The best way to lose weight with fibromyalgia involves gentle, consistent low-impact exercise (like walking, swimming, tai chi), a nutrient-rich diet (focusing on plants, whole foods, lean protein, and reducing processed items), prioritizing sleep, and working with a healthcare professional to manage symptoms like pain, fatigue, and potential medication effects, using strategies like pacing to avoid overexertion.
Overcoming barriers to weight loss with fibromyalgia. An integrated approach that combines tailored physical activity, smart nutritional choices, complementary therapies, and maybe medications is essential for effective fibro symptom management and weight control.
With regard to dietary interventions, the administration of olive oil, the replacement diet with ancient grains, low-calorie diets, the low FODMAPs diet, the gluten-free diet, the monosodium glutamate and aspartame-free diet, vegetarian diets as well as the Mediterranean diet all appear to be effective in reducing the ...
Milnacipran-treated patients lost weight regardless of baseline BMI, with significant differences between milnacipran and placebo in overweight and obese patients at 3 months (Table 1).
Chronic pain and stiffness can make movement difficult, leading many with fibromyalgia to lower their daily activity. Less movement means fewer calories burned, which, over time, can contribute to gradual weight gain.
TNX-102 SL (Tonmya; Tonix Pharmaceuticals), cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets, has been approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia in adult patients, making it the first new treatment approved for the musculoskeletal and chronic pain disorder in over 15 years and the fourth treatment approved overall.
More than two-thirds of those with fibromyalgia also have stomach pain, bloating, gas, and nausea on a regular basis. Constipation or diarrhea can also occur regularly.
Pilates is a type of exercise that focuses on controlled breathing and gentle movements. This breathing helps manage pain and stress, while the movements improve your ability to move and feel relaxed. This can be a great way to fight the symptoms of fibromyalgia, even helping you sleep better and feel better overall7.
Not eating enough calories. If your body doesn't have enough fuel to sustain your level of activity, you can actually stop losing weight. Overtraining. If you exercise too much, the body sometimes responds by decreasing the amount of calories you burn during the rest of your day.
Treatment options have historically been limited, and many patients report inadequate relief. On August 15, 2025, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new treatment: Tonmya (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets), marking the first new FDA-approved drug for fibromyalgia in more than 15 years.
Gentle movement exercises, such as tai chi or yoga, can help with fibromyalgia-related pain. If you're living with fibromyalgia, it's important to make time for self-care. It's a chronic (long-lasting) condition that causes muscle pain and tenderness all over the body.
The fundamental principle of the diet is that patients with chronic pain need a high-protein–intake diet with avoidance of carbohydrate (sugars and starches)-induced episodes of hypoglycemia and weight gain. It also is intended to promote strength, movement, energy, and mental function.
Toothaches in those with fibromyalgia aren't always due to typical dental issues such as cavities or gum disease. Instead, fibromyalgia can cause orofacial pain that is unrelated to these common dental problems1.
Top Vitamins for Fibromyalgia Relief: A Guide to Managing...
With fibromyalgia, don't push through fatigue or overdo it, listen to your body, and pace activities. Avoid inflammatory foods like sugar, processed items, and excessive caffeine, along with alcohol and smoking, as they worsen pain. Don't neglect sleep, and manage stress through gentle exercise (like walking, swimming), deep breathing, and learning to say "no" to avoid overcommitment.
Most rheumatologists can recognize all your fibromyalgia symptoms and may be the best doctor to treat them.
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
Fastest ways to lose weight usually combine:
Ozempic is typically recommended for individuals who have a BMI of 30 or higher, which falls into the obese category, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have additional health concerns such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
And you can help your thyroid and your health in general, by eating a diet full of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Regular exercise has several health benefits, including weight management, a boosted metabolism, and relief from fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism symptoms.
Red wine may help with fibromyalgia symptoms
In a recent study from 2023, scientists found that women with fibromyalgia reported feeling less widespread pain after drinking 15 grams of alcohol in the form of red wine each day for 4 weeks. They also reported feeling less worried and happier overall3.
Physical and Emotional Exertion
Engaging in physical or emotional activities beyond one's capacity can lead to fibromyalgia flares. Overexertion, such as intense exercise or prolonged periods of physical activity, can strain the muscles and trigger pain.
It is a systemic disease that mainly affects the muscles, their attachments (tendons, ligaments) and coverings (fascia). Fibromyalgia may be considered as soft tissue rheumatism. Fibromyalgia may also affect many other parts of the body, including the stomach, bowels and female organs.
Some people with fibromyalgia also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common digestive condition that causes pain and bloating in your stomach. It can also lead to constipation or diarrhoea.
FM patients have significant symptoms of pelvic floor distress, including pain, urinary and colorectal dysfunction, and pelvic organ prolapse. Our findings also suggest that symptoms of pelvic floor distress are positively correlated with worse overall FM pain and functioning.