Anyone else work at a desk & struggling to shift weight??

saffronmae
saffronmae Posts: 4
in Introduce Yourself
Hi,

I have been in my office job now for almost 2 years and in those 2 years my weight has gone up by 2 and a half stone. About 2 and a half years ago i weighed 7st at 5ft 6in and i felt my body was at its best but this was only because i had a severe B12 defiancy - it caused me to loose A LOT of weight. i am now 9st 7lb and am so not happy with my body. working at a desk doesnt allow me to be as active as i would like to be, any suggestions on things i could eat that are better (i do go to the gym 4 times a week)

Please feel free to add me - i need some motivation!!! :sad:

Replies

  • dmoshaughnessy2
    dmoshaughnessy2 Posts: 1 Member
    Hi,

    I am in a similar situation. Working at a desk all day does not help a person loose weight! Not sure how long you have been on here, but I just re-started tracking my food and exercise. One thing I realized the first time around was that the things labelled "healthy" at the store are NOT always healthy. Not sure about the food in the UK, but here in the states, a person is just better off eating things that are natural, not processed. This means skip the nutrition granola bars and eat an apple! I also found that sweetening things with honey rather than sugar was a great way to cut a lot of sugar out of my diet. Again, here in the states, nearly everything has high fructose corn syrup and/or is packed with extra and unnecessary sugar.

    Those are just a few of my suggestions. Hope they help and good luck!

    P.S. What does "stone" and "7st" mean?
  • saffronmae
    saffronmae Posts: 4
    Hi

    I know exactly what you mean about the processed stuff! I bought what i thought was a "healthy" salad from a supermarket and to my horror it had almost 500 calories in it!! I am trying to track my food & exercise a lot more now i havent been using the site very long. Stone is an English weight measurement for weight and "st" is just an abbreviation of stone :) There are 14 Pounds (lb) to a stone :)

    Thanks for the advice! Good luck to you too :smile:
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    At 5'6" and 7 st, you were very underweight. You're now a healthy weight. You not being able to lose weight probably has a lot more to do with that, than the fact that you have a desk job. If you're trying to get down to 7 st again, that's an extremely unhealthy (and unrealistic) goal.
  • BCSMama
    BCSMama Posts: 348
    I also have a desk job and struggle to stay active. I do a strength type class 3 times per week and run 2 days a week and try to be a lot more active on the weekends. During the work day, I just try to do little things like walk down the hall to talk to co workers rather than sending an email and taking the stairs (I work on the 3rd floor).

    As far as eating, I try to eat as many whole foods (unprocessed) as possible and avoid sugar and white flour as much as possible. I also try to pre plan my meals and snacks so that I am prepared for the day. And like you know, watch out for the pre packaged "healthy" foods. Some can be okay, but I almost always prefer to make my own stuff so I can control the ingredients.
  • dunc77ca
    dunc77ca Posts: 14
    I moved into office work about 5yrs ago. Previously I was in a labor intensive job. Weighed about 210 lbs at 6’2” and could eat whatever I wanted. Since being in the office I jumped up to 250ish and have to watch everything I eat. I co-worker started to walk on her breaks and lunch every day. Not sure how much she has shed (not going to ask). But she looks amazing. So, I started walking every chance I get. 10lbs down, 10 or so to go. Hopefully this works for you.
  • BernadetteChurch
    BernadetteChurch Posts: 2,210 Member
    You can still lose weight sitting at a desk all day - eat at a calorie deficit and the weight will come off.
  • Jim_1960
    Jim_1960 Posts: 399
    I too work at a desk and have been carefully planning what I do.
    Using tis little app and site certainly helps.

    Advice : Log everything, get a whole load of accountable friends and enjoy the journey.

    Welcome and good luck.

    Anyone can add me if they feel I can maybe help.
  • Mac_X
    Mac_X Posts: 110 Member
    Good morning!

    I, too, work at a desk all day. It is very difficult to keep from becoming sedentary. Something that helped me is getting a small timer or clock that goes off every 55 minutes. When it goes off, no matter what, I get up and walk down the hall and back a couple of times. It gets blood flowing and gets your eyes a break from the computer screen. Just a thought, best of luck!
  • capnrus789
    capnrus789 Posts: 2,736 Member
    I've been at a desk job since graduation, 13 years now. My health and weight is always on my mind. I've dropped 70 once, but put back 30 of that, especially since I go tmarried and had a kid. I keep an old picture up in my cube at work as a dily reminder to be a good boy.

    It's not easy, but you can do it. It's all about setting priorities.
  • JohnMessmer
    JohnMessmer Posts: 536
    At 5'6" and 7 st, you were very underweight. You're now a healthy weight. You not being able to lose weight probably has a lot more to do with that, than the fact that you have a desk job. If you're trying to get down to 7 st again, that's an extremely unhealthy (and unrealistic) goal.

