Hi all.
I'm pretty new to the whole weight loss scene. I've been overweight pretty much my whole life, but I've never actually dieted or anything before. I'm really starting to feel it now, aches and pains in my joints and
I'm tired and breathless a lot.
I have no idea what I should set as a target weight, or how much I should be losing each week.
Can anyone help?
Straight away - honey, please go see your doctor before you start dieting.
The aches, pains, breathlessness and tiredness very likely ARE going to be due to your weight, but you should get a medical cause ruled out first.
Then we can talk goals. ;)
I see my doc pretty regularly, I don't think that this is a medical issue. She's always on at me to lose weight, and start eating right. I just don't know where to start.
Well, maybe you could talk to her and tell her that you need help figuring it all out?
Gloria, you say that you see your doctor regularly...do you have any other medical issues? I don't want people to give you advice that might not be suitable for you.
Thanks FAF. I don't have any health problems as such - I'm on medication for anxiety.
Gloria, have you spoken to your doctor to ask if your medication could be causing weight gain? I know that some of the other ladies on here have had issues with that and their doctors have been super helpful.
Hi Jenna. No, I have not. I'm ot aware that it causes weight gain, and my weight hasn't really gone up since I started taking the meds...I've always been heavy.
OK, got you. To start off with Gloria, I'd skip trying to set any goals. Look at trying to eat low fat, low calorie foods (LOTS of fresh veggies, and lean meat if you eat meat), and do a little extra exercise - even if it's only walking round your block in the morning and evening.
After a week, weigh yourself and see what (if anything) you've lost. There's no point in putting pressure on yourself to hit targets, particularly if you suffer from anxiety.
Thanks FAF, that's a realy good point. I think that's how I'll start out and see how I go.
Good call.
Please come back here, we'd love to be your cheerleaders!