“Weight loss is not prescribed for POTS and, in fact, it exacerbates it”

I’ve heard from POTS sufferers that uninformed primary care physicians (or others) have dismissively advised losing weight to resolve symptoms

I lost 50 pounds this year and POTS only got progressively worse for me as I lost. I had a cardiologist appointment today and he asked me about the weight loss and I said that part of the reason I lost weight was to try and improve my POTS symptoms. That’s when he said clearly: “weight loss is not prescribed for POTS and, in fact, exacerbates it”

He then explained in detail why weight loss could make symptoms worse and I now have to be on some medication to raise blood pressure that I didn’t need before.

I just wanted to make this post as a PSA and validation for the people that are ignored and told that losing weight would be your best option. I’m not dissuading you from any weight loss goals and certainly my anecdote doesn’t override any medical advice you’ve been given but I know I would have appreciated knowing this information a year ago.