Hi! I'm completely new to this forum but am planning on starting the NHS plan tomorrow. I'm 17, 5ft 3 and around 200 pounds. I feel so ugly and horrible sometimes when I really let it get to me.
I just want to know, does this plan really help? I really want to be healthier but also feel better about myself. How much do people usually lose weekly with this plan? Thanks!
Charlotte
Hi and welcome, Charlotte 
It's difficult to answer your question, because we all lose weight differently and a different speeds, so I think the important thing is to work on feeling healthier and leave the weight loss to its own devices.
I'd like to invite you to join our Newbie Club, which we hope will be a good place for you to connect with members, who are also just starting out. If you just post a few words to introduce yourself and respond to others there, you'll soon break the ice. Here's the link
healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...
You'll find all the information you need to navigate the forum in the header, so please take the time to read it carefully.
Wishing you all the best
Oh Charlotte, that makes me so sad - I don’t believe for a minute that you are horrible or ugly. Youth is always beautiful.
Yes, in answer to your question, this does work, but it takes time and dedication. It’s less a diet than a way of life, comprising healthy eating and a bit more exercise. People usually lose 1-2 lb per week on average on this scheme.
SOmeone from our lovely admin team will point you towards the Newbie club, and tell you about how to calculate your BMI and from that work out how many calories you need every day, also where to find the 12 week plan.
I can promise you, if you get on board and follow the plan, even if you fall off the wagon now and then (we all do) gradually the weight will fall off. There is no quick fix, but good things come to those who wait.
Best of luck to you.
Hi Trimmerteacher!
Thanks so much for your reply. I am super motivated with this forum as it so friendly and welcoming. I have attempted diets in the past and am so fed up with them. I am excited to start this lifestyle change. The newbie club is really helpful, thank you Moreless!
Thanks again!
Charlotte
Well this isn’t a diet, it’s a way of life, a lifestyle as you say. Keep coming back, people who get the most out of this forum are those who are regular contributors. Feel free to ask questions, let off steam, ask advice, tell us how you are feeling and we will celebrate or commiserate with you on your journey. 👍
Hi chaaarllll
I'm still fairly new, but these boards are amazing there always seems to be someone around to help or give advice, or even just have a moan to 
(which I have done lol)
I'm around 240lb and 5ft 5 and have lost 3lb so far, I've already accepted it will be a slow journey (but I'm 40 lol so everything's slower ) and a lot of credit goes to the people on these boards, I've never felt judged in any way or made to feel bad - even when I gained weight at my first weigh in, it was due to natural fluctuations and only a small amount - but I felt awful. But I got so much help from here, just other people to confide in and tell you "you can do it" it gave me the confidence to have another bash at it and not give up like I usually do.
Please don't ever feel ugly. I've spent many years thinking that and it really is a massive waste of energy. I really empathise, I truly do, but you will get better and feel better and you're making a good decision to tackle the issue - my only regret is not starting all this earlier 
Good Luck with your journey, I'm looking forward to seeing your progress on the boards
Hi Lookingtogetbetter!
Thanks a bunch for your reply. It has really assured me of the benefits of this forum. Good luck with yours too! I wish you the best and am hoping to be a regular contributor here!
Thank you for your lovely comments, I'm so grateful.
Charlotte
Great reply.
Hi Charlotte 👋 a big welcome to you and a massive hug for reassurance that you can do this like each and everyone of us here 🤗
Like others have said it is a slow process but one thing I can promise you is that even losing your first 14lbs will make you feel sooooo much better 👍 Set small goals, each pound lost is a big thing you know as it’s not an easy task.
Find out what your personal calorie range should be on the NHS BMI calculator (underneath your bmi score), log what you eat everyday and weigh your portions (especially carbs) these small changes will make a big difference.
Wishing you lots of luck 🍀 and I truly hope you start to feel so much better in yourself 😊
Hi xvanillaskyx,
Thanks so much for your reply! Wow, 8 weeks! Congratulations!!!
Thank you for your advice, I'll definitely take it and let you know how I get on, they're super helpful tips!
-Charlotte
I am only in week 2 but love this forum as it is so motivating and as previously stated, it is more about teaching you new ways than faddy diets which take your money and omit important parts of your diet. Slow and steady is the way, there is no quick fix. I am already seeing good results as this way has taught me just how bad my portion sizes were and I am getting a good mix of foods on my plate that works for the whole family. Slimming world meant I was making my own dinner separately to everyone else’s which was no good as a working mum. Here is to a new you!
Hi Nikabi!
Thanks for replying! I really appreciate your assurance. I agree, I'm already loving this forum and you're absolutely right. Portion sizes have always been the devil to me but now I'm much more conscious already!
Congratulations on week two! I'm glad to hear you're already seeing good results.
Charlotte
Loads of us had tried everything before finding this forum, but the 12 week plan plus the accountability of being part of an online community was the magic combination that finally worked. The only thing I'd warn you with the 12 week plan is to calculate your own calorie allowance. It suggests 1400 - but that's a guide, we all need different levels according to our different starting points. You may find you can have upwards of 2000 cals and still lose weight - google the nhs bmi checker to find out. Also be careful with my fitness pal. It's a great app for logging calories but it often suggests a calorie goal that's much too low. Best to customise with the nhs BMI figure. The less you restrict yourself the more sustainable this will be. Good luck
Hi Ruth_canal_runner,
Thanks so much for your advice; I find it super helpful. I am logging calories but like you said, am trying not to restrict myself too much. I'll definitely check out the NHS BMI figure to help.
Thanks again,
Charlotte
Great. Everyone finds their own way. Looking forward to hearing how it all goes
Knees! 
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