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I just started taking lithium, and the doctor didn't tell me anything how many calories I should be eating a day. I think a lot of the weight gain with lithium is water weight, but I'm not sure if it slows down your metabolism. I have noticed my appetite has gone down since I've started taking it though. I think I saw a post floating around on this forum about lithium and weight gain. Something about how it's important to have a low Glycemic Index when on lithium to avoid weight gain.

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Wellll,

There is no indication the lithium slows down the bodys metabolism.

Being medicated with lithium does not require any specific change in caloric intake. I'm not aware of any medication that has a caloric intake recommendation.

Lithium is a bit sedating and can cause a bit of lethargy. I would argue that in general any weight gain is due to decreased activity resulting from lethargy and general lack of motivation. I think this is true of a lot of psych meds.

Your pdoc should be regularly checking your thyroid levels while you are taking lithium. A slowing thyroid can affect weight levels.

Anything you do to increase your activity is good. Walk, take the stairs, park at the far end of the parking lot. Eat as much fruit and veggies as you feel like instead of anything processed with sugar and fats.

good luck!

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