Recovery from alcoholism encourages weight gain in some. Many people with alcoholism have poor, irregular eating habits. Appetite usually increases during recovery, which can make you likely to overeat; weight gain may even be beneficial if you are underweight. But weight gain during alcoholism recovery is not inevitable. Make a plan with your health care provider to prevent weight gain or even lose weight during your recovery from alcoholism.
Effects
People in recovery from alcohol addiction may display dysfunctional eating patterns and excessive weight gain. Men in early recovery may be more likely to binge eat and eat because of emotional problems, use food to substitute for alcohol and eat in response to cravings, according to a 2008 study published in "Appetite." Men in the mid to later recovery may express weight concerns and distress about weight-loss efforts. Excess weight gain may occur during recovery in part because of food deprivation during active addiction.
Drug Treatment
Certain medications used to treat alcoholism can cause weight changes. Drug treatments for alcoholism symptoms include sedatives, beta-adrenergic blockers, antipsychotic or anticonvulsant medications, disulfiram, ondansetron and baclofen. The only drugs approved by the FDA to treat alcoholism itself include naltrexone, acamprosate and topiramate and other anticonvulsants. Topiramate can lead to weight loss, and other anticonvulsants can lead to weight gain. Alcoholics also have high rates of other mental disorders. People with depression may require antidepressants, which can cause weight gain. The antipsychotic drug clozapine may reduce heavy drinking in schizophrenic patients but can also cause weight gain.
Recommendations
To prevent weight gain in alcoholism recovery, increase your level of physical activity. Aim for 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise a day. Many alcoholics had poor eating habits before they began the process of recovery. Consult a dietitian to learn new habits and develop a healthy eating plan. Establish regular mealtimes. Eat a reduced-fat diet. Get more protein, complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Be sure to get enough fluids. Learn to manage cravings by identifying activities you can do when you are bored or experiencing intense emotion. See a counselor who can help you learn other ways to manage emotional problems. Ask your doctor if you should take nutritional supplements.
Significance
A balance diet may help improve your mood so you're less likely to relapse, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. Irregular eating habits can cause swings in blood sugar. People with alcoholism may interpret this feeling as an alcohol craving rather than hunger. But remember that your recovery from alcoholism is more important than giving up your favorite foods. If it is too difficult for you to avoid certain food cravings, it is better for you to give in than turn to alcohol instead.
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