Hi OP, I have lost approx 50 lbs so far this year and am still working on it. Give yourself grace and time and be realistic with yourself re what you can realistically do. Dont just cut out all carbs tomorrow and think that you will succeed in the long term. You wont. Small changes over time is what works.

Stop drinking, for starters. Alcohol has empty calories, yes, but that wasnt what was getting in the way of my health. It is that I would drink, eat more than usual while drinking, then be sluggish the next day and not want to get up and be active. So then its tempting to order takeover and put everyone on screens and it just isnt healthy.

Speaking of exercise, give yourself grace. I used to be able to do Orange Theory type classes, but that then, this is now. Find an exercise you like and will regularly do. It could be Zumba, yoga, walking, swimming, whatever, just go. Even if its a schlep to get there, your spouse is going to have to understand. Then, once you get there, dont beat yourself up if you arent kicking ass like you were in college. You will get back there eventually. Once you start to lose weight and can do more, you will.

As far as food, again try to give yourself grace. You cant sustainably go from takeout every night to homecooked organic vegan meals overnight. It takes baby steps re removing unhealthy components of your diet and adding healthy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lexapro was awesome for my mood but my appetite was out of control on it! I told my Dr it wasn't worth the weight gain. She switched me to Wellbutrin and Prozac.

I've never had a weight issue but at menopause (45) I struggled with it. It's really hard emotionally, I sympathize. All of a sudden the diet and exercise routine that's always worked doesn't .

A friend suggested I try HRT and I was put on progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. That last one surprised me! I knew women had testosterone but I didn't know it would drop during menopause. I also found out I'm anemic, and adding iron has helped me overall a bit but the hormones are key.

It's not a miracle solution but I have more energy, I sleep better, weight has come off... I don't know why I hadn't ever heard much about HRT honestly. It makes such a difference IMO.

Did you have ovaries remoced or was that natural menopause, or do you mean peri-menopause? Did a gyn give you the combo or how did you get all three hormones?

I'm curious about this, too. PP, please come back and let us know!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no secret. Cut back on your eating and work out.

This. It is the ONLY way.

Now what methods you use to do that may differ depending on your needs. Maybe you needs meds or surgery in order to consistently eat less. If you do- do that. Baby steps with exercise. Start with low level exercise like walking on incline if you aren’t use to any. Increase intensity and add strength training as you build stamina and get stronger.

Actually many women are losing on Ozempic with little effort. Thinner than their friends now who have to restrict and work out 2x a day. Winning.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t come to DCUM for advice. It will be 99% bad.

What is the 1% that's correct? Since you seem to know that 99% is "bad".

The 1% that is correct is that permanent long-term weight loss is very difficult and that OP would be better off talking with a variety of experts, understanding at the same time that a lot of nutritionists and personal trainers are wildly ignorant, and that a lot of doctors are ignorant and motivated by keeping income coming in.

In other words, what is true is that the state of advice for long-term, sustainable weight loss is grim. OPs best option is to carefully find professionals she trusts who can evaluate her individual situation. In her case it will need to include a weight-aware psychiatrist given how OP gained the weight. She also needs a comprehensive blood work-up, and an evaluation for insulin resistance and possibly for pre-diabetes.

Most of DCUM’s advice on weight loss is shockingly stupid.

Anonymous wrote:Me too, OP. Although I can’t blame it on anything but myself. Trying not to beat myself up as I gained all the weight during the pandemic after I had an injury that prevented my regular running. Have made some progress this week just by cutting out alcohol and finding other ways to stay active. Point being, don’t be too hard on yourself and keep trying.

I thought I wrote this and had to check. I also got injured during the pandemic by switching to all running, then gained weight. What was your injury? I just got mine sorted out by a genius trainer after wasting a year with podiatrists and traditional physical therapy. My injury was achilles tendon and plantar fasciitis on one foot. Finally back on track.

For a period of 8-12 weeks:

Cut out alcohol. It’s a HUGE source of empty calories. A lot of people underestimate how much they drink and how many calories and how much sugar they’re consuming. Along with that, drink plenty of water. Water should be your main source of things you drink, not soda or Starbucks unless you’re just getting regular coffee there.

Eat a fruit and a vegetable with every meal and every snack between meals. Or if you can’t manage a vegetable at breakfast or whatever, just a fruit is ok. But add as many fruits and vegetables to your meals as possible.

Cut way back on restaurant meals/meals out. Cook and eat at home or bring a packed lunch. Aim for 1 restaurant meal a week. 2 is ok if you watch your portion sizes and take leftovers home.

Incorporate more physical activity into your day by using a standing/treadmill desk or an exercise ball.

Anonymous wrote:There is no secret. Cut back on your eating and work out.

This. It is the ONLY way.

Now what methods you use to do that may differ depending on your needs. Maybe you needs meds or surgery in order to consistently eat less. If you do- do that. Baby steps with exercise. Start with low level exercise like walking on incline if you aren’t use to any. Increase intensity and add strength training as you build stamina and get stronger.

Anonymous wrote:Don’t come to DCUM for advice. It will be 99% bad.

What is the 1% that's correct? Since you seem to know that 99% is "bad".

Don’t come to DCUM for advice. It will be 99% bad.

Only eat veggies and meat or eggs. Eat berries once in awhile for dessert.

Anonymous wrote:Cut out all sugar, flour, white rice and potatoes. No seed oils. An anti inflammatory, low glycemic diet is the way to go. Exercise daily.

This is how I live, and this is the company line I repeat on here over and over on here whenever this question comes up. Eventually someone comes on here to tell me I have "disordered eating" because I live this way. Can't win.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ozempic/Wegovy/Mounjaro or weight loss surgery

Start with the semaglutides. They really are a miracle. I’ve lost over 20 lbs with relatively no effort and minimal side effects from the drug since May. I was prediabetic, and am taking Ozempic. It’s a game changer.

What dosage of Ozempic were you on?

I think you just need to start and make consistently good choices over the long run. Don’t let a treat or forbidden food sabotage your whole day. Focus more on adding fruits and vegetables and other Whole Foods and less on restricting entire food groups. Alcohol is the exception- I would really cut that out if you’re trying to lose.

Practice portion control and focus on meals. Try to avoid snacking.

This is what works for me!

Cut out all sugar, flour, white rice and potatoes. No seed oils. An anti inflammatory, low glycemic diet is the way to go. Exercise daily.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no secret. Cut back on your eating and work out.

Not helpful and so un-American thing to do.

DP. What are you talking about? Unless you’re being sarcastic. This is step 1 in weight loss. Start lowering portion sizes, stop snacking, limit sugars and trans fat meals and only limit meals to 3 times a day, and move your body around daily like going for a mile long walk when you can.

+1

+2. It’s very American to think you need to lose weight but can’t possibly eat less and move more.