I have lost approximately 10 stone in different stages over the years but continually put it all back on again. I am a compulsive eater so when I am happy and everything is fine I eat sensibly but as soon as I get stressed in anyway I binge on anything fatty or sweet whether I am hungry or not. It hasn't helped going to weight watchers, slimming world or being overseen by a dietitian at my GPs. I am trying to stop this vicious cycle or yo-yo ing as I am sure it is very bad for my health especially now I am getting arthritis and my joints are suffering. Last time I lost 4 stone with slimming world but I couldn't keep at my goal weight it kept creeping up despite working out at the gym 3 times a week and going on jogs/long walks every day. I have put it all back on again now and not evenly spread over my body it has all gone back on my arms and legs so I find it very hard to get clothes to fit now as they are disproportionately big for my size so trousers wont go over my thighs and I can't get my arms in shirts or jackets. I am eating healthily trying not to binge or starve sticking to 1500 cals per day or less and trying to exercise as much as possible I am currently 5 stone overweight for my height of 5ft 6in at 15 stone 7lbs. I am menopausal now at age 51 and taking 10mg Paroxetine daily to alleviate hot flushes, so I don't know if that helps or hinders any weight loss. I am considering going on HRT as the Paroxetine doesn't seem to be working but I hear that HRT makes you put even more weight on so I am scared to try it. Any advice from anyone out there please?
Yo-Yoing vicious cycle: I have lost... - Weight Loss Support
Yo-Yoing vicious cycle
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Hiya, i was on HRT for 10years, and it didnt make me put weight on. What it did though was made me feel so much better, and when i eventualy came off it, it was hard at first. because i felt like i was missing something. It is good for making you feel better, so i would seriously consider it. I had the patches. I do hope you make the right decision, why not give it a go? I am sure your doctor will help you with the decision.
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Hi Essie51,
Welcome to the Weight Loss NHS community forum. There is a link to a page on the NHS Choices website about Healthy eating and the Menopause, which you might find helpful:
nhs.uk/Livewell/menopause/P...
Also, please do have a look at our Pinned Posts area (top right-hand-side of the homepage) for the Welcome Newbie post and other Challenge threads, plus we have a Recipe collation post too which is worth a look.
I hope you'll join us for the Monday group weigh-in, if the idea of a weekly weigh-in interests you.
Hope to see you around and about in the forum, and wishing you success with your goals.
Lowcal
Hello Essie51
Your post really spoke to me, you sound exactly like I felt a year ago 😊 Here is a big hug ❤️
I can offer a few practical suggestions but I think you probably know much of it 😕 What is different for me this time is I have worked on my head, my brain, training myself to feel in control, feel positive. The menopause affects us in so many ways, emotionally and psychologically 😕 As well as the blasted hot flushes!! Last summer I was so miserable with these and heat rashes etc but NO MORE
I cannot take HRT as I have high BP and also have arthritis so any weight bearing exercise is difficult. But, like you, I am quite good at losing weight, so I started there, but not 'dieting' just a sensible amount of food, an eating plan I can follow long term, similar calories to you 😊 I also read and listen to everything I can about weight loss/weight management to inspire and motivate me. I am slowly starting to believe I can and will follow this for ever 😊
Together with this I have gradually increased the exercise which helps my mood and energy levels, but you are already there 😊
With regards to the binging, when we are stressed, upset or emotional, our brains revert to what I call 'cave man mode' and tried to get us to load up with calories ready to run away from the wildebeest!! It's perfectly natural 😊 We just need to practice damage limitation, distraction, exercise, music, phone s friend, whatever gets you through, 😊 There is a really good series of podcasts called foodforfitness that had one on this subject that I can recommend,
Sorry for such s long post, thinking of you, very best wishes 😊
Thanks Anna61 for your reply. I have had a good weekend spending a lot of time working in a garden for a charity and melting away the pounds or so I thought. Weighed myself yesterday and I have put another 2 lbs on! Hardly ate anything on Saturday or Sunday did have an ice cream but walked 5 miles on Sunday so thought I could get away with that and I was by the seaside. I find it so hard to be motivated when the results don't reflect what I am doing. Still eating healthily and trying not to binge when I am fed up. I will keep at it - thanks for your support.