Need to lose weight, but like food too much.

6455859

Since an accident at work in 2019 I have struggled to move and am on crutches. I am trying to get better , but it's an up hill struggle constantly. 😪 I know if I could lose some weight it would help, but when the pain us bad I look for comfort in wrong places.p

springlering62

For me, finding comfort in food did nothing but aggravate the pain. The more the weight piled on, the worse the joint pain became.

As I lost weight, the joint pressure relinquished bit by bit. Other than an occasional ibuprofen, it’s been manageable, versus the long term meds obese-me was looking at.

Maybe try flipping it on its head and tell that chocolate bar or bag of cookies “you are just not worth the pain you will cumulatively inflict”, and choose something healthier.

There was a fantastic member here who was on crutches and almost immobile. She challenged herself to walk to the mailbox every day, then added a fence post, then a telephone pole, and then the neighbors’s mailbox. Every time she felt capable, she added another little local goal, until she worked up to a couple of miles a day. I don’t even remember her user ID, but she’s been a hero of mine ever since reading that.

ninerbuff

You can like food and eat it. You just need to control your total calories you consume. Problem is habitual behavior has taught many to overeat which is why they are overweight. So if you're determined, by just changing small things in your intake (smaller portions), you can learn the new habit of just eating less.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 35+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

AnnPT77

I endorse the comments above.



I especially endorse Springlering62's observation about weight loss reducing musculoskeletal pain. That was a huge benefit of weight loss for me, too. I went from routine discomfort and frequent pain to pretty rare discomfort and almost-never pain, after weight loss. I also feel like I have less systemic inflammation at a lighter weight and with a healthier way of eating, which can also reduce pain and improve general sense of well-being (including mood or other psychological well-being factors).

Another avenue might be to consider forms of self-comfort that are not food, and work on adopting some of those habits.

Though you're on crutches, do you do or have you considered seated exercise? Some forms of strength training may be achievable, and there are seated exercise videos on YouTube for a surprising range of levels, up to and including workouts for wheelchair athletes that appear quite vigorous. Upper body or seated stretching may also be a possibility, or even pool exercise (depending on why you're on crutches). Some people find exercise to be a stress buster or a comfort.

Beyond that, there are things like meditation/prayer, journaling, professional massage, good music, being in nature, and more that some people find comforting. Do any of those appeal to you?

I don't know about you, but for me even trying out things seems to improve my sense of agency, i.e., it helps me feel I'm taking action toward solutions and life improvement. That in itself gives me increased satisfaction and a sense of empowerment, even before I pin down the exact things that help me with my goals.

It's a great thing that you're here, even in the face of your current challenges. That's a great first step. I'm betting that if you continue, you can make improvements, and reach your goals. I'm cheering for you!

springlering62

I was in aquafit this morning thinking that would be low impact and super easily adaptable for someone with limited lower mobility.

My gym was originally a rehab facility for the local mega hospital. It still has a lot of rehab, chair and classes for those with limited mobility.

If you’ve got a physical therapist, ask if they can give any recommendations. I bet the Y has similar classes.