    ^ This. At 133 pounds you are where you need to be, perhaps some lifting to tone your body would improve your perception.
  • kmorg22
    kmorg22 Posts: 180
    SETTING AN ALARM ON MY PHONE FOR EVERY HOUR HELPS ME REMEMBER TO GET UP AND STRETCH OR WALK FREQUENTLY DURING THE DAY. I WORK A DESK JOB AND JUST SNACK ON VEGGIES AND FRUIT AND STRETCH EVERY HOUR OR WALK. IT HELPS ME ALOT. I HAVEN'T WEIGHED MYSELF IN A WHILE SO I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY HOW MUCH I HAVE LOST BUT I HAVE DROPPED 3 PANT SIZES SINCE THIS SEPTEMBER BUT NURSING HAS ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THAT WEIGHT LOSS AS WELL.
  • ibbray04
    ibbray04 Posts: 227 Member
    At 5'6" and 7 st, you were very underweight. You're now a healthy weight. You not being able to lose weight probably has a lot more to do with that, than the fact that you have a desk job. If you're trying to get down to 7 st again, that's an extremely unhealthy (and unrealistic) goal.

    ^ This. At 133 pounds you are where you need to be, perhaps some lifting to tone your body would improve your perception.

    ^^ Totally agree with these comments. You're now at healthy weight. 7 stone (98 lbs!) at 5'6" was underweight.
  • LPCoder
    LPCoder Posts: 404 Member
    9 stone 7pounds is 120 pounds. At 5'6", you are just at the lower limit of your weight recommendations. If you are still unhappy with your body composition, try weight training to tone up a bit.
  • almonds1
    almonds1 Posts: 642 Member
    Hi,

    I have been in my office job now for almost 2 years and in those 2 years my weight has gone up by 2 and a half stone. About 2 and a half years ago i weighed 7st at 5ft 6in and i felt my body was at its best but this was only because i had a severe B12 defiancy - it caused me to loose A LOT of weight. i am now 9st 7lb and am so not happy with my body. working at a desk doesnt allow me to be as active as i would like to be, any suggestions on things i could eat that are better (i do go to the gym 4 times a week)

    Please feel free to add me - i need some motivation!!! :sad:

    Is this pic now?

    Your stats seem great to me... Desk jobs suck, i make up for it at the gym. They say an female at 163 pounds (74 kg) burns 126 Calories for one hour of sitting. as an idea
  • ubermensch13
    ubermensch13 Posts: 824 Member
    Hi,

    I have been in my office job now for almost 2 years and in those 2 years my weight has gone up by 2 and a half stone. About 2 and a half years ago i weighed 7st at 5ft 6in and i felt my body was at its best but this was only because i had a severe B12 defiancy - it caused me to loose A LOT of weight. i am now 9st 7lb and am so not happy with my body. working at a desk doesnt allow me to be as active as i would like to be, any suggestions on things i could eat that are better (i do go to the gym 4 times a week)

    Please feel free to add me - i need some motivation!!! :sad:

    I spend a lot of time at a desk, but I walk/work out on my lunch. I work out when I get home, in the morning and any other times I have free time. Most weight loss starts in the kitchen and by making smart eating choices. If you do that, you are more than winning half the battle.
  • faceoff4
    faceoff4 Posts: 1,599 Member
    I have worked at a desk all my life and it definitely can be challenging. Especially when you have others who like to bring in all those unhealthy snacks into the work place. Sounds like you are exercising enough to keep you fit, so I would think that maybe its the nutritional side that is causing the weight gain? Its hard to tell people not to bring in unhealthy food into the office, so what I do is bring in my own snacks (like nuts, almonds, veggies, etc) and drink lots of water like its your job. The water will help you feel full and if you can snack in healthy things you like, then it will hopefully keep you from eating the things you shouldnt be. Hope this helps and good luck!
  • Amazonbella
    Amazonbella Posts: 338
    I currently have a desk job as well. The best thing I have found is to pre-plan all my meals so I am not going out to eat or eatting any of the unhealthy candy in the office. I also keep hand weights under the desk (when no one is around I can get in some reps) and when I actually do get to take a break I make sure to get up, stretch and take a walk around the showroom or the building. It's those little things that will help.
  • saffronmae
    saffronmae Posts: 4
    HI

    No i do not want to get to 7 St again as i did feel quite unwell but i would like to get to about 8st or maybe a bit less
  • sixout
    sixout Posts: 3,128 Member
    Desk job = snacking a lot. Don't snack. eat what you plan, and get some ankle weights. You'll be fine.
  • SPBROOKS68
    SPBROOKS68 Posts: 561 Member
    SETTING AN ALARM ON MY PHONE FOR EVERY HOUR HELPS ME REMEMBER TO GET UP AND STRETCH OR WALK FREQUENTLY DURING THE DAY. I WORK A DESK JOB AND JUST SNACK ON VEGGIES AND FRUIT AND STRETCH EVERY HOUR OR WALK. IT HELPS ME ALOT. I HAVEN'T WEIGHED MYSELF IN A WHILE SO I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY HOW MUCH I HAVE LOST BUT I HAVE DROPPED 3 PANT SIZES SINCE THIS SEPTEMBER BUT NURSING HAS ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THAT WEIGHT LOSS AS WELL.

