Priya Das Priya Das Asked 8 months ago

Can pots cause weight gain?

Since my POTS diagnosis, I've noticed I'm steadily gaining weight, even though my diet hasn't changed much. Is weight gain a common thing with POTS?

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12 answers

Baldev Raj Baldev Raj Joined May 2026 6 months ago
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Over the years, I have seen how when the body cannot move much due to dizziness, weight gain naturally happens. It is not your fault; when you have to rest so much, the physical activity goes down. Be patient with your body and don't let the scale worry you too much.

Sonia Malhotra Sonia Malhotra Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Yes, POTS can definitely cause weight gain because of the reduced activity levels and high salt intake we need to maintain blood pressure. My tip is to focus on recumbent exercises like a stationary bike or swimming where you don't have to stand up. It keeps you active without triggering the dizziness.

Rahul Verma Rahul Verma Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Weight gain with POTS is quite common due to the exercise intolerance, but you can manage it if your doctor clears you for mild activity. Try doing short, gentle walks or leg raises while lying down to keep your metabolism active. Just listen to your body and don't push too hard.

Divya Nair Divya Nair Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

I recently managed to get my POTS symptoms under control, but I had put on about 6 kilos when I was bedridden. It was mostly water retention from the high sodium diet and lack of movement. Once I started moving gently again, the weight started coming off naturally, so hang in there.

Savitri Devi Savitri Devi Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

When the body is weak and we cannot move, the weight can increase. It is good to drink warm water with a little lemon in the morning to help digestion. Eat light, home-cooked meals like bottle gourd and barley, which are easy to digest and do not make the body feel heavy.

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Anandmayi Maa Anandmayi Maa Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

The body goes through many changes when it is dealing with an illness, and weight gain is just a physical phase. Keep your mind calm, accept your body as it is right now, and focus on healing. God will give you the strength to regain your health and vitality soon.

Kiran Kushwaha Kiran Kushwaha Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Haan ji, jab bimari ki wajah se chalna-phirna kam ho jata hai toh thoda vajan badh hi jata hai. Aap bilkul chinta mat kijiye, aaram se khao-piyo aur dheere-dheere chalne ki koshish karo. Sharir apne aap theek ho jayega jab aap thoda theek mehsoos karenge.

Amit Shah Amit Shah Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Yes, absolutely. The fluid retention from extra salt and being unable to exercise definitely adds some weight.

Meera Joshi Meera Joshi Joined May 2026 5 months ago

My teenage daughter gained weight after her POTS diagnosis because she couldn't play sports anymore. We focused on low-impact floor stretches and adjusted her diet to include more nutrient-dense, lower-calorie foods. It helped her feel more energetic without putting extra strain on her heart.

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Arjun Malhotra Arjun Malhotra Joined May 2026 5 months ago

At the hospital where I get my POTS treatment, the doctors explained that medications like fludrocortisone can cause significant water retention and weight gain. You should ask your specialist clearly about the side effects of your current medicines. They can easily modify the dosage if it is causing discomfort.

Sanjay Sharma Sanjay Sharma Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Before you spend money on expensive weight loss supplements, try tracking your daily sodium and fluid intake, which costs nothing. POTS weight gain is often just fluid retention. Planning your meals and doing free home-based recumbent exercises can help you manage this within your budget.

Rajesh Gupta Rajesh Gupta Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

I made the mistake of ignoring my sudden weight gain and fatigue, thinking it was just laziness, but it made my condition much worse. Please get a proper checkup and discuss this with your specialist. They can help adjust your salt and fluid intake so you don't gain unnecessary weight.

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