ATD: Is it harder for diabetics to lose weight?

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Question:

I am a type 1 diabetic do you think it’s harder for diabetics to lose weight? I am 5 foot 1 and 125 pounds. I have stopped drinking coffee and soda and have been eating healthy for 1 month. I am not losing weight like I thought I would. I try to exercise 2 to 3 times a week. — Sarah A.

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Answer:

Dear Sarah,

There isn’t any reason it would be more difficult for a person with type 1 diabetes to lose weight. You are at quite a reasonable weight for your height and you really don’t weigh that much: this is what makes weight loss slow and difficult for you. People who are very overweight can more easily eliminate up to a thousand calories from their intake and lose two pounds a week (although it is much less noticeable on someone who is morbidly obese). You’ll be able to lose 1/4-1/2 pound a week on a reasonable diet, which is never fast enough for someone putting all that effort into a diet!

My suggestion is to keep a food diary so you can see how much you are actually eating. Many times we focus on eating so healthy, and then give ourselves a little treat to ’reward’ our efforts. Sometimes these rewards can cancel out all the calories we’ve saved over the past few days! Try bumping up your exercise a couple days a week, too. It’s a good idea for your heart, blood sugar control, and peace of mind.

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Written by Laurie Beebe

About The Author: Laurie Beebe has been a registered dietitian for 25 years and is certified in adult weight management. Laurie currently serves as a diet coach and life coach at www.mycoachlaurie.com