To panic about weight loss?

[Weightlossworry]

I'm 43 and 5ft 5 inches (166cm) tall. I am 46.5kg (7 stone 4 pounds).

I have IBS and have been stuck on the elimination stage of the FODMAP diet for two and a half years because I can tolerate only the foods on the elimination list. As long as I stick within that, I don't have pain. If I eat outside it, I have very painful cramps. I was deficient in B12 last year but took a course of injections for that. I do know I'm deficient in folic acid (I think it is).

I have mental health issues - currently in hospital with that - but no history of eating disorder and would have been at least a stone heavier a year ago, probably more. And heavier again before that. I have been trying to eat decent food amounts and really thought I had gained a bit. But tonight I've weighed myself and found that over the last six weeks I have lost roughly a kg despite making a point of eating proper meals and snacks. Not taking any medication that would cause weight loss.

If this continues and my weight drops below seven stone I will be very worried indeed. Can anyone tell me not to be worried, give advice about what my next steps should be, or even if I should be worried? Thank you.

On the off chance this is related, the skin on my left arm was numb for a couple of months over the summer. I'm not a crank, it's just that you never know what might be relevant.

YABU Nothing to worry about, just keep eating regularly
YANBU Something to worry about or act upon in some way

Have you had reviews with a doctor to make sure what you can eat is sufficient or if you can try adding other foods in a controlled way?

I’d be concerned about continuous weight-loss unless you are in your healthy range and seek professional advice.

With such a limited diet it’s not surprising you’ve had weight loss along with b12/folate deficiencies tbh.

I haven't. I can eat any meat and rice, potato, GF pasta, oats, oat milk, glucose, carrots - I am eating these in what I think are sensible amounts.

If your in hospital for mental health issues, they ask you at all contact points about your eating, please disclose when next asked and you will receive help.

Thank you. They are very very busy. I will do but there aren't many resources.

OP, I’ve calculated your BMI on the figures you give and you are in the underweight category so I think you should flag this up with whoever is responsible for your care.

Causes may need to be investigated but meanwhile could you increase the portions of foods you can eat? and have some extra snacks? I am following a FODMAPS diet myself at the moment and there are plenty of high calorie opportunities if you need them…I’m thinking oatcakes with butter, flapjacks, most nuts, some fruits like bananas…

Is it possible that you’re restricting your diet beyond the FODMAPS requirements?

You are important enough to ask for more help.

Can you increase your intake of olive oil? Have more calorie dense snacks like flapjack? Fatty meats like lamb and 20% mince in your meals? Chips made with potatoes and olive oil.