This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hi everyone!

Im curious if anyone else has this problem...prior to using Copaxone I was on Avonex and had no problem losing weight. After I had my baby I immediatley went on Copaxone and ever since have been unable to lose more than 10 lbs.....I work out 3X a week...and even hired a personal trainer two months ago...sticking to a strict workout schedule and diet he provides...I STILL cant lose weight. My body fat percentage has gone down...but not the weight.

He is now questioning the meds Im taking...and I found in small print somewhere in Copaxone info that in a small percentage of people there is an inability to lose weight...ARRRRRRRRGH! Im considering going back on Avonex now...simply because Im starting to wonder if this is what is happening to me.

Anyone else with this problem?
thanks!
Dawn

We switched John to a low fat diet and yet since copaxone he has not lost an ounce. He is not really overweight but he would like 10 lbs or so off. I believe it to be the meds but then again he is 42

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John was diagnosed Jan 2005. On lipitor 20mg .On Copaxone since July 4,2005. Vitamin D3 2000iu-4000iu (depending on sunshine months)June 10 2005(RX::Dr. O'Connor) Omega 3 as well Turmeric since April 2005. Q10 60mg. 1500mg liquid Glucosamine Nov 2005.

Hi Dawn -

Quick basic question for you - have you slimmed down any at all but your weight has stayed the same?? You mentioned that your body fat percentage has gone down, but not overall weight. Did your trainer take body measurements and have you seen any changes in body dimensions like smaller waist, etc? What method are you and your training using to measure body fat?

I used to lift weights and even though I stayed the same size or slimmed up in spots (and got thicker in others) my weight actually increased while training. Muscle is more dense than fat. I wasn't taking Copaxone while training, though, and I was lean to start with.

It could be a Copaxone side effect. I remember on the side effect list something about facial edema with Copaxone, which makes me think there is a possible fluid retention issue. Or it could be you are transitioning fat into muscle if you are shrinking, which is actually a good thing. If you are slimming up a little and still staying the same weight I wouldn't worry too much. My sister went through this, she was overweight and started dieting and working out. She went through plateaus where she would lose no weight at all and yet drop a size in clothes.

Just a thought - don't know if it fits your situation.

Lisa