You may find that Parkinson’s affects your weight considerably but you should try to maintain a healthy weight as being over or underweight can affect your health in many ways.
Parkinson’s may cause you to gain weight as you become less mobile and extra weight can strain the joints and make movement even more difficult. If this happens you may be advised to watch your diet and control the calories you consume, for example by avoiding fried foods, sweet desserts, cakes and biscuits and sugary drinks.
More commonly though people with Parkinson’s find that they lose weight and have to try hard to maintain a high intake of calories so as to avoid excessive weight loss. Weight loss may be due to a loss of appetite or because eating or swallowing becomes more difficult, or it may be that your body simply doesn’t absorb nutrients efficiently, or you may be using extra energy in coping with your Parkinson’s symptoms. It also seems that various medications may also have different influences on body weight. Whatever the cause you will need to consume
more calories in whichever way suits you::
- you may find that it is better to reduce the size of meals but have perhaps four or five appetising meals a day with a snack between each meal
- to increase calories try incorporating a little more butter, cream, peanut butter, milkshakes, biscuits, chocolate and dessert for example, but make sure you take good care of your teeth if eating a lot of sugary food! Three or four tablespoons of milk powder can also be added to half a litre or a pint of full cream milk to make it more nutritious
- try drinking nutritious drinks specially formulated to easily increase calorie intake in between meals. These should be available at your supermarket, pharmacy or from your doctor.
- however you vary your diet to increase calories, make sure that you still consume a balance of the various food groups (see below).
Food supplements (not to be confused with vitamin and mineral supplements) are available either from pharmacies or on prescription and may be helpful for those who are unable to eat enough and become considerably underweight, perhaps because of nausea, loss of appetite or difficulty in eating. If you do lose a lot of weight and find it hard to consume the additional calories your body requires it may be helpful to discuss the possibility of food supplements with your doctor or dietician.
If you think that your weight is fluctuating, it is a good idea to weigh yourself regularly and keep a record of your weight over a period of time as this can be useful information for your doctor or a dietician if needed.
Constipation
Constipation is a common problem for those with Parkinson’s and altering your diet may be a key factor in overcoming or reducing this symptom. Increasing your intake of fibre rich foods such as fruit and vegetables, pulses and lentils, wholewheat bread and cereals, can help but beware that too much fibre can cause constipation, so you do need to get the balance right. Increasing fluid intake can also help as fluid is absorbed by the bowel to soften stools and make them easier to pass, and exercise is beneficial as this helps to stimulate the bowels. Remember that a bowel movement is not necessary every day – emptying the bowel only three to four times as week is fine so don’t worry if you do not have a bowel movement every day.
If constipation is not relieved by altering your diet and increasing your exercise then it is best to speak with your doctor.
