The FastDay Forum

I absolutely see the sense of 5:2 health benefits & am feeling well on this.
But ... I have scarcely lost 2lbs in 6 weeks. Although at that rate, I'll be 5lbs lighter by summer which has to be a good thing.
We're bandying about a bit of a theory here that this slow weight loss is due to me being hypothyroid. As my metabolism has been changed somehow.

Has anyone else experienced mysteriously slow weight loss on 5:2? What are you doing a out this? Patience? 4:2?
Do you have any knowledge or personal stories to share?

Please share here. It will be encouraging.

Looking forward to sharing with you.

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

I also have an underactive thyroid - have had since 1994 - on WW and changing my lifestyle to include masses of walking and gym I have managed to lose nearly 6 stone over a period of years.. I now have half a stone left to go to reach my WW goal.. so am seriously thinking about doing this plan.

With regard to your metabolism changing my understanding of the condition is that once you are treated with thyroxine (presumably you are on this) your body should just about become just as efficient as it was prior to being hyphothyroid unless you're one of the unlucky ones where you are not monitored really regularly and therefore your TSH could be fluctuating around - out of interest do you know what your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) number is? if you don't you can ring your doctor's receptionist and ask what it was the last time you had a blood test, basically in the UK 0-5 is considered 'normal' but you can be a 4 and still have all of the symptoms.

Hope the above helps a bit.

Poppy

Thanks Poppy. Unfortunately my GP decided that there was "nothing wrong" with me as my T4 levels are fine; I just don't do the T3 conversion. This isnt understood or recognised by NHS & there is therefore no approved pathway. I sought a 2nd opinion from a non-NHS specialist & he put me on liothyronine (T3). So I don't get any checks like TSH from my GP unless I absolutely insist, as they are somewhat in denial. I lost 3.5 stone quickly on SW, but that was before thyroid problems. Post-menopause and after the thyroid imbalance began, I went back to SW and lost nothing at all in 4weeks.
I will probably lose with 5:2 but I reckon at a rate of 5 times slower than everybody else! Shucks! But there are all the health benefits to consider too. As well as great empowerment & mindfulness around Food.

I also have an underactive thyroid and take 100mcg levothyroxine every day. Was diagnosed in 2009. I have been doing this plan (4:3) for over a month now and have lost 16lbs (am 5 stone overweight so a lot to lose).

As on all diets I have previously been on, I always start great then it slows down and I hit either a plateau or a small gain. I then end up frustrated and lose track and end up at square 1. I used to feel that the thyroid was to blame but it could just be normal as with all diets and I just needed to be patient, although my GP did say weight loss will be slower than others who don't have an underactive thyroid (not sure how true that is?).

Time will tell if I continue to be successful.

[carorees]

Did you know there is another thread on thyroid problems here ?

thanks for that, and no I didn't know.

So, we are saying that weight loss is most likely to be slower if someone is hypothyroid, but it is still possible. And doing 4:3 helps trigger the weight loss. Also, cutting back on carbs on Feed Days.

Anybody else - NOT hypothyroid - who experienced slow weight loss at first, even though observing fasting to the letter. Say, just 1 or 2 lbs in 4-6 weeks. What do you think held you back? What have you done to accelerate your weight loss?