New here

[emcoll]

Hi everyone

I'm 18 and have always been 'the fat one'. Always struggled with my weight. Once it's on, it won't shed no matter what I do. I used to train every single day for a year, and ended up putting on weight instead of losing it. The only way I've discovered to lose it is to starve myself - which makes me very ill due to other problems. I've really been giving serious thought to taking laxatives I had prescribed to me a while ago. I can't stand to look at myself, I cover everything up with long baggy clothes. At night I refuse to let my partner see me like this so I always sleep in big baggy pyjamas. He's so understanding as he's suffered before, but he says that it doesn't matter what size I am. I just can't stop thinking how disgusting I feel - I literally feel like everyone stares at me, it's gotten so bad I can't leave the house for fear of people laughing. I'm currently weighing in at around 12 stone, but that needs to change. It's making me so upset...does anyone have any tips on how to cope?

[Prob79]

Laxatives have long term and short term side effects and can damage the bowel. Just seen a lady who could scarcely walk so severe was her weakness from sodium losses. Don't starve, cut out calorific foods, don't snack, don't comfort eat, add no sugar no high cal drinks. Get professional help too, and cherish your partner's support, it's a big asset.

strateias.org/ana

[crazycrossstitcher]

Firstly please do not use laxatives - they are not the answer and can cause a lot of health issues if used regularly and on a long term basis. Secondly go to your GP and ask if you can have some proper help with diet and weight loss - also get checked out - I recently found my thyroid was out and had been for years without me knowing - so get a good set of blood tests done to make sure there are no health issues behind the weight issues you have. Your partner cherishes you as you are - so take heart - maybe its time to love yourself a little?

[Hope47]

Don’t go down the laxative route, they don’t help you lose weight they make you feel empty! I am in a situation where I’ve lost a lot of weight, through restricting, but have also been addicted to laxatives for nearly two years...they rule my life to a degree, but then so does my weight & it’s really not the place to be so don’t do it.

As has already been said arrange a meeting with your GP and ask them to put you in touch with a dietitian...there are plenty of healthy ways to lose weight but it’s about being patient and not wanting a quick fix. Once your head accepts that it will be a journey it’s easier to stay focussed. Have lifestyle goals maybe...wanting to be fitter; achieve some sort of active goal rather than a weight goal. Easier said than done I know but please don’t go down the laxative route...so much emotional and physical damage can be done. Take care, be brave and seek some professional advice.

Also, your partner is with you, loves you the way you are...it’s you that needs to start loving you so please get some help. Good luck.