I'm new on this - could use some support.

[Charlotte1998]

I've done this because I have hit rock bottom. I'm 19, I'm nearly 25 stone, I suffer with hashimotos disease (thyroid issues basically), I have mild aspergers and severe anxiety. I just can't stand being unhappy all the time,

I've never been confident with how I look. I just can't get motivated, I try - it works - then someone comments 'oh you should do this, it will help get rid of that whale fat'.

Then I comfort eat, it's a viscous cycle, I have a really bad relationship with food, it's my worst enemy.

I realise it's not all food - but I'm still recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.

[Hidden]

I can relate to the anxiety. I just take it one day at a time. I find the weight loss battle gives me something good to look forward too. I too can't stand the way I look but losing small amounts of weight gives me something to focus on. With anxiety sometimes focusing on something else helps. Just start and you will feel better shortly. The small changes will make you happier. Good luck to you! You can do this. You having nothing to lose but weight.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, Charlotte

Take a look at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), or in the drop down on the 'Posts' page (it says 'arrange by'). Read the Welcome Newbie thread, then move through to the challenges, where we hope you'll find at least one that will appeal to you.

Move down to the Topics, to find a variety of threads, collated into specific topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news.

Take a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as a lot of people have been successful with it, making sure to enter your details into the NHS BMI calculator, to get a calorie allowance tailored to your personal requirements. Don't forget to take your starting measurements and a 'before' picture, as they can be very motivating on days that the scales refuse to co-operate.

To the right of the HOME page (bottom on a mobile), you'll find Events. In there, you'll find links to our daily Weigh-in's (you will choose just one day per week), our Daily Diary, where we post our menu and exercise plans, for accountability, advice and support and our “What's happening today” thread, where we pop in for a chat.

Be aware, that the HU app doesn't give you access to all of our important features, so we advise that you use the full website page.

We've found that to get the best out of this community, we need to be active on the forum, as it's where we exchange information, get motivation and inspiration and make friends. We hope that you'll join us here, regularly, too.

It's only left for me to wish you well on your journey

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome - have a good read of Moreless post, and a good look around

Wishing you all the best in your journey 🙂

[Phyloreardon]

Hi, have you looked at the thyroid UK site on here. They will probably be able to give to more help on your Thyroid issues x

[Anita44]

Hi Charlotte, I'm sorry you are going through a bad time, don't let other peoples comments get you down as they don't know what you are going through. Try to stay motivated and determined with reaching your goals. I reckon once you see results you will feel so much better and start loving yourself and this will give you a more positive approach. I have had weight problems all my life but I am comfortable now with myself, I go gym eat healthy as much as I can but do have my off days but then I give myself a good talking, I would ideally like to loose a bit more mainly off my stomach which is so hard!!! Good luck though and stay focused :).

[Ceals]

Welcome Charlotte1998 you have found THE best place for support, encouragement and inspiration. Come on here regularly and join in the conversations, the more you connect with others the more you get out, in my experience.

I have made food my friend instead of it being my enemy. I was very ill and resolved that from that point, 8 months ago, I would put nothing in my mouth that wasn't good for me. Daft as it seems it is still what I do.

There are so many wonderful, healthful foods that there is no need to eat foods that are no good for you.

Have a look at the Daily Diary, pinned posts to the right, and see what others are eating. There is also a super recipe section.

Take care and enjoy your journey.

[Sonja12]

You have youth on your side and things happen more quickly then. Look upon it all as an interesting journey,there are loads of good recipes both on this very helpful site and in books, try Hairy Bikers. I don't suffer much from anxiety but I'm very good at compulsive eating. It helps to remember that there are plenty of us fighting the same battle. As soon as you see even a small improvement it will lift you up. Off days will happen then put them behind you, new days happen too. Good luck.

[victoria-anne]

Hi @charlotte1998 - I can relate to you with the anxiety issues, and the CLI, too. I tore mine in half three years ago, and STILL battle with it. Please, please do the physio! It's boring and painful, but man, it is worth it. I did mine, just not religiously enough, and I definitely feel it.

It's also much less painful now I am getting lighter.

Don't listen to the negative comments from others (as impossible as that can be) and do this for you - so you will feel happy, and healthy, and get the most out of life.

This forum really is amazing for support and advice, and I highly recommend joining one of the weigh ins, the daily 'chatter' and one of the challenges. The challenges are easy to go along with, there's no competition - it's just a great way of challenging yourself.

All the best, hope to see more of you