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What Causes Weakness, Loss Of Strength And Weight Gain Despite Working Out?
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Not Dr House but I'll try to help!
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Since you're confirming that he eats and sleeps according to his doctor's instructions, I'll mention some potential explanations for his condition. I'll assume he hasn't changed his exercise regime.
You haven't mentioned the thyroid. I'm sure he's done a TSH test but I have to ask, because this is one of the most important tests when someone is overweight.
You haven't mentioned any symptoms or signs like loss of male hair, change in appearance, reduced libido, swollen breasts etc
If his TSH and the rest of common blood tests are normal as well then I can only think that it's his age.
He is 39 now, his problems started at 37. Most athletes end their career even earlier than his age. Our bodies start to decline after our 25 years or so. This decline is not evident until after the 30th year and sometimes after the 35th year of age. It's not the same for everyone though and you can't really predict when it will happen. But it does! Muscular power is harder to maintain and the same applies for stamina etc. The body tends to gain weight every year - to gain fat actually. And there are genetic factors that may come into play. Perhaps his father got some extra weight at about the same age?
Having said all that, I still believe he should re-check his diet and activity schedule. The most common mistakes are in the diet, because people tend to underestimate the calories they get from snacks. The opposite applies for physical activity. People tend to overestimate their activity. If he gets more tired at work then perhaps he's cheating a bit in the gym? I'm just asking questions...
If he does everything right and has no endocrinological problems then it has to be the aging process.
I hope I've helped!
If you'd like further clarifications, please use your follow up questions.
Kind Regards!
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let me add something more
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I'm not a trainer but let me add a few words about exercising. Strength is gained faster when we exercise at near maximal intensity (80-85% of XXXXXXX muscle power) which will allow for 5-8 repetitions. Lower intensity (and more repetitions) may increase muscle power but only modestly.
I don't have any other ideas regarding diseases that may cause this situation but a normal creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) is very much against the diagnosis of myopathies, as is the lack of myopathy symptoms (pain, stiffness, twitching, slow reflexes etc). If you're very concerned about myopathies there is a test that can detect subtle alterations in muscle function (electromyography). You should consult a neurologist for that.
Best wishes!
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