Weight challenges with myotonic muscular dystrophy type 1 (DM1) are something others in the community can relate to. While weight gain (obesity) is more commonly discussed in MD, some people with DM1 do struggle with maintaining or gaining weight due to muscle wasting and swallowing difficulties.
Here are a few things that Show Full Answer
Weight challenges with myotonic muscular dystrophy type 1 (DM1) are something others in the community can relate to. While weight gain (obesity) is more commonly discussed in MD, some people with DM1 do struggle with maintaining or gaining weight due to muscle wasting and swallowing difficulties.
Here are a few things that may be contributing to difficulty gaining weight:
- Muscle wasting (atrophy) — As muscles weaken and shrink over time, overall body mass can decrease
- Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) — DM1 can affect the muscles used for swallowing, making eating harder and reducing overall food intake
- Fatigue — Low energy levels can reduce appetite and make meal preparation difficult Some helpful strategies to support healthy weight and nutrition include:
- Working with a registered dietitian to create a nutrition plan tailored to your needs
- Consulting a speech-language pathologist if swallowing is an issue — they can recommend safer food textures
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals to make intake more manageable
- Focusing on nutrient-dense foods to get more calories and nutrition in smaller amounts
It's always worth raising this with your healthcare team so they can help find the right approach for you specifically.
October 4
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Join
Your Privacy Choices
