Appetite Suppressants - worth it?

[NathaliaLex]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and really struglling to lose weight. Have gained over 10kg in the last year and been eating compulsively, struggling to ditch junk food! Thought about appetite suppressants to help, but not sure how healthy or effective they are. Anyone thinks it's a good idea? Or not worth it? Thanks!

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello NathaliaLex and welcome to the Weight Loss Forum

To lose weight effectively and permanently you need to change the behaviour, so from what you have said, appetite isn't the issue for you, it's the compulsion and junk food. 😕

My advice is look closely at your behaviour, and try to analyse why you eat the way you do. The good news is that current research advises against very low calorie 'diets' and suggest a more modest reduction will have better long term results. To find your own personal calorie target check out your BMI on the NHS website.

Here are a few suggestions on how to get the most out of the forum. Please note if you are using the new HU App many of these features are not available so I suggest you use the full website version.

The first place to look is at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), read the Welcome Newbie thread first and 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

Have a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as many people have had success with it. Also use the BMI checker to find your target calories, it's important to eat enough. This was a major turning point for me, realising I could eat anything I wanted as long as the calories are accounted for. 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

The forum also have group weigh-ins every day, as well as a new Daily Diary, if you wish to take part. The posts can always be found in the Events section on the 'home' page. And if you just want to chat, to say hello or share any news or struggles then look out for What's Happening Today thread.

You'll notice a grey box next to people's names, these are achievement badges, and as a new member you have a 'Newbie' badge. 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. If you have any questions please just ask

Best wishes

Anna

[NathaliaLex in reply to IndigoBlue61]

hi Anna, thanks for your reply! I agree with what you said, it's really compulsion and not hunger. I will do my best to stick to the 12 week program and will be on the forum regularly, hope this determination will last!

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to NathaliaLex]

There is plenty to keep you occupied on here! And always someone around for a chat 😊

Have a good look around and please ask if you have any questions 😊

[Kim58]

Hi I am struggling also trying to lose two stone but just can't get into the right mindset I am going to try though with the help of the forum I haven't been on it lately but you can always get some good advice xx

[Itsbab in reply to Kim58]

Hi Kim and welcome I too still have a couple of stone to loose and this forum has been my only success story longer term.

You can do this 👍 what's the alternative either stay the same or put weight on more, think how fab you will feel and aim for your first half stone then get your badge from the admin set a new goal and treat yourself £1 for 1lb. What would you get yourself for £7 that you maybe would think twice about spending the money on? Set a time span for your first half stone maybe by mid August or near an event you are going to and go for it, have you chosen a weigh in day? That's the worst part over downwards all the way then. I still struggle every now and again but with all the lovely posts on here to read it soon puts me back to reality again.

Have a good Friday and good luck for next week.👍

[NathaliaLex in reply to Kim58]

Good luck Kim we can make it let's be focused!

[WibblewobbIe]

I think they can help, but as in bulking agents. You sound just like me! I have suffered, really suffered with almost binge eating sweet stuff after a normal healthy meal.. for the first time in my life using supplements that bulk up your stomach prior to eating a meal. It has completely stopped as I feel to full after a sensible meal to want all the c**p I used to eat. I am two weeks in and so far so good. What really helps also is avoiding having a large meal, even a huge salad then triggered my after meal sweet craving, so now I am currently eating a more snacking meal eg crisp bread and cottage cheese. Or peanut butter and apple or sliced turkey and carrot sticks. Good luck!

[NathaliaLex in reply to WibblewobbIe]

Thanks Wibblewobble, I really need to get myself together and focus more!!

[HubbysMissMouse]

I used to eat fairly fatty foods and even had a takeaway once a week but found out on average I was only tending to still eat around 1000 Cals a day because even with the chips I had at home I have used an actifryer for years with chips that can be done in oven, grill or fried and the actifryer only uses a spoon of fat only. This is because I don't really like them much done in the oven but have always wanted to lose weight but tried to do it on the sly so my family couldn't tell. I just told them I didn't really like them too fatty. The actifryer chips don't even taste any different to me. Also with only eating the amount I did my body thought I was starving it and turned everything I did eat into body fat and this weighs more than it would to eat the extra calories would. This meant I didn't lose weight and sometimes was putting weight on as well. Check out your calories on the NHS bmi calculator and make sure you are eating the right amount to lose weight as this does cause problems if you don't eat enough. The other sites that give you amounts to lose weight only tend to give average amounts for everyone but the bmi is personal amounts for you. Good luck with your journey.

[NathaliaLex in reply to HubbysMissMouse]

thanks HubbysMissMouse I will focus and do my best!!!