    I do this and sit on an exercise ball all day and find myself bouncing and moving way more than you can in a desk chair.
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    I would suggest taking a look at why you want to weigh so little. At 5'6", 8 stone (112lbs) may not be a realistic goal. I'm 5'2", 120 pounds (8stone 8lbs) and actually unhappy that some areas of my body began to appear too thin. It does depend on your body type to a degree but 8 stone or less seems way too low to me for your height.

    I'd have to agree with others that you should make sure your exercise routine includes adequate strength training. I originally thought I wanted to lose more weight but as I've been strength training, my weight has stayed pretty constant but my body has changed a lot. Not only am I happy with those changes, other people have noticed and commented so it can make a huge difference even without weight loss.

    I'm not sure this has anything to do with working a desk job though as you are at a healthy weight and seem to be getting a decent amount of exercise in. I work at a desk job as well and I just make sure I take stairs, walk to get water frequently, park far away from things and do anything I can to make up for it in the rest of my life.
  • NickDHussin
    NickDHussin Posts: 348
    I know that not everyone is able to do this but what about converting your desk to a stand up desk? It is a bit odd and uncomfortable at first but after a week it feels great! Only thing I noticed is it is actually uncomfortable to sit for long periods of time now.

    Also great for your posture. :)
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    Desk job = snacking a lot. Don't snack. eat what you plan, and get some ankle weights. You'll be fine.

    I 50% agree. Desk job = snacking a lot. But I don't think "don't snack" is the right advice for everyone. I snack all day and hit my goal weight, dropped down to a size 2. It all depends on how a person likes to eat (big meals, lots of snacks, somewhere in between). Snack healthy.
  • wildechild74
    wildechild74 Posts: 64 Member
    i agree with all other responders. also, i work in a rather large building (one level) and i use the restrooms farthest from my desk-extra steps!! i drink lots of water while at work so needless to say i get lots of steps in. my work also has a gym and fitness classes, so i can get 45min of cardio and some strength training daily.
  • Bentley2718
    Bentley2718 Posts: 1,689 Member
    If I am calculating things correctly, 7stone is roughly 98 pounds, which is considered underweight for a woman who is 5'6" tall. On the other hand, 9 stone, 7 pounds is 133 pounds, or right in the middle of what is generally considered to be the healthy weight range for a woman of 5'6". In your original post you state that you had a B12 deficiency which caused you to lose a lot of weight. Your answer here seems clear to me, you were underweight before, you are a normal weight now. Assuming you have otherwise healthy habits, you do not need to lose weight. You may chose to lose a few pounds, but weighing less than 100 pounds is not healthy for someone your height.
  • eyesontheprize13
    eyesontheprize13 Posts: 30
    Your goal weight is close to underweight for your height. You're at a perfect weight right now!
    I agree with mellisant
  • sunnyside1213
    sunnyside1213 Posts: 1,205 Member
    I advise eating clean, drink water, move more. I never eat processed food, sodas, and avoid sugar and salt at all costs. Try to make one small change at a time. Give yourself treats. Good luck. Friend me if you want.
  • davidlconner
    davidlconner Posts: 3
    Gluten free is the way to go! I don't have a gluten allergy but I have noticed that eating foods that don't have gluten in them make me feel so much better. Your not bloated after every meal and you seam to have more pep in your step. This might sound a little crazy but I am working to be a body builder and from what I have learned so far is all you need to do is count your macros. Your macros are your protein, fats, and carb intake. If you take your body weight and multiply it by 16, that will give you your maintenance calories ( what you need to take in to maintain your current weight). If you subtract 500 from your maintenance calories this will create a caloric deficit which will help you lose about a pound to a pound and a half per week. If your going to the gym regularly and keeping high intensity levels while working out this should be great for you. I weigh out all of my food and cook in bulk so that I have all of my meals pre made for the week. This helps me hit my macros and stick to my diet. Just remember, "if you are proactive you will succeed but if you fail to plan then you plan to fail". Hope this helps and good luck! Drink lots of WATER! :happy:
  • MissKitty9
    MissKitty9 Posts: 224 Member
    I have the same issue-- working a desk job & slowly put on about 10 pounds since I've started here (a little over 2 years ago) When I was still in school & unemployed, I maintained a weight of 118 pounds (I'm 5"7') with not a lot of effort.

    I try to walk during my lunch & my breaks now, and I have a pedometer app that tracks how many calories my daily movement burns. You're supposed to walk 10,000 steps a day, but I barely get half that. Try walking around the block or even the mall just to get your body to make up for all of those hours sitting. Even just that will help!
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    HI

    No i do not want to get to 7 St again as i did feel quite unwell but i would like to get to about 8st or maybe a bit less
    Why are you aiming to be underweight?

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