Intermittent Fasting while on ibrutinib or other treatment

[Davidcara]

Trying to lose a little weight. Wondering if anyone has done intermittent fasting, and what your thoughts on this may be.

[nancy_37]

I haven't tried intermittent fasting but my yoga teacher has recommended so I would be interested in what others have to say. I have put on a lot of weight since starting ibrutinib in Jan, and I know it is silly and I am lucky that I am responding well to treatment, but this is the thing that has got me most down -certainly more than joint pain and other side effects but almost as much as diagnosis and covid restrictions. Think it is maybe because I feel it is something I should be able to do something about.

[Jm954 Administrator]

Hi there,

I put on a lot of weight with Ibrutinib and was overweight before that. Finally, on 18th January this year, I got up and decided to do something about it.

There are almost as many diets as there are people and I have probably tried most of them over the years. It's a case of whatever suits your lifestyle and metabolism. I had done a fair bit of research prior to this date and I decided on a low carb diet combined with intermittent fasting. I aim for less than 20g carbohydrate a day and fast between 18:00 hrs and 13:00 hours the next day and take a multivitamin and mineral to ensure I have everything I need.

It's been easier to do with the reduced social interactions and fewer opportunities to eat out with friends but to date I have lost 77 pounds and improved my metabolic health massively according to the usual blood tests. Just 30 more pounds to lose.

All I can say is that it works for me and the best aspect is that I never feel hungry. However, as always, discuss your plans with your doctor first.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Jackie

[Psmithuk in reply to Jm954]

Well done, Jackie. That is a lot!I’ve lost 7lbs, but no one would choose my diet. Three teeth out and three big fillings in three days, not conducive to eating anything! The low carb/intermittent fasting seems to have a lot of scientific information behind it. Might get the other 7lbs off after treatment!

[LeoPa in reply to Jm954]

Impressive! That's exactly how one should go about it.

[Psmithuk]

Go for it!

[Davidcara]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I’m only on day two. Try to eat health food, not to many calories between 11am and 7 pm. Will see how it goes.

[country76]

Yes, I have been intermittent fasting for years. While taking Ibrutinib and Alacabrutinib. It is so easy to do. I eat my last meal between 4-6 pm, usually around 5. So 12 hours would be 6 pm to 6 am. I usually don't eat until 10 or 11. If I wait until 12 or salad for dinner I can lose a pound. I go for a morning walk and like to have something on my stomach so don't stretch it too much. I walk approximately 2 miles. I did not put on a lot of weight however could stand to lose some more.