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
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