AIBU to be worried by this PT's advice to fast every day

[Whatisgoingonheredear]

Sorry to post in AIBU but I couldn't find the right topic.

DH used to have an eating disorder which he only told me about in recent years and I was devastated to never have noticed. He'd make himself sick after eating, regularly.
He stopped doing this a couple of years ago.

He has recently hired a PT because he is struggling with weight loss. DH is NOT in any way obese, he exercises daily and just wants to be a bit more slender so you can actually see the muscle he's worked hard to gain. Fair enough.

He acknowledges his family traumatised him about food/exercise as a child and this likely contributed to his previous eating issues. He's recently got a lot better with all of this but just wants to drop a few kilos in a healthy way. He's asked the doctor for blood tests as he struggles to lose weight despite eating well and exercising regularly, closely tracking his fat intake etc. The doctors brushed it off.

He followed the PTs plan and hasn't shifted anything. The PT has now told him to stop eating, basically. They've said he shouldn't eat anything until 3pm every day except protein shakes. They use a colour coding system for processed food and prior to telling him to stop eating, he got a "red" day for having one biscuit bar and a slice of bread.
Prior to signing him up, DH told this person he had an eating disorder previously, to which the person said sort of "we all have eating disorders mate" and skimmed over it. Didn't ask any questions.

I've expressed my concerns to DH but I'm really worried about this.
I understand the purpose of fasting but you shouldn't have to fast daily to lose weight and personally I think the PT should be sending DH to the doctor and not have ignored his history with food.
I just want to see if anyone knows if this is common practice? I have a PT myself but she promotes loving your body for what it is capable of and doesn't make it about weight. This other one promotes weight loss, dropping dress sizes, and I've even seen him use the pig emoji on his socials...

I don't want to over react if fasting in this way would be considered standard to kick start somebody's metabolism but I'm worried.

I'm just trying to find this person's website to see if he has any qualifications...

Intermittent fasting is specifically not recommended for anyone with a history of eating disorders.

I would suggest looking at intuitive eating for your DH that's the only thing that kept my sanity and made me stop overeating and acting on it. Also maybe let go of the idea of showing off the muscles.. his body is probably in his ideal weight and doesn't want to let go. He should try shifting his focus on health. I would ditch this PT asap

This. Apparently also significant dehydration, i.e. less water, more sodium.

It’s not a look that’s achievable day to day even if genuine not airbrushed (and I agree, it’s probably airbrushed too).

Prior to signing him up, DH told this person he had an eating disorder previously, to which the person said sort of "we all have eating disorders mate" and skimmed over it. Didn't ask any questions.

No we don't. Find another PT who can devise a plan suited to your DH - that's literally what the P stands for.
I presume there is no regulatory body for PTs?

I would suggest looking at intuitive eating for your DH that's the only thing that kept my sanity and made me stop overeating and acting on it. Also maybe let go of the idea of showing off the muscles.. his body is probably in his ideal weight and doesn't want to let go. He should try shifting his focus on health. I would ditch this PT asap

I agree with this. I've had a chat to him this morning about my concerns.

Years ago when I had a PT I actually wasn’t eating enough and my PT made me eat more which actually helped me loose weight. You say he is in deficit, but maybe too much into it? Is your DH eating enough calories that his body isn’t just going into preserve mode?

I think fasting is great and it is the only thing that has helped me lose some weight (starting from obesity, so definitely had weight to lose!).

That said I would never recommend it to anyone with even a hint of an eating disorder. And I find it strange that your DH is being told to drink protein shakes during a fast. By its very definition, that is not a fast.

Also, while I try my best to avoid all sugary snacks etc, I find the idea of red days etc very troubling. It encourages a blame and shame mindset which is really poisonous.

So yes, I think you are right to worry, OP. I hope everything works out for you and your DH.

If you want to know more about how your body reacts to different food, fasting, starvation mode and so on, I would recommend the book 'the obesity code' by Dr Jason Fung.

Dangerous advice to someone who has had an eating disorder.

I presume there is no regulatory body for PTs?

