Hi new to the forum, but not to MS. Diagnosed since 2016 with primary progressive. Main troublesome symptom fatigue/lassitude.
Forgive me if I can’t see the wood for the trees, but I’ve searched on this topic and can’t seem to find anything. Thanks to gabapentin and poor mobility I’ve put on nearly 2 stone and would really like to shift it. Tried just about everything, the latest was the fasting 5:2 diet. I really need to lose this weight, I have high blood pressure and polycystic kidney disease and very little energy, ie walking to the bathroom and getting washed will completely tire me out.
Any ideas? Gratefully received tx 
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Hey, welcome to the forum! I totally understand where you’re coming from—fatigue can make weight loss feel even harder. I’ve struggled with similar issues, and finding something that works with low energy levels is tough. I’ve tried a few things myself, including reducing carbs and focusing on small, manageable meals throughout the day. It’s not easy, but I found that consistency, even if it’s slow, is key. I also had to talk to my doctor about any possible tweaks to my medications or lifestyle that might help, as some can contribute to weight gain. Keep in mind, it might take time, but don’t be too hard on yourself!
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Can’t offer a magic solution I’m afraid. I’m PPMS and have gained 30kg since having to stop high-intensity workouts 8 years ago.
Unfortunately weight loss involves calorie deficit i.e. eating fewer calories than you are burning, and this will provoke fatigue. Easier said than done, but emphasise low GI foods and also avoid high sugar and processed foods which can shock the body and create cravings.
Graeme
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Chair exercises could be of use, even with these, take things steady and build up to as much as you are able to complete. Little and often works well with meals and exercise.
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That level of exhaustion combined with trying to shift weight from medication is no joke at all. I know how frustrating it is to test out diets like 5:2 when even walking to the bathroom leaves you completely wiped out. For me, things only got easier when I started incorporating Shake That Weight into my routine. It helped because it took away all the mental load and prep work of cooking low-calorie meals on low-energy days, making portion control effortless.
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Gabapentin did the same to me and slowed my gut, bladder and bowel function down. Which was then ignored by so many until the pain clinic wrote to my GP and was told to help me. I tried the digital weight loss program, but they did nothing to help and kept telling me to consult with my GP , but in the the end they prescribed orlistat, and it’s worked wonders last time I was weighed id lost 25 kg, I’ve lost a few more since then. You can buy this medication it’s also called Alli or your GP can prescribe it for you.
Ask your GP about Orlistat. Not like the GLP1’s, it can help weight loss by inhibiting your body’s ability to absorb fat from the food you eat.
Turns your poo soft and yellow and acts like a laxative with sometimes rapid urgency. I needed to reduce from 3 capsules a day to one because the effects were too strong. But it works!
hello! welcome, I hope you’ve had some luck with this.
our circumstances are different, so I’m not sure if this will be what you’re looking for, but a few things have worked for me. since diagnosis I have totally changed my diet: lots of water in the morning, banana/fruit and fibre with oat milk and blueberries for breakfast, a light lunch of gluten free bread with tomato cucumber and say tinned salmon and walnuts, and something GF for dinner (say, a jacket potato, GF chicken steak, a carrots) with greek yoghurt and flaxseeds. by keeping things strict, and cutting down on indulgences (pastries, and processed foods) I’ve lost around two stone, albeit very gradually. it’s taken time and discipline and patience, but I hope something in there might be of help. all best with it
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