Weight issues

Welshwoofs

Op - personally I'd go through a check list:

1. Go to the doctor, tell them you want to lose weight and how you're feeling physically and let them give medical advice (I note you've already had thyroid testing so you can rule that out)

2. You're emotional eating and no amount of slimming clubs will solve that issue, you have to get to the bottom of WHY you're eating. You may want to look at CBT, counselling or an over-eater anonymous group

3. When you do come to lose weight do not diet. I can't stress that enough do not diet!!!! Seriously, diets don't work in the long-term. Changing the way you eat works. There's a very simple rule of thumb to changing what you eat.......animal flesh/fats and vegetables fill you up whereas starchy carbohydrates and sugars send your blood/sugar all over the bloody shop and then leave you feeling hungry. I'll also add that some people's bodies react the same way to products with artificial sweetners as they do to sugar!

4. Before you change the way you eat, do a week without ANY sugar, fruit (as that contains sugar), dairy or wheat. Doing that kills off any Candida overgrowth you may have and there's a lot to suggest that Candida can cause weight retention/gain.

5. Make sure you drink at least a litre of water a day. The body can't tell between thirst/hunger and quite often you'll think you're hungry when in fact you're mildly dehydrated. If you feel hungry, always drink a glass of water first and then see if you still feel hungry.

Tuesday_Tenor

Wonder how you're getting on Cottonhead?

For me, upping my exercise is the only thing that works. I realise my body is designed to do far more activity that a sedentary job and drive to work allows. At 53, I [STRIKE]want[/STRIKE], no really NEED, to avoid the health dangers that come with being overweight and unfit.

I've been lucky to have more free time over the last 6 months and have been swimming a couple of times a week, walking a lot, and occasionally playing badminton, dancing and practising yoga.

The results are to be seen in a toned body and a lot more energy.

Note that:
a) I haven't actually lost much weight on the scales. BUT the flab has turned to muscle, my face isn't chubby any more, my clothes fit better and everyone says how well I look. Above all, I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER.
b) To make a start, you NEED to find time for some exercise, ANY exercise that fits your limited time. What can be more important than your health??!?? As you sound very unfit, you'll probably have to start with short walks from home. Or going up and down the stairs a few extra times. I've never been as unfit as you sound, but in my first week of swimming after a gap of many, many years I could only manage 6-8 lengths, with rests between EVERY length. Now I do 20 lengths with very few stops, and 30 when I'm really pushing myself!! I've tried 'aquafit' groups at the Leisure Centre, which might work for you , but I don't find I get as much exercise as doing the lengths.

c) To maintain your exercise as part of your life, you need to find something you ENJOY doing. I do the 5 things above, to varying degrees. Gym work and running have no interest for me. B-O-R-I-N-G and, I believe too much pounding away can be damagaing to the joints.

I can't be faffing with diets, I like food too much! Sometimes I take myself in hand for a week or so by keeping a 'diary' in three columns:
1) Fruit and veg eaten (Helps me see 5 a day, or not)
2) Everything else eaten/drunk. (Helps ensure I'm drinking enough water/juice. Helps me see that things are nutritionally reasonabley balanced. Helps me notice if I'm getting into bad habots. Occasionally Baileys and Maltesers are a nice treat but if I have them 2 or 3 nights in a row, I know a bad habit is forming and I HAVE to stop!!
3) Exercise taken. (So I know I'm really doing somethng most days).

Can't keep such diary up for long; but the odd week now and again really helps as a reminder.

HTH
Good luck
I hope you find something that works for you.