Medical treatments can have a big impact on your long-term health and fitness. Some help, but others can slow your progress by causing side effects or getting in the way of exercise and healthy eating. Knowing the possible risks makes it easier to get the results you want. Below are six treatments that can interfere with fitness goals.
DHT blockers
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) blockers are used to lower the effects of the male hormone DHT and are commonly prescribed for hair loss or an enlarged prostate. They can also reduce testosterone, lower muscle mass, and lead to weight gain. Those changes can make it harder to stick with workout routines and diet plans. Reliable information about DHT side effects is available online, and learning more can help you weigh your options when choosing medications.
Long-acting sleeping pills
Good sleep is crucial for energy, workouts, and healthy eating. Long-acting sleeping pills can disturb your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, affect energy and metabolism, and leave you feeling groggy during the day. That daytime drowsiness can make it easy to skip workouts or miss meals. When used as directed and paired with good sleep habits, these drugs can still help, but if you have other health concerns, talk to your doctor about how they might affect your fitness goals.
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications
These drugs can be life-changing for people with depression and anxiety, but some can cause weight gain, slow metabolism, fatigue, dizziness, or trouble concentrating—issues that can get in the way of exercise and healthy eating. Talk with your doctor about any risks and try to include regular exercise as part of your treatment plan, since physical activity can help offset some side effects and boost both mental and physical health.
Pain medication
Painkillers are important for managing chronic pain and injuries, but they can also cause drowsiness and lower motivation. Some opioids carry a risk of dependence, which can make it harder to maintain healthy habits. Work with your doctor to create a pain management plan that supports your fitness goals while addressing your pain.
Chemotherapy
For people undergoing chemotherapy, side effects like fatigue, nausea, hormonal shifts, and mood changes can make regular exercise and a balanced diet difficult. Chemotherapy can also weaken the immune system, so intense workouts may be harder to recover from. Your doctor can help you understand how treatment will affect your activity and nutrition and can help you build a safe plan that fits your abilities.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids treat inflammatory conditions such as asthma, lupus, and arthritis, and they can be taken orally or injected. While they reduce inflammation, they may also cause weight gain, muscle loss, fatigue, and mood swings. Knowing these potential effects can help you and your doctor plan treatments that consider your fitness aims.
It’s important to understand how medical treatments might affect your fitness. Talk with your doctor about any medications you’re using so you can manage risks while working toward your physical goals.