Want to lose weight

[margar17]

I need to lose weight, the snags are that I have a balance problem caused by a malfunction of my inner ear. I have to be very careful how I walk and in fact, have fallen several times. I constantly feel that I am going to topple. For this reason, I can't exercise or use a gym. A swimming pool is a long way from our village. Does the NHS diet help lose weight without exercise, does anyone know?

[fibronfedup]

Healthy eating is a huge part of weight loss, so getting that aspect sorted will make an impact without exercise, but exercise obviously makes it a lot easier. There are some exercises that you can do while sitting, google it and find exercises that are suitable for you, start small and increase as you feel able to.

[Geza10]

the 5-2 is the best out there 2 days 600 cal a day the other 5 eat normal

[gingernut49 in reply to Geza10]

It's 500 for women Geza.

I lost the three stone I needed to in six months on the 5:2 Diet after watching Michael Mosley's excellent Horizon programme in 2012, "Eat, Fast and Live Longer" tinyurl.com/qzgo7tq or tinyurl.com/a8ppjl7 and went from a size 16 to a size 10 by eating 500 calories two non-consecutive days a week. I've been maintaining my weight loss since April 2013 by just fasting one day a week - in the past I piled the weight back on as soon as I finished 'dieting'. I'd very much recommend you read Kate Harrison's book, "The 5:2 Diet" (tinyurl.com/qe6mz4u) - it really does work and it will save you a fortune (towards your smaller clothes!).

I'd also recommend a free app for your phone called MyFitnessPal. Counting calories is very important so you can see how much you're eating and therefore eat mindfully rather than mindlessly. There are excellent videos in the Help section on the app that show you how it works - there's even a barcode reader to scan in branded foods.

It's important you don't eat more than your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) on non-fasting days. You can work that out here thefastdiet.co.uk/how-many-.... If yours works out at more than 2000 then aim at 2000 on non-fasting days.

Here I am in the Daily Mail on 7th January tinyurl.com/m7rqecq. The other two ladies’ stories are inspiring!

Here Michael Mosley answers many questions on it dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...

This little video explains more youtu.be/W9Aj6hRYg4A(Not working as expected?)

[Penel]

Yes you can lose weight without exercising, if you get your food right. The 12 week plan is a good place to start, you may need to adapt it to suit your circumstances.

I need to keep an eye on not having too many carbs. I will do things like have eggs for breakfast instead of cereal, and avoid foods with added sugar, like low fat yoghurt.

Take care and good luck.

[libbydaniels88]

You don't need to exercise to lose weight, that's just hype. Just count calories eat healthily, and forgetv5:2 its rubbish, unhealthy, and can lead to bad eating habits. Go for a steady 1200 to 1500 cals. However when you've lost all your weight, which you most surely will if you keep to the calorie allowance, then exercise if possible will help you maintain it. Exercise is in no way the way to LOSE weight, its total calories that count. Good luck !

[gingernut49 in reply to libbydaniels88]

The 5:2 Diet isn't rubbish - it's worked for millions and it's so good for your health.

[Fitforit75 in reply to libbydaniels88]

Depending on the amount of weight a person needs to lose, exercise at the same time as a healthy diet will help to tone up excess skin. It is harder to deal with this after losing weight and may require surgery

[nhs2015 in reply to libbydaniels88]

Libbiedaniel, I think a bit of exercise like Strenght and Flex is good because it should help to put everything back together where it should be. If you are 68 like me, and the skin may end up just a bit loose, you need to tone up somehow. Anyway, I am not an expert but that is my story

[trafford1]

Hi margar17, I have the same problem with my inner ear which causes me to go of balance. I did think it was because I was tired but it's not I do have a problem with balance due to a hearing problem in my right ear and find I go off to the right when I am on the treadmill. Almost took a tumble myself the other day but managed to keep on it.

The I would recommend the cross trainer cause you are holding on to it which helps you keep your balance and the exercise bike. I know walking can be a big problem.

I have persevered with the treadmill cause I love walking and running. I hope you find what suits you best and good luck on your journey x

[margar17]

Thank you all for your helpful comments. The 5-2 would not suit as I am diabetic. Trafford 1, I, too, love walking and used to regularly walk and cycle, but age is against me now, I'm 76. Swimming is something I love to do, but we live in a rural area and the nearest pool is miles away, since they shut down the one a few miles down the road. So exercise is limited to chair based. But the NHS diet looks to be the right one. Again, thank you all......Gill

[Penel in reply to margar17]

Perhaps have a look at Pilates, with a qualified instructor, if there is anyone in your area? Many of the exercises are done lying down on a mat, or moving slowly. The exercises are very good at building up strength and flexibility.

[margar17]

Penel....Pilates would be impossible for me. I am 76 and have arthritis of the spine and knees. The balance problem makes it impossible for me to get down on the floor...I'd never get up again!! But thanks for the thought.

[libbydaniels88]

Margar17 do not go on 5;2. Despite what you hear, its not good for you. Its unnatural and at 76 you need healthy eating not fad diets. Regarding loose flesh, in afaid its an inevitable result of weight loss, excess skin has no muscle to tone, its just loose skin and won't go back without surgery.im 63 and i want to stop binge eating but it doesn't seem like anybody else has that problem here