Weight loss and weight gain in Parkinson's
If you have Parkinson’s, you may experience weight loss or put weight on. But maintaining a healthy weight can help you live well with the condition. We find out more.
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Weight loss in Parkinson's
Some Parkinson’s symptoms may cause you to lose weight, or mean it's difficult to put weight on if you're underweight. These include:
- Difficulties with chewing or swallowing food.
- Tremor or dyskinesia (involuntary movements) may mean you’re using more calories than you’re consuming.
- Parkinson’s motor symptoms, such as slowness of movement or rigidity can make it harder to prepare and eat meals.
- Loss of smell, which can make food less enjoyable to eat.
- Depression can be common in Parkinson’s, and can lead to a loss of appetite.
- Some Parkinson’s medication can cause nausea, which means you may not feel like eating.
Tips for weight gain:
Add high-calorie foods such as cream, butter or cheese to food where you can.
Try eating 3 meals a day and 2 to 3 snacks between your meals. You should aim to eat every 2 to 3 hours during the day.
As an alternative to snacking between meals, try having a high-calorie drink, such as a milkshake made with full-fat milk, malted drink or smoothie.
If you have lost your appetite, try stimulating your appetite by seasoning your food with herbs, spices, marinades or sauces.
If you find it difficult to drink or to prepare and eat meals, it's worth considering specialist items that could help. For example, if you have reduced grip, weakness or tremor, which makes it difficult to handle cutlery, you may find it easier to use an all-in-one knife and fork or fork and spoon. Find out more about equipment for eating and drinking.
Weight gain in Parkinson's
If you have Parkinson’s, you may find you become less active. If this is the case, but you’re eating the same amount of food, it's easy to gain weight.
Weight gain may also be a side effect of a treatment:
- Some people who have had deep brain stimulation (DBS) put on weight quickly after the surgery.
- Impulsive and compulsive behaviour is a side effect of some Parkinson’s medication, particularly dopamine agonists and, in some cases, levodopa. Binge eating is a type of impulsive behaviour when someone eats large amounts of food in a short period of time because they can’t control their appetite. As a result, you may gain a lot of weight. If you think you’re experiencing this behaviour, speak to your GP, specialist or Parkinson’s nurse.
Tips for weight loss:
If you’re used to eating bigger meals, using a smaller plate can help reduce your portion size. Weighing your ingredients before you cook can also help you stick to the suggested serving sizes.
Try to eat at least 5 portions of differently coloured fruit and vegetables each day. Having at least 2 portions of vegetables with a meal can help fill half your plate and leave less room for less healthy options.
Use skimmed or semi-skimmed milk instead of full fat, or low-fat or fat-free yoghurts.
Sugary foods, such as cakes, biscuits, and pastries, contain lots of calories, fat and sugar. If you’re trying to lose weight, try to reduce how often you eat them. When choosing drinks, go for sugar-free, no added sugar or low-calorie drinks and use artificial sweetener instead of sugar in cups of tea or coffee.
Getting physically active, or increasing the activity you already do can help you to lose weight. Physical activity is good for everyone, but if you have Parkinson's, it can also help improve your physical and mental wellbeing as well as your balance, strength and coordination.
If you have other health conditions as well as Parkinson’s, such as circulation problems, high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes, and are concerned about being overweight, speak to your GP, specialist, Parkinson’s nurse or ask to see a registered dietitian