Depression and Obesity. Thats me!

Lisa, I totally sympathise. Am overweight and have suffered from depression for years. Have only just began on the healthy eating path, but already feel so many positive benefits from it. However, the first step is so hard because you have to break the cycle of self loathing and comfort eating.

Slimfast seems to be good for a crash diet before a big event, but in the long run would probably get really boring and make you feel hungry and miserable. I tried it for a bit and suffered bad constipation for two weeks, then gave up cos I was so fed up of the plastic chocolate taste! You don't say how overweight you are, but seeing a Doctor might be a good start as they can refer you to a dietician (the waiting list is big, but it's worth waiting for), advise which diets work and maybe suggest drugs as a last resort.

Also, have a look on Amazon for diet books. You can read the reviews and see which ones work best. Personally, i'm on low GI and it's a good one for me because most of the foods can be brought fairly cheaply and I feel nice and full and energetic!

Phew, long post. Good luck! :j

Hi Lisa

Well done for having a weight loss LBM.

I know your reluctance about going out etc. But I really do think that exercise is very important in weight loss, not just for the calorie burning side of things but also because it makes you feel so much better about everything. I've spent most of my adult life overweight (and am now probably as heavy as I've ever been ) For many years I took little to no exercise and now looking back I feel like I was sitting in a dark room. I started off by walking, gradually walking further and speeding up, and eventually got the nerve together to join a gym (believe me this was a long process!). I can't believe how much better taking regular exercise makes you feel. And believe me when I tell you I would barely have walked to the shop before.

I'd say start walking a bit. The other thing about it is that it gives you thinking time to focus on your goals and what it is you want from life. And this is really useful in reinforcing your dieting. In fact I think at the minute it's the fact that I'm not walking that has contributed to my weight gain even though I'm still going to the gym, I'm not getting the same thinking space.

If you worry about being seen then go after dark at least for the first little while.

Of course too it's worth looking at what you eat and eating better etc but honestly exercise will help you beat your depression!!

Lots of luck

So what kind of foods do you like and at the same time afford right now? Perhaps if you posted here, some kind folks would be able to give you a better idea. Lots of people, like me, have been on loads of diets in their life times and have an idea of what does and does not workl.
congrats, on your plan to get walking. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain, and that elevates your mood, got to be better than taking a load of pills. Anything you can do to get toward your goal is good for your soul, so dont give up now, dont say you got to get used to it, because it clearly makes you unhappy. Just small steps, small changes will lead to results. You already know that from your succes at debt management.

to be honest i dont think diets work great to lose weight but the bottom line i think is its looked as a way of changeing your eating habits for life (which i think for most people it just doesnt work have you looked at your eating habits (my worst time is evenings)for nibbling ? do you eat not much but the wrong thing ?or do you maybe eat late at night .i know my weight gain is stopped smoking and nibbles if you can pinpoint i think it helps.i used allan carr to stop smoking its great and i found it very very helpful i know he does a book on weightloss maybe someone else on here can give an opinion.good luck anyway cos its not easy and i am struggling.x