Hiring a personal trainer.

[sab2012]

My weight has increased by 25-35 pounds on pristiq and it is all in the belly.
My doctor told me that anxiety/depression causes excessive eating and therefore told me to hire a personal trainer.
It is 45$ an hour at the gym,is it worth it?
So far dieting has not showed any results,depression sucks.
It is like restarting life from scratch,haunting experience.

[Bilo76]

Hi,

I used to go the gym a lot and fitness. My opinion is that a personal trainer is not wort it. If you cant stop the excessive eating by yourself; no amount of sport will help you. And your trainer is not labeled to your refrigerator, he is only there once or twice per week. My advice; try to eat as well as you can. If that includes a candybar per day;..so be it...accept that you are there now. But just try to eat as healthy as possible for you now. Be realistic in your diet, and dont beat yourself up about it. And start lifting weights since you need to increase your muscles. And i would get a race- or mtbbicycle and try to cycle a larger route each week. Its the best way to loose fat.

I used to help people in the gym; if you have some questions, let me know

[sab2012]

Bilo,

Thanks.

You have a great sense of humor

I will follow your advice.I will paste my picture on the refrigerator.

[rangerNY]

You have to very truthful with yourself about what you're eating. Take a hard look at your caloric intake and how much of it is based on simple carbs (i.e. bread, sweets, juices and sugary drinks, cereals, etc.). A personal trainer won't really be effective at 1-2 sessions per week unless you're eating well. Most times that game is 97% mental/emotional.

I know that depression and anxiety can lead to overeating and a diet high in sugar and fat (i.e. comfort foods), but there's a flip side. Eating right and engaging in regular exercise goes a long way toward fostering a positive outlook. In terms of a natural approach to dealing with depression (or anxiety), exercise is a HUGE part of that. Don't underestimate the impact of doing something positive for yourself.

[nickels]

Not sure about pristiq but with paxil when I started to gain weight, exercise and diet only shed about 5lbs and then just maintained where I was at. I gave up exercising and dieting and maxed out at a 35lb total gain, which wasn't the answer but I was tired of killing myself for little gain. So while I would definitely suggest working out and trying to watch what you eat (b/c of the benefits Ranger has mentioned)...in my opinion, its an uphill battle as far as weight loss goes...while still medicated.

I was doing Weight Watchers and had a personal trainer. I'm not discouraging you, but don't want you to be disappointed. I'm sure it can be done, and everyone is different, but this was my experience.

On the up side, once I was off the meds, it came off with "diet" and exercise (just eating healthy and about 45mins to an hr of my own exercise routine at home, abt 4x a week).

I also gained 40lbs with pregnancy and it all came off and then some (no diet or exercise - although I should be!)...so in my mind, the meds, and how they were numbing me, played a big role in my weight struggles.

[sab2012]

Thanks nickel.

you are probably right.

it will be 2 months since i quit pristiq and reduced 5-6 pounds.

[scotty]

Most find that it takes at least 6-8 months off the drugs before significant weight loss is seen.

[nickels]

Originally Posted by sab2012

Thanks nickel.

you are probably right.

it will be 2 months since i quit pristiq and reduced 5-6 pounds.

Okay great! I wasn't aware of where you were in your taper. If your body allows it then I say now is the time to start working out and really look at your diet. Its never too early to start good habits. If you want to try a personal trainer find one that can show you what to do, which is important when you are new to working out. You can always use what you learn and work out on your own too. Good luck!

[sab2012]

Thanks All for your support,this is a great forum.