too overweight for 5:2??

Sammfp

Hi everyone im new to this group but have been on mfp for over a year on and off with not much success due to various circumstances, I recently found out about 5:2 and done some research and have to say it sounds like something that could work i was thinking on doing 4:3 also, the only problem is i feel because im so overweight that it might not work that well as i was told its not meant for people very overweight... i have 102 pounds to lose could anyone give me any info if this could be right for me or success stories please as i feel at my wits end with my weight thanks :-)

flumi_f

I have a male friend on MFP, he's lost 125lb most of it within a year on 5:2. He's maintaining now with regular fasts. I've lost 64lbs in a bit over a year and have also been maintaining since June with regular fasts and a less strict regime on non fast days. I'm only a bit over 5'1'' so that is one third of my weight.

I can't imagine it not working for you because you have alot to lose. The original alternate day diet was for people with alot of weight to lose, if I remember correctly. Problems might arise if you are diabetic or pre diabetic. Then 500cals might be too low. You might need to consult your doc before starting then.

Just try it and see if it fits for you. Average losses are around 1lb/week. Mine were double that at the beginning and then tapered off the closer I got to my goal.

orlcam

Who said that? Really...I'd like to read that post/article.

I have 240 lbs to lose, and that's just until I can hit a "conservative" goal. My body fat % (if my calculations are right) is north of 50. Since July 29, 2014 I've lost ~42 lbs. I went conservative when calculating my TDEE though, I shoot for about 75% of TDEE on non-fasting days and do the 600 calories (500 for women) on fasting days. I do 2 fasts a week, but in reality I am fasting about 3.5 days a week because I regularly push my fasts beyond 42 hours (my highest has been 49).

I would encourage you to give it a go...what's it going to hurt?

jknight001

You will find plenty of company in the group. I have seen numerous people needing to lose 100+ lbs. As flumi_r said, check with your doctor so you do this safely. Also IMHO, I would stick with 5:2 rather than 4:3 until you see how your body reacts. You want to give yourself the best chance at succeeding and 4:3 might leave you too tired and cranky to go on.

debbie389

I had 100+lb to lose before starting 5:2, I've been on it for approx 5 months now, and have lost 35lb to date, with only 1 gain of 2lb (due to 4 day break and not fasting properly that week). It is a good idea to check with your doctor, but I don't see why you can't do it. Welcome to the group.

thecarbmonster

I have over 150+ to lose and haven't encountered any issues on the diet.
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I would suggest adding extra calories on fast days, though. I typically aim to eat in the 600-800 range. I also listen to my body, so if I feel like I'm starving (and it's not just "in my head"/mental battle) I will eat more! I've found that I enjoy those extra calories to eat things I want/crave instead of some diet foods/low calories I wouldn't enjoy. I can still look forward to a meal on fast days this week. Sustainability is the most important part of any diet, and this definitely helps! I'm 12 weeks in (longest on a diet EVER!) and don't see stopping!