Newer Nurse-Unexpected Weight Loss?

[angelsare44]

Hi everyone, I have a super odd situation going on which is the complete opposite of what I expected. I'm a newer nurse, 9 months working in med-surg and I absolutely love it! I started on days and have been working nights now for a few months and have noticed a steady decline in my weight since day 1. I was a normal weight to begin with and have been exercising a lot less since working because I just want to chill! I figured I'd bounce back and then probably gain weight but it doesn't seem to be happening yet and I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue. I do take ADHD medication but this has never impacted my appetite or weight. Occasionally on nights off I only get 2 meals because I sleep most of the day but the majority of the time I don't do that. I bring a ton of calorie dense food to work and feel like I should at least be maintaining by now. For context I have lost about 15# since starting my career. I know that isn't much but I started out a slim weight for my height and have been getting concerned comments from family and my psych NP. I know I should probably talk to a doctor and I will....eventually (LOL) but I'm a "stereotypical nurse" in that I do not prioritize my own medical care! I would appreciate any input/suggestions/tips and would love to know if anyone out there has also experienced this. Thank you!

[TriciaJ, RN]

If you were previously exercising vigorously and now aren't, you may have lost some muscle mass.  If you are getting concerned comments, though, you DO need to check it out.  At the very least, you want to make sure you haven't developed Type I Diabetes or some such thing.

At this point, you need to get yourself some peace of mind.  Call your doctor today.  Wishing you the best.

[Nursingmypride]

I have the exact same thing! I’ve been working for about 10 months and have lost 10 lbs just from stress and anxiety, mostly because I would feel nauseous on the days I worked. I was also slim to begin with, 5’ 3” and now 110. Definitely go see your doctor. I did and she prescribed Atarax PRN. Haven’t gained it back yet but she didn’t seem very concerned. 

[Nunya, BSN]

I lost 16 pounds in about 4 months when I started a new job on nights, without even realizing it until I pulled my jeans on one day and realizing that they'd come close to falling down if I took a deep breath!  I ate a little before work, one meal at work with an occasional package of crackers and then on my days off I was still usually do tired that I only ate once, very very rarely twice.  It's PROBABLY stress and running around at work but it probably wouldn't hurt to get it checked out, sooner rather than later.