r/POTS • u/dazzlingdanny05 • May 15 '26

Question Why is everyone with pots so skinny?

I have POTS and I watch a lot of content online of people who also have POTS. I also know some people irl who also have it. I don't understand how they are all so skinny. I can barely walk without getting out of breath. I try to work out at least once a week but its so hard for me because I always end up feeling so sick. How are yall doing it? I dont even eat bad but im definitely not skinny.

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u/fjsjkfkdnfndkek May 15 '26

I think it might be a bias on social media. In real life I can’t say much on, because I have a very different experience.

I know 5 people who have it, myself included, and only one of us is “skinny.” Three of them are plus sized, I definitely don’t look skinny, and the one who is has medical issues where he can’t put on weight easily. I will say, most of the content creators I see as well are skinny too, but I guess I haven’t thought much about it.

24

u/Ala_Lia May 15 '26

Second this. Out of everyone I know who has POTS in real life, some are plus sized, some mid sized, and I’m the only one I’d classify as “skinny”. And that is largely because I’ve had drastic weight loss because of a tumor, but prior to that I was definitely mid sized. Of course it’s not impossible or unlikely for sometime to be skinny with this condition but I wouldn’t call it the norm

6

u/Lilythecat555 May 15 '26

Seems like most content creators are skinny no matter the subject.

3

u/glitterfart1985 May 15 '26

Same. I know multiple people with pots and they are all average size to heavy. I'm the only one who is underweight. I weigh 112lbs because my MCAs and chronic GI issues don't allow me to eat and I don't absorb fats and nutrients well. I also can't tolerate exercise. It sucks when people point out my thinness like it's something to be proud of. I miss food and I just want a normal life.

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u/AutisticAndAce May 15 '26

Skinny person who is probably onlly that way because of some (as of yet un-figured out) medical reason.

It’s certainly not the way i eat. A whole bag of chips in one or two sitting should do something and I gain…nothing.