I refuse to take fitness advice...

Would you want to learn how to swim from someone that was drowning?

I'd argue that judging someone's knowledge or expertise from their appearance alone is fallacious.

I wouldn't discount anyone of any size if they presented a well thought out, well sourced and evidence backed argument.

I also learned my lesson about listening to people just because they were in great shape.

^This is also a valid point

Another thing about your original post that demonstrates a lack I understanding is the remark that old ways are the better ways. Science changes. The understanding of anatomy and the physiological reaction to nutrition and exercise changes. Do you really think modern bodybuilders lift weights the same way Arnold did when he started? Do you think pro cyclists train the same way they did when the Tour de France first began? If so, then maybe you need to put away the ego and pay more attention to what is being said and learned around you. Things change. Personally, I'm always willing to learn something new.

from people who are more out of shape than me...

In today's; "I read it on the internet so it must be right" trend, everyone is a fitness expert and I get sick of people that don't even work out (or do so once in a while) trying to tell me what's best for my workout or physical appearance.

The truth is this; the FACTS about exercise, nutrition, metabolism, calories etc. Never change. The fads are based purely on misinformation and are intended more on commercialism than health. I have been exercising regularly since I was 14. I've seen trends come and go and they are all the same: "This is the NEW way to lose weight, get healthy, eat right etc."

There is no "NEW" way. Body physiology does not change with the times. What worked 30 years ago, still works today. What worked 100 years ago still works today. When you get advice from someone- consider the source. If they don't look healthy they have no place giving fitness advice.

And if you get your "facts" from the internet, back them up with at least 3 other sources. You will often find that the article you read is very one-sided and is not based on anything but anecdotal evidence- which is always flawed.

So what you're saying is there can never be any new methods or ways of getting fit and healthy. So going on your theory there are no new things we should have stopped at the wheel and this electricity thing that was a big mistake. So the advances in sports physiology and training methods and nutrition for professional sports over the past 20 years is rubbish. HRMs now what a fad they are hey. How about these kettlebell things. This crossfit thing will never catch on eh .... I do love it when people talk in absolutes..

LOL. Well I can't tell from your photos how fit you are. But you can tell by mine. So judge for yourself, but people are here on MFP for fitness advice and support. Not for someone with a poor, arrogant, narcissistic attitude to tell them that their way sucks and you are way better than them since you are more fit. If what worked 30 years ago still works for you, great. That isn't the same for everyone. There was no MFP 30 years ago, so did you only sign up so you can post aggressive, unhelpful opinions for people to laugh at? Clearly you don't need MFP to maintain your god-like fitness.

Agreed! I just had someone get on another employee because they skipped breakfast, saying "you will immediately go into starvation mode and your body will hold onto all the fat and will not lose any weight” and I just sat there I thought to myself, I wander how starving people in Africa aren’t fat then.

Would you want to learn how to swim from someone that was drowning?

I'm really overweight and out of shape. Doesn't mean I don't know what I'm doing. I have Hashimoto's and haven't been able to lose weight, or much, in 7+ years. Not everyone is full of **** and fat because it's a good time.

I have Hashimotos too. Respectfully I must disagree that it makes losing weight more difficult. I am assuming you are under a doctor's care and are being treated?

As for the OP - DYEL?

OT here, but that's not fair at all: Any thyroid condition makes losing weight difficult if it's not fully managed (even hyper, for some people!). Because your experience has been smoother than others doesn't mean Hashimotos doesn't make weight loss difficult, especially when unexplained weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight are very common symptoms of the condition.

Of course, GETTING to a certain point of weight can only be attributed so much to the condition, as well.

Did you even read my post? :ohwell: