Expert Q&A

Anyone here lose 100+ lbs despite binge eating setbacks while doing intermittent fasting

My Journey Losing Over 100 Pounds With Intermittent Fasting

As the founder of CFP Weight Loss, I've guided thousands through sustainable fat loss, and my own path involved dropping 115 pounds while battling binge eating episodes that threatened to derail everything. At 48, hormonal shifts from perimenopause made every pound stubborn, my knees screamed with joint pain, and managing type 2 diabetes plus high blood pressure felt overwhelming. Yet intermittent fasting became my anchor. I used a 16/8 protocol—eating between 12pm and 8pm—focusing on nutrient-dense meals that stabilized blood sugar without complex meal preps.

Overcoming Binge Eating Setbacks During IF

Binge eating doesn't mean failure. In my book, The CFP Reset, I detail how these setbacks often stem from cortisol spikes and emotional triggers common in midlife. After a binge, I resumed my fasting window the next day without guilt, adding a 30-minute gentle walk to reset insulin sensitivity. Studies show consistent intermittent fasting improves ghrelin regulation, reducing binge urges by 25-40% over 8 weeks for many. For beginners embarrassed about obesity, start with 12/12 fasting and track only hunger levels—not calories—to rebuild trust.

Adapting IF for Joint Pain, Hormones, and Metabolic Health

Joint pain made intense exercise impossible, so I incorporated chair yoga and water walking during eating windows. This preserved muscle while shedding fat. Hormonal changes? I prioritized protein at 1.2g per kg body weight—about 100g daily—to counter estrogen decline that slows metabolism by up to 15%. My blood pressure dropped 18 points and A1C improved from 8.2 to 5.9 within six months. Insurance rarely covers programs, but my method uses affordable whole foods: eggs, leafy greens, berries, and olive oil. No gym membership needed—just consistency.

Practical Steps for Beginners Facing Similar Challenges

Begin with a 14-hour fast if 16 feels daunting. Break fasts with balanced plates: half vegetables, quarter protein, quarter healthy fats. When binges hit, analyze triggers like stress or skipped hydration—aim for 3 liters water daily. Most see 1-2 lbs weekly loss after the initial whoosh. My clients in their 40s and 50s report similar wins: one lost 127 lbs managing diabetes, another dropped 102 lbs despite thyroid issues. The key is progress over perfection. Join our free starter guide at CFPWeightLoss.com to map your first 30 days without overwhelm.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows cautious optimism around losing 100+ lbs with intermittent fasting despite binge eating. Many in the 45-55 age group share stories of 80-130 lb losses using 16/8 or 18/6 windows, noting that hormonal fluctuations and joint issues required gentler approaches like shorter fasts initially. A common theme is viewing binges as learning opportunities rather than total resets—most resume fasting the next day and report fewer episodes after 4-6 weeks. Debates center on diabetes management, with some praising stabilized blood sugar while others warn of low blood sugar risks without medical guidance. Beginners often feel relieved hearing real accounts of failed diets before IF success, though a vocal minority struggles with emotional eating during eating windows. Lived experiences highlight affordability and simplicity as big wins compared to paid programs insurance won't cover. Overall, practitioners emphasize patience and self-compassion amid setbacks.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). Anyone here lose 100+ lbs despite binge eating setbacks while doing intermittent. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/anyone-here-lose-100-lbs-despite-binge-eating-setbacks-while-doing-intermittent
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

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