Weight loss and what I've learned - Weight Loss Support

Weight Loss Support

114,537 members60,871 posts

Weight loss and what I've learned

michaelhollindean profile image

As long as I can remember I have always had a problem managing my weight. Now at the age of 58, 6ft 2" and 17.5 stone people have said I carried it off well and believe they were being polite, saying I'm tall so it didn't matter too much. However, I have always known this wasn't ideal but losing weight always seemed so difficult.

May of this year I decided to give losing weight another go as I have been having problems with my back and losing weight I believe would help. In addition to this my blood glucose levels have been creeping up and my fasting blood sugar was 6, so I was in pre diabetes stage. Diabetes runs in my family and both my late parents had the condition and so does my younger brother. It is something that I don't want as I know the problems that are associated with it. Therefore, I decided to try and do something about it.

I began walking for 30mins a day which soon increased to 1hr after and reduced my food intake and not following a specific diet. I bought an elliptical/crosstrainer machine and been using it for 30min three times a week. To my surprise the weight gradually started to come off and this gave me inspiration.

I have heard of the dreaded weight-loss plateau and the way it can affect some peoples confidence. This did happen to me when I reached 16.5 and 15.5 stones. I remained focused and persisted and kept away from scales. I have learned from youtube that doing cardio alone isn't a good idea especially if one has a lot of weight to lose. Weight resistance training is advised to help retrain muscle mass and keep the body toned. I now use adjustable dumbells and follow a full body workout program for 1hr 3 times a week.

I am now 14 stone 200lbs and feel a lot better for it but haven't quite reached my goal of 13 to 13.5. stone. My blood sugar levels have improved at 4.5 to 4.8 fasting. My back has feels a lot better and my knee joints and legs no longer hurt when walking. I have increased my workouts on the elliptical to High-intensity instead of following the programs installed on the machine. The high intensity workout information I got from Youtube videos and are very good. I keep everything in check and careful not to overexert myself as I'm not 30 anymore!

I realize to keep the weight off I will have to stick to a sensible exercise and eating regime and do this for the rest of my life, otherwise the weight will just creep back on. I am fully committed to this as I do not want to go back to my old life. Most of my clothes are just too big for me now and I've been steadily buying a whole new wardrobe, something I hadn't thought of at the start of this journey.

I believe weight loss can be achieved for most people, but it requires dedication, time and patience. Above all it requires a commitment to stick to a sensible eating and exercise programme for the rest of your life if you want to keep the weight off.

All the best

Michael

Written by
michaelhollindean profile image
michaelhollindean
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
7 Replies
ohsofierce profile image
ohsofierce

A wonderful post, thank you for sharing! Congrats on losing the weight and developing healthy habits.

SewMore profile image
SewMore

Well done! It's an inspiration that you achieved this following a sensible eating plan and not a complicated or expensive diet. Thank you for sharing.

BridgeGirl profile image
BridgeGirlAdministratorSS Supercook2 stone

Hello michealhollindean and welcome to the weight loss forum.

What an impressive effort and result - all credit to you. I'm very happy to start you off with a 3 stone badge and I'm sure you'll soon be asking for an update.

You may find these posts helpful as you set about the next stage of your weight loss

phcuk.org/wp-content/upload...

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

To help you find your way around, we’ve put all the information you’ll need in a Newbie Pack and here's the link healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Please take time to read it so you'll know what the forum has to offer.

We also ask that you read this information about internet privacy and security healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

I see you have not locked your post. This means that it, and any replies, can be shared around the Internet by Twitter, Facebook etc (see the logos below your post); for this reason, some members are unwilling to reply to unlocked posts.

This is a particular concern if you have a username that may identify you

Wishing you all the best and I hope you become an active member of the forum 😊

By the way, it would be interesting to know how you found your way to this forum

michaelhollindean profile image
michaelhollindean in reply to BridgeGirl

Thank you for your warm welcome BridgeGirl and the website links which I found informative. I found this forum doing a search on Google and pleased that I joined.

Take care and all the best

Michael

BridgeGirl profile image
BridgeGirlAdministratorSS Supercook2 stone in reply to michaelhollindean

I'm sure you'll do well and I hope you'll get involved here and share the support around :)

I would urge you to consider your username, if it identifies you, and also to lock your posts, for extra security

Babymeula profile image
Babymeula

Well done! This is inspirational and something I hope I can emulate!

michaelhollindean profile image
michaelhollindean in reply to Babymeula

Thank you for your kind words Phat. I am sure you will be able to do they same, just believe and it will happen.

Take care

Michael

You may also like...

Weight loss trackers are off!!

calories! And two, you don't have to cut out all the \\"taboo\\" foods to lose weight! For one the...

Exercise & Weight Loss - What is your view/experience?

calories and also work off 500 calories you will lose weight - yes/no? This week I have done a lot...

Weight loss Help

told by my Dr to lose weight. I have tried in the past with my own diet plan but always ended up...

Joining weight loss support

deafness. In the last few years I have increased my weight to 21 stones and 4 pounds from 13sts. I...

needing weight loss that works

eptopic errosion pregnancy i have become really lazy and gainned weight to what i usually would be,...