I doubt it. There isn't for the field I work in, which isn't totally dissimilar.

Tough situation. Your DH still has some issues with body dysmorphia.

I highly doubt a PT would suggest this extreme eating pattern. If they said it it’s might have been in a conversation of what Ryan Reynolds or Hugh Jackman have to do for films.

The aesthetic your DH is after is unachievable, not functional and highly difficult to maintain. For him to not cause harm to himself he has to recognise this is a problem, because whatever he is doing isn’t enough.

I hope some posters may have some idea on how to get him some help. It’s tough for men to be recognised for eating disorders as the services are so female orientated.

Beat of luck.

Fasting is terrible advice for anyone with a history of EDs. If he wants to lose weight get him to get loads of veggies and cut out alcohol and junk food. Fasting is not a good idea.

Ask him if his PT is a qualified dietitian. I’m guessing not.
Probably got nutrition advice online.

Please suggest your DH sees a professional, registered dietician or nutritionist for advice, not a PT. PT should not be promoting chemical filled protein shakes. and maybe better he considers some counselling around his body issues.

Are you 100% sure this weird dirt was recommended by the PT? It sounds like your DH is using him as an excuse for his new habits.

Fasting in itself isn't bad. In fact it's good for you. I used to fast 3 times a week. He can still eat, but after 3pm. However it depends if it triggers his eating disorder. We won't know that unless he says so. I'd talk to him, and check in with him. Make sure he is actually eating after 3pm.

I have a PT and he's not even discussed diet/food with me. I would assume it's not exactly their strong point ?

Yes, its probably awful advice and needs dealing with by an actual professional giving your dhs history.

If he has been suffering from bulimia then his metabolism will be really messed up.
It's a very very difficult habit to break, and giving yourself unrealistic weight loss goals is likely to cause relapse. I don't know if you can stop him from seeing this PT, but do try and encourage him to maybe see someone who's qualified in dealing with male bulimics.
It's great he says he stopped purging two years ago. But he's still struggling with his body image.

'Personal Trainer' is not a protected title in the UK, and so anyone can call themselves a personal trainer - although there is a regulatory body for those who have gained qualifications.

The mention of protein shakes is also alarming - the Isogenix huns do this, to increase sales of their product, and to hook in people to join their MLM.

Your husband needs to get away from this person ASAP, before he starts losing money rather than weight.

There is a body called CIMSPA but it depends if he is registered with them.

Most PTs aren't that qualified in nutrition to be honest, but have generalized knowledge. Your DP really needs specialist advice and needs to go see a nutritionist.

F

Calorie deficit won't make any difference if he's eating ultra processed food rather than natural foods.

Unfortunately it's an extremely hard habit to break. Instead of a biscuit, fresh fruit and natural yoghurt for a sweet hit. Add nuts for a crunch. Or make homemade oat raisin cookies, no butter or sugar.

If he must eat bread, home bake it. Shop bought is full of so much extra stuff that only causes harm.

Stop the protein shakes. Water or black coffee/tea and lean protein like chicken will do a much better job.

PTs are not nutritionists, ignore everything the PT says about food. Exercise only.

Eat more veg, salads, pulses and fruit - eat the rainbow. If he wants to fast, focus on 8:16 to start with and slowly increase the fasting window. Drink water every two hours. It's hard work but he's already done a lot of hard work, he needs to ignore a PT who will make it harder.

Wish him the best of luck, beating bulimia is a gold medal 🏅

I'm a big fan of occasional fasting. Often overnight, after dinner, till mid-morning, skipping breakfast, works for many. For some. Not all. This PT advice I wouldn't be happy either.

That PT could be deregistered for spouting dietary advice. Given the circumstances he bloody should be. He should know to stay in his lane.

I think fasting in your DH’s case is not to be recommended. I do intermittent fasting daily but have no history of ED’s. I also cycle my fasts so some days are shorter than others and was the only way I could lose weight. I also can keep my weight stable by doing one or two days of longer fasts and then shorter 14 or 16 hour fasts for the rest of the week.