Trying to lose weight with fibromyalgia?

[Lizardelle]

Hi! I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on losing weight when you have fibromyalgia? My doctors advise that I should but I've been struggling for 2 years now with very little success - I don't eat badly but I find it hard to exercise because I'm either too sore and tired or it makes me flare up like crazy. I'd love to try yoga classes but they're so expensive

[Awakex1]

I’m in the same boat at present .If you look on you tube there are lots of exercise routines that have been put together for people with chronic fatigue/ fibromyalgia. I’ve done a few and they are ok . Just type in exercise for fibromyalgia

“Coco Lime “ has made a lot of videos specific to this

Hope it helps .

[Dinkie]

It is possible to have fibro, lose weight and not overdo the exercise. I lost 4 stone with the help of Slimming World. I couldn't exercise really because of the osteoarthritis as well. Gentle stretching and a stroll along the garden was about all I managed during the weight loss, and still managed at least 2lb a week. However it's no good thinking of it as a diet it has to be a change in life style forever for the weight to stay off. That's the hard bit and of course it's only human to fall off the wagon occasionally but it's a case of putting the lapse behind you and climbing back into the driving seat. Good luck.

[Spider395]

Google free yoga classes, there are some really good ones online.

[Trappedmoth in reply to Spider395]

My physiotherapist suggested this website for gentle yoga - youtube.com/playlist?list=P...

I haven't tried it yet.

[Spider395 in reply to Trappedmoth]

doyogawithme.com/ This is who I use.

[Birds]

Hi l also go to slimming world you can loose weight without exercise l enjoy going to class each week as well and I'm sure it makes me feel better eating healthy l still have my ups and downs due to flare ups but it's about having a bit of control in your life as l feel the fibro as taken so much from me all the best with your weight loss journey xx

[Queball1]

Hi Paul, you are certainly not alone I am now 58 and was diagnosed 3 years ago with fibro, it’s not easy but you have some wonderful people on this fabulous site that are always ready to talk when times are bad, and they offer fab advice and tips on how to get through any problems you have.

[lioncub]

If you want loads of free online yoga then try Yoga with Adrienne, find beginners level routines and take it slowly so as not to shock your body and have a flare. I love her catchphrase: find what feels good. Dinkie is right, it is a lifestyle change. Take one day at a time and make small gradual changes so you are more likely to stick to whatever diet plan you choose. I've recently lost half a stone but it took 3-4 months to stabilise. The scales were going up and down but overall down!

[Cat00]

Weight loss is all about diet and much less about exercise. It's better to loose weight first and start bringing in the exercise later bc the extra weight can put excessive strain on your joints and increase the likelihood of injury. I would concentrate your energies on changing what and when you eat, exercise can be tackled later.

[Roo1972]

Mine is a combination of pain, fatigue & unmotivated. What I mean is that everything seems overwhelming right now (even the thought of doing exercise - I've got a bike at home but even that seems too much because I have palpitations & they freak me out so if they start up then everything kicks off)! I do love exercising (it was my stress reliever) but the MH aspects of fibro pain has just derailed everything. I'm trying to keep a food diary to see what I am eating and when as I think that food may well play a part in how I feel not just from a fibro point of view.

[MariLiz]

I’ve used Slimming World, and lost three and a half stone. You find out which foods you can eat, and don’t have to count calories. It’s worked for me, and I don’t exercise as much as I ought to. Just some gentle walking and Yoga.

[Midori]

It can be difficult to lose weight with Fibro; often medications (Amitriptylline comes to mind) will put on the pounds for us.

Ask your Pharmacist about which medications make you gain.

For exercise I do Tai Chi, it is a constantly moving exercise, slow and low impact. It is actually a Martial Art, and can be used for self defence. Due to my age and my knees, I can't get on the floor to do Yoga.

[Spider395]

Also Nuffield Health do a 12 week Arthritis & Fibromyalgia joint pain course which gets you exercising. £2 a session. Just completed it, haven’t felt so good in ages.

[nuttynan]

Well i have in the past 3 weeks lost a stone in weight due to having breathing problems on top. As i also have Asthma , i have just cut out all the crap, cakes, biscuits, chocolate and crisps. Seems to be working for me as i could never loose weight, fingers crossed working for me. Hope you find a way my love.

[nuttynan]

I forgot to say i can barely move but try to do what i can, as its effected my feet and can barely walk. I do not do much exercise but seems to be working. When i lay in bed i try to do few movements laying down helps me.

[Guppy_mama]

The NHS can offer help and advice on their website. In some parts of the country, Second Nature has a partnership with them. The app Second Nature offers support from expert coaches and information which helps you to understand your eating habits. I have used the app and have lost over a stone in a few months with no dieting. I have learnt better eating habits and no foods are bad or forbidden. I highly recommend it. If your doctor can't prescribe it it costs about £40 per month. Money well spent in my case. Best of luck.

[DrongoPingo]

I think whatever you do it will be hard to start, but get easier. I have fibro and over covid managed to gain 4 stone so easily.Now gyms are open you could join one that offers fitness classes like beginner yoga for around £10 a week.

I'm about to try weight machines and swimming as I'm have balance issues walking. It seems like strength training is now thought of above cardio for fat loss.