Scared about my weight and it affecting my health

[JustLuca 5]

I have gained a really significant amount of weight over the past two years. I used to be very thin, now I am not quite obese but definitely overweight.

When I was younger, I was an athlete and participated in a lot of competitive sports. That kept me in pretty good shape. Due to an injury and some general health concerns, I can't play sports or go to the gym anymore.

I'm worried about things like high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, etc. The last time I went to the doctor they were concerned about my blood pressure. I know anxiety can make your blood pressure go up but I'm not sure that's the only issue here. I also currently have very unhealthy eating habits which obviously makes everything a lot worse. When I was living on my own I ate very healthy but now that I'm back with my family I've kind of adopted their eating habits, which are pretty bad.

The only exercise I can really do is a lot of walking, which doesn't do much to help me lose/maintain weight. I found out that even if I restrict my eating (which I know isn't right) I still don't lose a significant amount of weight. I'm adopted from a foreign country and don't know anything about my genetics so I guess I could be genetically predisposed to being heavier. I took a biology class recently where one of the topics that was discussed was that some peoples' bodies have a certain weight they "like" to stay at and there's not much you can do to change it once you reach that point. That could likely be the case with me.

I feel really embarrassed and ashamed by my body, and more than that, I'm worried about getting sick or dying young. Does anyone have any suggestions about healthy weight loss methods that have worked for them, or any ways to ease one's anxiety about weight-related health concerns?

Thanks,

Luca

[Iugrad91 501]

Exercise is a great way to lose weight, keep your blood pressure in a healthy range and also manage anxiety. Even with an injury there is always something that can be done to stay active. Walking is great, but I would talk to your doc and see about trying physical therapy to help with the injury and get you to a point where you can do some cardio or weight bearing exercise.

[JustLuca 5]

35 minutes ago, Iugrad91 said:

Exercise is a great way to lose weight, keep your blood pressure in a healthy range and also manage anxiety. Even with an injury there is always something that can be done to stay active. Walking is great, but I would talk to your doc and see about trying physical therapy to help with the injury and get you to a point where you can do some cardio or weight bearing exercise.

Thank you, that's very helpful. I've done physical therapy in the past and I'll have to revisit that. I would really like to get to the point where I could start running again or lift weights.

[Holls 1505]

Don't be so hard on yourself 😞 please don't be ashamed of your body. Just like earlier when we talked about a plan for work, housing and school this can go in with it.. make a plan to get healthy.. have fun experimenting with different workouts until you find one you love! A lot of places are offering free workout streaming.. take advantage 🙂 it's normal to feel how you do right now.. we have a lot of down time to analyze our lives . Just make plans for improvement and work towards it. You got this. 

[JustLuca 5]

4 hours ago, Holls said:

Don't be so hard on yourself 😞 please don't be ashamed of your body. Just like earlier when we talked about a plan for work, housing and school this can go in with it.. make a plan to get healthy.. have fun experimenting with different workouts until you find one you love! A lot of places are offering free workout streaming.. take advantage 🙂 it's normal to feel how you do right now.. we have a lot of down time to analyze our lives . Just make plans for improvement and work towards it. You got this. 

Thank you 🙂 You have been very kind!

I'll try to research different types of workouts until I find one that works well for me. Like I said before, going back to physical therapy is probably a good idea as well. Maybe I can work with a physical therapist and a nutritionist to find better exercise routines and eat healthier.

It's all easier said than done though to be honest, and I realize that I have to take very small steps at a time otherwise I'll get overwhelmed. I know that about myself.

Thank you everyone for the encouragement, I'll try my best to take your advice!

Luca

[Trudy 27]

Best way to loose weight it is proven because I had to do in for 2 was before my weight loss surgery back in 2018 cut all carbs Eat all the veggies and lean meats you want protein burns fat it really worked I was like damn I should have been doing that all along and I would not have needed the surgery lol 1200 cal. Protein n veggies lots of garlic to lower pressure apple cider vunegar is good for pressure too and tumeric is great for inflammatory issues ginger is great for digestion

[Trudy 27]

I went from 316 to 290 in a 2 1/2 wks now I am so off track I used to be a size 26 women's now I am a 18 which is great but I should be smaller by now

[Trudy 27]

12 hours ago, JustLuca said:

I have gained a really significant amount of weight over the past two years. I used to be very thin, now I am not quite obese but definitely overweight.

When I was younger, I was an athlete and participated in a lot of competitive sports. That kept me in pretty good shape. Due to an injury and some general health concerns, I can't play sports or go to the gym anymore.

I'm worried about things like high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, etc. The last time I went to the doctor they were concerned about my blood pressure. I know anxiety can make your blood pressure go up but I'm not sure that's the only issue here. I also currently have very unhealthy eating habits which obviously makes everything a lot worse. When I was living on my own I ate very healthy but now that I'm back with my family I've kind of adopted their eating habits, which are pretty bad.

The only exercise I can really do is a lot of walking, which doesn't do much to help me lose/maintain weight. I found out that even if I restrict my eating (which I know isn't right) I still don't lose a significant amount of weight. I'm adopted from a foreign country and don't know anything about my genetics so I guess I could be genetically predisposed to being heavier. I took a biology class recently where one of the topics that was discussed was that some peoples' bodies have a certain weight they "like" to stay at and there's not much you can do to change it once you reach that point. That could likely be the case with me.

I feel really embarrassed and ashamed by my body, and more than that, I'm worried about getting sick or dying young. Does anyone have any suggestions about healthy weight loss methods that have worked for them, or any ways to ease one's anxiety about weight-related health concerns?

Thanks,

Luca

Don't be so hard on yourself with everything that's going on right now take small steps make workout stuff around the house two water jugs can be weights or laundry bottles. Walking/running up and down the steps or my personal fave look up low impact workout classes on YouTube me personally I love to dance so my kids and I look up zumba classes and hip hop aerobics if you are having fun doesn't feel like excersize

[JustLuca 5]

Thanks for the suggestions, I actually didn't know most of that stuff! I'll try to eat better.

You should be really proud of yourself for getting in better shape; don't be so hard on yourself either! I always tell myself "I should be smaller by now" too, but it's a long process, and you just have to keep at it. Like I've said about other things, I know it's easier said than done, but it is worth it. Just wish I could take my own advice, lol.

Dancing is a lot of fun. And you're right, if you're having fun it doesn't feel like exercise.

 

[Ihadcancer 321]

I really understand.  For 5 years I kept telling my doctor I was gaining weight without a cause and he'd say 'old age and sedentary life style'.  The last time I asked him to check my thyroid and I was super hypothyroid.  It goes up, it goes down and we can't get the dosage stable plus I continued to gain weight. 

I'm counting calories for the last 10 days and lost a couple of pounds.  I'd gone from 155 (at 58) to 178 at 69.  My knees kill me from the weight gain and arthritis. I really am trying!  

[JustLuca 5]

I haven't had my thyroid checked in a while. I wonder if that's a possibility. I'm in my late 20s and male, and below average height, I don't know if that information helps.

Good for you for losing a few pounds! I know it's hard, but like you said, you are trying and that's what matters. 🙂

I went from 115 pounds to almost 200 in the past few years... my joints don't feel so great either, but I already had problems with them. I had a horrible back injury in 2017 and that doesn't help, it made me more sedentary and unable to handle most workouts.

I try counting calories as well but I feel like I have to eat literally nothing in order to even lose one or two pounds. I probably have a really slow metabolism.