Does losing weight really make you less tired?

[crikeyomikey]

Because today I am so tired I could cry, and I often feel like this. There's no chance of an appointment with my GP (they have even sent a text out telling people they'll only see emergencies). I know people always say that if you lose weight you'll be less tired, but it's it really noticeable or just an easy thing to say? I am at Slimming World, and would love to think eventually I might start to feel better!

[Sammysquiz]

I'm less tired now I've lost weight. I think it's because I snore less now and therefore get a deeper sleep. Also I exercise more now so tend to fall asleep faster as I'm more knackered!

But your tiredness could be down to all sorts of things. Can you change GPs? Sounds like you should have a blood test.

[Sirzy]

Eating well and exercising both help me feel less tired generally.

I still get periods of extreme fatigue though but I think that's just me!

[NotInMyBackYard1]

Undoubtedly yes, I have tons more energy now I am 3 stone lighter. I sleep better, probably due to exercising, and I'm nowhere near as tired from just 'existing' as I was before. There will be plenty of NSVs on your journey - all very worth it!

[ChopinLisztFinder]

I have more energy after losing weight, but that's probably because I lost the equivalent of 3 full suitcases. Who wouldn't be knackered if they were constantly carrying 3 full suitcases?

But losing weight didn't sort everything that the doctors dismissed as being weight related. Shock horror, some of them were unrelated to my morbid obesity!

It's worth talking to a GP about your tiredness. Tiredness can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, another symptom of which is weight gain or difficulty losing weight.

[ChopinLisztFinder]

I lost 6.5st/40kg btw, so that's either 2 very large full suitcases on a generous airline or where you've bought extra allowance, or about 3 normal full holiday suitcases.

[Badgoushk]

Yes! I lost 4 stone and am less tired now that I'm no longer carrying the equivalent of a child around with me 24/7

[SleepThief84]

I think so. I need to lose 2-3 stone and I'm knackered all the time. I'm lugging around the weight of a small child in addition to my ideal body weight, it's hard work for your body, on your joints etc. When I was at an ideal weight I had much more energy (was exercising regularly too and didn't have DD so obviously that has an impact) and I fell asleep much more easily too. Only good benefits can come of being healthy and at an ideal weight. Overweight generally = unhealthy.

[crikeyomikey]

Thanks everyone. I'm at least 5 stone overweight, so definitely carrying a lot extra! I feel like my brain is full of fog and I hate being so irritable with my little ones. It's another incentive to keep up the diet, I suppose. My thyroid was checked two years ago and was fine - can things change in that time? Sorry if that sounds ignorant, I really don't know.

[OuchLegoHurts]

I wouldn't think it's your thyroid! As others have said your skeleton is carrying around 5 stone of eight that it isn't meant to...I lost weight myself and feel so much more energetic.

[4yoniD]

Actually tired and brain full of fog can be thyroid, or low iron, (I suffer both), or a host of medical things I've not suffered.

[SundayGirl86]

It would definitely be worth having a blood test - a Vitamin D deficiency can cause extreme tiredness too. Without proper tests you won't know if there's any underlying medical cause.

[TheWildRumpyPumpus]

I've lost nearly 4 stone this year and have a lot more energy to get up off my bum and play with the kids or even take myself out for some exercise.

In the gym I pick up those 20kg and am tired and achy just walking back and forth a few times. Unbelievable that I used to carry that around with me all the time.

[Polly99]

It can help with energy levels - I certainly feel very energised after a work out and there is something about being slimmer that just makes me feel good.
But you sound unusually tired. I think you should try taking lots of B vitamins (maybe get Berocca), iron (spatone) and vitamin D. Can you also reduce refined sugar in your diet, and have something containing protein for breakfast?
Last, if your sleep isn't good quality, try eating something (e.g. A few Brazil nuts) within half an hour of waking. I swear eating very soon after waking helps improve sleep quality.

I hope you feel better soon.