Past reflection

[hollyeo]

So I got a notification from Health Unlocked after 6 years. I thought oh I’ll have a look and see what I used to post, back when I was 16 - I’m 22 now. It’s a shame that I couldn’t see what I was doing to myself. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I was so harsh on myself about every aspect of my weight loss journey and I wish as a 16 year old girl someone would have slapped me and opened my eyes. Cut a long story short I ended up weighing nearly 7 stone, going to the gym 7 days a week, eating 1000 calories a day, no longer eating out, no longer seeing friends, counting calories of broccoli and weighing out lettuce. If anyone is in the same position as me now, understand that no amount of weight you lose will make you happy. Losing weight ruined my life for the short time that I let it. It went on for 3 years and luckily it didn’t get too serious as I was able to snap out of it but only when I hit rock bottom, only until I ruined friendships and relationships. There is no right way to eat healthy, yes you can have a balanced diet, but until you love yourself as you are, you won’t reach that happy weight. I learned the hard way and sadly I was too naive to listen to the kind words the users on this website would say to me such as “you aren’t overweight, you’re only 16, you’re still growing” and they were right. It became an obsession. If anyone is going through this right now, is stopping socialising as it means that they won’t be able to stay on track or only eating food that you make yourself so you can count calories, please rethink your journey. You need to learn to love yourself and losing weight won’t necessarily do that. Luckily, I’ve been able to look back at the things I posted on this site and come out the other side, I’m not fat, I’m not skinny, but I’m happy with my body and I feed my body what it needs and sometimes it needs pizza and some chocolate cake, and the next day it might need fruit and veggies. Life is all about balance.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Welcome back, hollyeo

Thank you so much for taking the time to recount your story. It will be invaluable for others in the same place and we do have many, sadly.

I'm delighted you were able to turn things around for yourself and come through with wisdom and acceptance.

Wishing you all the very best for whatever life has planned for you, I'm sure you'll be strong enough to face any challenges there may be and will enjoy it to the full

[Subtle_badger]

Yeah, thanks for sharing! .I see people like you describe and it's heart breaking. I don't think there is anything I can do, but maybe your wisdom could get through. There was a teenager weighing 50kg and wanting to lose 10-15kg a few days ago.

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

It's heartbreaking. I am glad you survived.

[hollyeo in reply to Subtle_badger]

Thank you Subtle_badger. It’s so sad to see and almost had me in tears earlier today reading back on what I used to post as a 16 year old girl, I had no idea how bad things would get. I just hope my post can be a wake up call for some and they can listen to the good people on this site that genuinely want to help people on their journey. There’s nothing wrong with losing weight or eating healthier, but be mindful of what you may lose along with the weight if things get out of hand. X

[Dyfodol 7lbs in reply to hollyeo]

Such wise words Hollyeo. Thank you. I’m trying to steer my 15 year old daughter away the temptation to starve herself (she’s panicking as she’s gained a few pounds ..which I’m sure is just her body preparing for a growth spurt.) and towards healthy eating and exercise for life. It’s so hard to get her to see that what she thinks would be a quick fix could damage her health. I will be showing her your post as what you say makes so much sense. So kind of you to reach out to help others going through what you went through.

[katieoxo60 Visitor]

Thank you for your words of wisdom, true we have to like who we are and accept that before we change our weight , hairstyle or lifestyle. But also true freinds don't desert you in your hour of need they support you. You have a long life ahead of you enjoy it no matter what happens we do get through our darkest times.Have a good day and many more to come .