzo, went to work on Wall St. for six years. However, after Robert’s grandmother became ill with stomach cancer Robert and his family needed to find assistance in the home for her. After many trials and tribulations Robert could see that there was a great need for quality home care services here in NJ and loved the idea of being able to assist other families who were going through what his family went through with his beloved grandmother.
Thus, Robert had found his passion. After almost a year of preparation Robert opened Helping Hands Homecare in 2003. Robert wanted Helping Hands Homecare to focus on providing the highest quality of caregivers, exceptional customer service, and providing a service that familys could depend on in their time of need. Since then Helping Hands has assisted hundreds of individuals with the simplest of needs to more complex cases while preserving those standards set out many years ago.
Robert is a Google Verified Author
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