Can I lose 30-40 lbs (or more) without medication?

[Anonymous]

Disclaimer: I have nothing against ozempic and other weight loss medications. Just too nervous to try them yet (my endocrinologist is happy to prescribe them in my case though.)

I’ve gained about 30-40 lbs in the last 5 years. Has anyone lost this amount of weight by just strictly controlling what they consume and excercising? Will it take forever? Will it ever stay off? Do I need medication to do this? How long did it take you do this? It feels daunting and reading others experienced of combining lifestyle changes with medication is tempting.

Background: I’m 33 and I’ve had two kids in the last four years. Some of the weight gain began before either pregnancies, but the majority of it has been weight I had trouble losing after pregnancies and weight gained after weaning from nursing.

My primary goal is to be a healthy for my young kids and spouse, which is why medication/unknown side effects makes me nervous. However i understand that healthy weight can offset the medication risks- so the question is, do I need medication to get back to a healthy weight and if not, how did do you do it/how long did it take?

FWIW I see an endocrinologist for hypothyroidism as well and that is under control.

[Anonymous]

Probably, the likelihood that it will stay off is fairly low but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

It should take forever. Sustainable and permanent weight loss is painfully slow. I recommend the weight loss for bush physicians podcast.

[Anonymous]

Yes!! Of course. It will take 3-4 months to slowly lose 15, and you can lose another 15 w/in a few more months.

The ONLY trick is to keep going! Don’t lose 15 and then be quite satisfied and ease up. Also when you hit a plateau, add more calories. And then after a few months, cut back again.

Getting a peloton was huge for me bc I hate the gym. So figure out what works for you and go for it.

[Anonymous]

Yes if you are willing to lose 10 lbs a year for 3 years.

Otherwise, your Lise 15 get frustrated and gain it back.

[Anonymous]

If you gained the weight while eating a lot of junk food and take out and skipped exercise, it might be relatively easy to lose and keep it off with a few changes to your lifestyle. This has been my experience - I basically was on a binge for most of my 40s. I lost 40 pounds in 7 or 8 months and regained 0 pounds over 2 years, and have a BMI below 20. I do not have to be restrictive or put myself on permanent IF or anything. However, I am fortunate to have good metabolism even in my late 40s.

If you gained the weight while eating reasonably and exercising regularly, you might have a bigger fight against your own metabolism. That doesn't mean you can't lose it without medication though.

[Anonymous]

Sure, I’ve done it a few times. Weight loss is pretty easy, the problem is it’s nearly impossible to maintain.

[Anonymous]

What is your typical diet in a day? Your activity level?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sure, I’ve done it a few times. Weight loss is pretty easy, the problem is it’s nearly impossible to maintain.

Not true. If OP wasn't overweight until a few years ago, she can absolutely lose it and keep it off. It's when you struggle your whole life and become an adult overweight, then your physiology changes and makes it harder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Disclaimer: I have nothing against ozempic and other weight loss medications. Just too nervous to try them yet (my endocrinologist is happy to prescribe them in my case though.)

I’ve gained about 30-40 lbs in the last 5 years. Has anyone lost this amount of weight by just strictly controlling what they consume and excercising? Will it take forever? Will it ever stay off? Do I need medication to do this? How long did it take you do this? It feels daunting and reading others experienced of combining lifestyle changes with medication is tempting.

Background: I’m 33 and I’ve had two kids in the last four years. Some of the weight gain began before either pregnancies, but the majority of it has been weight I had trouble losing after pregnancies and weight gained after weaning from nursing.

My primary goal is to be a healthy for my young kids and spouse, which is why medication/unknown side effects makes me nervous. However i understand that healthy weight can offset the medication risks- so the question is, do I need medication to get back to a healthy weight and if not, how did do you do it/how long did it take?

FWIW I see an endocrinologist for hypothyroidism as well and that is under control.

Of course you can lose without medication, people do it all the time. The longer it take the more likely you are to keep the weight off as it mean you have made real sustainable change.

[Anonymous]

What is your height and weight? At your age, I think you can still do it without medication, but agree you should change your thinking on timing. The longer it takes, the better for keeping it off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sure, I’ve done it a few times. Weight loss is pretty easy, the problem is it’s nearly impossible to maintain.

Not true. If OP wasn't overweight until a few years ago, she can absolutely lose it and keep it off. It's when you struggle your whole life and become an adult overweight, then your physiology changes and makes it harder.

This is mostly true. Depends entirely on how OP got there beyond the pregnancies and what is happening to keep the weight on.

Everybody is different, but the defeatist attitude of a lot of people on this forum is exhausting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is your height and weight? At your age, I think you can still do it without medication, but agree you should change your thinking on timing. The longer it takes, the better for keeping it off.

I’m 5”3 and 165-170. Used to yo-yo between 120-135/140. I work full time and have two little kids so you can imagine my “diet and lifestyle” which I am looking to truly overhaul.

[Anonymous]

OP you can absolutely do this! It will take time and you need to be realistic. Start by downloading a calorie tracking app. Track everything you currently eat for a week. That will help you see what you can change w/out feeling like you are depriving yourself. Maybe you replace pork with white chicken, sour cream with Fage 5% greek yogurt, shrink portion size by 10%.

Lift weights! Lots of threads on this, check them out.

Increase protein. You’ll feel fuller which will help reduce carbs and calories.
Don’t treat this like a diet, it’s a lifestyle change.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you can absolutely! I did, and I'm no one special - I was just committed to lose it and to keep it off.

I lost 40lbs in my early 20's. Had two children in my mid-30's, gained very little pregnancy weight because I knew I wasn't actually "eating for two". Now 51 (F), and I have not gained any of the weight back. I learned to eat and appreciate real food that is nutrient dense, which helped with cravings. I also started working out in my 20's, I was a couch potato before that point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is your height and weight? At your age, I think you can still do it without medication, but agree you should change your thinking on timing. The longer it takes, the better for keeping it off.

I’m 5”3 and 165-170. Used to yo-yo between 120-135/140. I work full time and have two little kids so you can imagine my “diet and lifestyle” which I am looking to truly overhaul.

I was you - same exact stats. I gained a ton with my pregnancies, did not shed weight easily. When my son was a toddler I was finally able to shed the last 25 pounds pretty easily. Since time is hard to come by for exercise, you really really have to focus on controlling your diet. I ate mostly vegetables and drank water and didn’t drink alcohol or have sugar. It wasn’t that fun but it was effective. Able to maintain with a more “normal” diet, but do have to focus on portion control (as we all do as we get even marginally older).