you don't need to be obese to have to get in shape

tartansheep

so there I was, merrily going through life at 180lb (12st 12lb) and feeling a bit sluggish. My BMI was 26.6, so only a little bit into overweight, but my joints ached and I was tired all the time.

I lost the weight. It took me about a year, but today I hit 140lb, or 10 stone exactly! I think that because I wasn't too overweight, I didn't have any of the problems which can be caused by obesity. I had convinced myself that I was fine and healthy because I went running, but actually I was jogging down the road and then, once out of sight of the house, walking - better than nothing, to be sure, but still, not exactly the Paula Radcliffe-esque person I had in mind!

I cut out the crap, really. I measured all my portions (sucks, but do it!) and found I was eating enough for two people. I began to cut down by 50 calories a day, so that I wouldn't notice it, and ended up eating at a steady rate of around 1500 a day, losing around 1lb a week. Of course I had bad days, but I had so many good days, and discovered a new lease of life and a new appreciation for everything I did. I can do so much more now! My joints are fine, my blood pressure and pulse rate have dropped, I can run again - I'm 18 - and I feel so, so much happier.

It is possible to do it, even when you're at college in the middle of exams. It's possible to fit it in around your lifestyle, to take the stairs instead of the lift, to cycle to work and to town. It's possible to do it and still eat, still drink, whatever you want.

Seriously, it has changed my life. I was headed down a road I would be unable to turn back from, but thanks to the support I've had here, I've done it.

Anyway, thanks guys! Off to the gym - can now run 5km without much difficulty!

Asherah29

Awesome! I wish I could run that far without stopping!

tartansheep

Awesome! I wish I could run that far without stopping!

have you given the NHS couch to 5k running programme a go?? I'd seriously recommend it!