Losing weight for IVF: Hi Everybody, I... - Fertility Network UK

Fertility Network UK

51,959 members57,462 posts

Losing weight for IVF

Klgriffiths_4 profile image
13 Replies

Hi Everybody, I have been told I need to get my BMI down to 30. I have tried to exercise and diet and nothing is working. Does anybody have any tips?

Written by
Klgriffiths_4 profile image
Klgriffiths_4
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
13 Replies
emily92353 profile image
emily92353

I lost weight before I knew I needed ivf but I logged food on my fitness pal, drank herbal tea and if I was hungry but couldn’t have the calories I found that the options hot chocolates helped cravings and sparkling water helped fill me up

Klgriffiths_4 profile image
Klgriffiths_4 in reply to emily92353

brilliant i will try that, i am finding that cutting out my snacks is making me more hungry and that i need to find a replacement

KayCan profile image
KayCan

I was told the exact same thing in May 2018. By March 2019 I was 2 & 1/2 stone lighter and could start treatment on the NHS. I didn't do anything drastic, I stopped drinking and walked every day. If you are struggling your GP can advise on healthy eating. These things take time, so don't be too hard on yourself 🙂

LCharlton profile image
LCharlton

I struggled a lot with this - using a calorie counting app and counting absolutely everything was essential for me. I know some people who need motivation from others do better with groups like Slimming World. If one approach isn't working, try something else but don't give up. Wishing you luck xx

Klgriffiths_4 profile image
Klgriffiths_4 in reply to LCharlton

Thank you, im going to try calorie counting and see if that helps

Ivf2020A profile image
Ivf2020A

Iv struggled with weight and the only thing that worked for me was keto i have pcos x although my clinic has said dont go on anything drastic just before ivf as it has more damaging effects but for me iv been on it a long time - and now im getting closer to ivf i am not strict keto and im trying to encorporate more carbs x

destiny121 profile image
destiny121

I’m also trying to loose a few lbs at the moment. I have a slim fast shake in the morning as I’m terrible at not having breakfast then eat loads at lunch etc. Also cutting down portion sizes especially carbohydrates and this is helping a lot. Portion sizes and cutting down on all sugar will help you a lot. Good luck 😘😘

Same0508 profile image
Same0508

Hi.. I used to take walks twice mrng n Evng each for an hour... And used to have only warm food as it is fresh n light on tummy... I think avoiding meat also helps in weight loss quick as it takes longer time mostly a day to digest... I included all veggies n also only warm water throughout day...for snacks u can have soaked Almonds n soaked walnuts which manages your weight... This regime helped me a lot also have intercourse once in two days which helps a lot in managing stress hormone n keeps you positive... Gud luck...

Annak234 profile image
Annak234

Hi there! I also had to drop my bmi and had been trying to lose weight for 4 years before that. What worked for me was :

-yoga + running a few days a week ( was doing it also before but only when I changed nutrition the combination worked)

- cut out sugar completely (including sweeteners even without calories)

- never drunk anything with calories, no alcohol or caffeine

- never ate after 5pm

- ate only 2 meals a day - no snacking ( to reduce insulin resistance and hunger)

- significantly cut out all carbs with the exception of pulses (beans, lentils etc) and unlimited vegetables

- increased healthy fats (only olive oil, coconut oil, pure butter)

- only ate full fat dairy but not a lot

- moderate Meat protein, nuts, eggs and fruits

Very restrictive but it worked. It also caused one of my ovaries to stop being polycystic. (I had polycystic ovaries but not pcos) You have to find what works for you because it has a lot to do with genetics. I have done a dna test and know I have the ‘fat gene’ so I had to bring a huge change to my diet over the last 4 years to achieve any weight loss. I have now accepted this need to be my diet and I cant have all the treat food but its worth it.

Hope you manage to achieve your goal!

Kitty230515 profile image
Kitty230515

I followed weight watchers. It really helped me get my weight under control. It’s not a quick fix, but there’s lots of support and a choice of three plans so you find the one that suits you best.

I didn’t have to cut snacks out, as I have a bad sweet tooth, but it helped me make more sensible choices learning that a little bit of what you fancy is ok.

I lost just under 2stone and I’ve managed to keep it off.

It’s really helped me. Xx

Birdboy1 profile image
Birdboy1

Walking is a brilliant way to lose weight. Especially if like me your not keen on exercise. I’ve lost 3 stone over a year by watching what I eat but trying to make 10000 steps a day. Good luck xx

Inboundoutbound profile image
Inboundoutbound

I've always suffered being overweight and since lockdown occurred something just snapped (stress of lockdown, IVF and just keeping me sane while I work from home) and I've managed to drop over 1st and a half. Dropping it slow and steady is key to keep it off. It's been a slow process but it's working and staying off.

I've always exercised and been very active in a team sport at least 2 times a week , and love swimming doing that 3 days a week as well as hiking but it's never been enough to lose weight it just maintains it for me. In essence ive always been fit just not slim.

Lockdown forced me to change my habits more to keep me sane. I do a 20-30 minute yoga session 7 days a week, and these vary on the days from intense to chilled, 5 days a week I also jump on my bike for 30 mins intense cycling ... I warm up for 3 mins then cycle on a hard setting for 2 mins then 2 mins on a lower setting, continuing through until 30 mins is up. For me I don't think it's overly the exercise , as I said I've always been active, lockdown just forced me to pick up a new sport. The thing I've changed the most is diet. I don't believe in cutting out all crap as that just forces me to fail, but I eat better and allow me a meal once a week of a takeaway or a meal with cheesey mash. Rest of the week we cut out most carbs, eat more salmon and have switched everything to wholemeal. I also always used to skip breakfast. Now I don't. I have a small yoghurt and some fruit, then for lunch I make it a picky one, filled with the things I like eating like raddishes, cucumber, grapes, tomatoes mainly fruit and veg then for a little treat I have a teaspoon of home made dip, usually tztakiki with a small wholemeal pitta bread. The picky bit seems to fill me up until dinner but I also don't feel like I've been cheated out the things I enjoy eating like a bit of bread or the odd piece of chocolate.

For snacking when I crave chocolate I keep a stash of dark chocolate. It's rich enough I don't want to devour it but enough that a small piece kills my craving

Bunnys123 profile image
Bunnys123

I signed up to slimming world which really helped give me focus and support and I lost it quiet easily. I did more walking and drank so much water and it definitely helped!

You’ll get there ❤️ Xoxo

You may also like...

Can you lose too much weight for IVF?

Mediterranean diet before my 2nd FET which unfortunately failed again. I inadvertently lost weight....

Loosing weight to start ivf !!!!

looking for people trying to loose weight to start ivf I have to loose 2 stone my partner does too...

Ivf-weight

Iv just been through fertility testing with my partner and have been told we will need ivf, just...

Losing interest in ivf

in state of numbness of my dad's loss and now I have suddenly lost interest in ivf cycle too. Don't...

Losing weight! BMI needs to be under 30!!

wait for his results back I have been advised that I need to get my BMI below 30 before the next...