Metabolic issues due to medication
I’ll preface this by saying I’ve read the book, I’ve been practicing intuitive eating for two years, I’m in therapy, and I’m working with an IE dietitian. I have bipolar disorder and I take an antipsychotic known for causing metabolic issues and weight gain. I am content with my body. It does so much for me. I engage in joyful movement and I nourish it with foods that energise me. My problem is that after many years on the anti psychotic medication, I now have metabolic issues and I need to take medication for cholesterol (this runs in my family) and potential impending insulin resistance. I am struggling so much with feeling like my body is letting me down. In the bipolar sub, there are frequent posts about how to combat anti psychotics with intermittent fasting, restricting to 1200 calories a day, or taking ozempic. I just can’t go back to living that way. I’m working with my dietitian on gentle nutrition that can support metabolic health, but in the meantime, I’m reaching out here to find out whether anyone else has gone through this. How can I trust my body when my health is declining? When I see my psychiatrist again in a few months I will explore other options for medication, but unfortunately bipolar disorder has a limited pool of meds to work with.
ETA: the doctor who described my metabolic syndrome was incredibly judgemental. She suggested that my problems were due to lifestyle issues and to see a dietitian, quit drinking and smoking (I don’t do either), and exercise more (I am already active). I know that I didn’t receive the care I deserved, but I can’t help but be affected by the way she made this feel like it is squarely my fault.