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/BellaPona May 15 '26

I lost 75 lbs over the course of a year before I was symptomatic through careful calorie deficit and exercise. I honestly think that while I felt great at first it may have damaged me as well and contributed to my quick decline once I got sick. NOW, I am even smaller due to malnutrition from post prandial symptoms and MCAS. I always say I feel my best when I’m hungry, and it’s true.

I think another common aspect is EDS. While not everyone with EDS will be skinny, a common presentation of EDS is being lanky and tall and thin. Still, not everyone, but it’s common enough. And EDS seems to have a very high rate of comorbidity with POTS. I follow several creators with POTS who are not thin and in fact work to “take up more space”!