Doctors explained how to lose weight with autoimmune diseases: the main mistake.

DR JEFF FOSTER - the new medical consultant for The Sun on Sunday and always ready to help you.

According to The Sun: Dr. Jeff, who is 43 years old, works as a therapist in Lymington Spa, Yorkshire, and owns H3 Health clinic, the first in the UK specializing in addressing hormonal issues in both men and women.

Q) I am 58 years old and 15 years ago I was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Since then, my athletic activities have gradually decreased.

I am still able to spend an hour on a stationary bike two to three times a week and also do weight exercises the same number of times. I take protein powder most mornings and smoothies most evenings, but since I cannot be as active as I used to, should I be upset about too much whey protein since I cannot lose weight from my belly?

Roy Anderson, Essex

A) At the simplest level, if you consume more calories than you burn, you will gain weight.

This applies to both underweight and overweight individuals.

The details lie in how calories affect us differently.

Some people eat less than others but remain underweight, and the reason is that their body requires less energy to maintain basic daily functions than the person they are compared to.

Several factors influence our energy needs, and among them the most important is our basal metabolic rate.

After that, other factors affecting our caloric needs include age, activity level, presence of muscle mass or fat in the body, as well as overall size and height.

As we age, our metabolism slows down, so we need less food.

If this occurs due to simple aging or hormonal decline, you should discuss it with your doctor (especially if you have other symptoms), but I would advise keeping the protein shake as protein is necessary for muscle mass as we age, and then try to reduce carbohydrate or fat intake in other meals.

Q) I have lichen sclerosus and intercourse is painful.

I use a cream with estriol twice a week, but it is still painful when my husband and I have sex. What advice do you have?

Shirley Dale, London

Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that typically affects the vulva or penis.

It is not sexually transmitted and does not spread.

Common symptoms include itching, pain, and changes in the appearance of the affected area.

It is important to start treatment early because without treatment the vulva can shrink in size and make entry into the vagina more painful, increasing the risk of secondary infections.

No one really knows why this condition occurs, although there are some suggestions that it may be an autoimmune disease.

Generally, treatment involves a strong topical steroid cream prescribed by your doctor and careful monitoring.

The cream with estriol will not be the treatment of choice.

Dr. Jeff Foster is an experienced therapist ready to assist patients with various issues, from hormonal disorders to skin conditions. The responses to readers' questions reflect his professionalism and desire to provide helpful advice and support.