Hi

[alichadwick1996]

Hi everyone, I'm 18 years old. recently been diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis.

Ive always had trouble with losing weight, and just wandered if any of you had some useful tips to lose weight effectively without causing too much pain in my back.

I know I'm overweight as my BMI is far into the obese category, I'm aiming to lose 6 stone, but want to do it effectively and safely.

HELP!

[Penel]

Sorry to hear about the ankylosing spondylitis, I hope you are getting help to manage the condition.

As it is an autoimmune condition, I would recommend that you have a look at a gluten free diet, and reduce your carbs as Concerned has advised. You could try the 12 week diet on the NHS website, but you may be able to lower your weight more successfully by trying a low carb way of eating. Lots of fresh veg and good quality protein, but cutting out things like breakfast cereal and bread and other processed food.

This is one link that I find useful, but you do not need the amount of protein suggested.

authoritynutrition.com/12-b...

Good luck Ali.

[GoogleMe]

I would hope that you are being offered active support with this through the NHS... you may have to pester, but it could get you stuff like free gym or swimming sessions.

I've found losing weight has helped my back, as has doing a short (5 minute) gentle yoga sequence every morning (I adapted it from an Ekhart Yoga one on YouTube, I think it is called wake up with Esther or morning yoga... I added in some things I need to do because I run (very gently but I run, thanks to NHS C25K) and do not want to stretch straight after, and cut out some things which weren't working for me)

The obvious place to start with weight loss if you've found this forum is the NHS weight loss plan. My personal feeling is that if you give something like that a proper go (ie the 12 weeks) but find it doesn't work for you, that is the time to be trying cutting out this that and the other or buying expensive trendy ingredients. (I'm thinking that finances and catering may be an issue for an 18 year old. I'm a big fan of the art of the possible)

[margrete]

Controlling your weight will certainly help your joint problems. It's about what you eat, the choices you make, not working out in a gym!

Well done for identifying the problem. There are many people here who will be supportive. You're not alone!

[alichadwick1996]

Thankyou so much guys!! This is the kind of thing I need to boot me up the bum