Fat kid that got in shape, then fat again...

JayBirdAZ

Hello, Bon Jour, Buon Giorno, Buenos Días and Gütentac. I could use some good advice on my scenario if anyone has any. I was obese through childhood at an average BMI just under 40% until about age 18/19 when I got into Mtn. Biking and slimmed dramatically in about 6 mos. I'm 5'11" (71") tall and I went from about 260lbs down to 195. I maintained that weight for about 2 years but got hit by a car and stopped cycling. Over the following 8 or so years I was sedentary. (Office Jobs, alcohol and fast food) This led to severe obesity (about 305lbs at the pinnacle of that tragic period) which I remedied by recommitting to excersize and diet. I did the Bill Phillips/BFL process for about a year and got back to about 200 or so, which I maintained for about 3 years stringently. After those three, I never got morbid obese again but has maintained a weight of about 220 wavering 5 lbs either way until about 3 years ago. I'm now 37 and over the last year, I suddenly gained inexplicable weight in the belly without much change to my lifestyle. I've been revisiting the BFL process since it was so effective 10 years ago but I'm not seeing the results I expect. I realize age brings several factors which defacilitate physical rehabilitation and fitness but I think my knowledge base is lacking because the changes I've made to workout and supplements have resulted in increased lean mass without loss of adipose. I'm of the opinion that age and stress have resulted in high cortisol, slower metabolism and perhaps a decrease in male hormones. I've never used steroids and as a male, I'm above average health in every matrix but weight/height ratio. After evaluating my lifestyle, I'm of the opinion that my stress levels are alarmingly high and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. I all but know for certain that my cortisol and other stress-hormone levels are exceedingly high which is inhibiting my progress and posing a serious risk to my longevity. I would very much like to learn about supplements and/or excersize programs that may be effective in getting me over this wall. I'm otherwise totally fortunate not to suffer from any maladies like diabetes or digestive issues and I have no allergies so even fringe-level approaches are totally appropriate. Thank you to anyone who may be able to advise me on this. You may add years to my life.

maggierenee88

Very interesting situation! You mentioned that you think stress is the main cause for this weight gain, but then you confirm that your stress levels will not change. It really is your choice to live a stressful life, so why not change that? If you can't change this, then maybe consider how you deal with stress in another light. You didn't mention if you are a stress eater, which I used to be, and I changed that nasty habit. Obviously you know what your body needs, but it sounds like its telling you something that you probably shouldn't ignore.