What was your 'I finally need to lose this weight' moment? (And was it as bad as mine?)

1. Knee/back pain - I was never obese or even that close but knee and back pain runs in my family. I love love love being active, hiking, yoga, and dancing, and want to be able to do what I love for years and years.

2. And this one because I'm apparently 14 and shallow: consistently not feeling pretty, seeing cute guys and thinking that they were wayyy out of my league. I'm the perpetually single friend, and tired of feeling left out when people are talking about engagements, romantic trips, etc. One night about six weeks ago I tried so hard to flirt with a friend of a friend and he wouldn't give me the time of day. Rejection happens to everyone and I have no idea why he didn't like me (for all I know he's married, gay, etc) but it stung and I want to rule out my weight as reason why I might not be attractive, especially because I'm quite shy with a mean case of resting *kitten* face, average looking features, picky with personality and the dating pool where I live isn't huge. Rationally I don't know that being a size 4-6 is actually much different/attractive than an hourglassy 10 (there are certainly lots of super attractive size 10s and above with lovely and hot SOs, and I know some men actually prefer that) but making sure that I'm trying my best and not choosing cheetos over having a boyfriend gives me peace of mind. I also just want to look in the mirror and be happy about what I see, and I think I look better a bit smaller than I was/am.

(I'm not actually 14 - I'm approximately twice that, chronologically speaking)

There was a Facebook posting about a woman who felt fat shamed at Old Navy. I would think when you have an experience like that, rather than make an issue that the world is "mean to fat people", really own that experience and use it as an opportunity for change.

I am not excusing fat shaming, or making fun of her experience and reaction.

But, realize if you have a situation where you felt shamed because of weight, you can change your weight. It does take work and motivation for change. Or accept the fact that the world won't change. Only you can change. Lose weight or get tough so you won't cry when someone makes a rude comment.

I went through a few starts. I'm 6'8" and not a small guy, i never will be in the low 200's, my body isn't built like that. A few years ago it was when the scale hit 310 and i looked at pictures of myself from over the years. It was the last straw. Did lots of exercise (gym and p90x), ate better, etc. Got down to 270 and was much better. Stayed like that for a few years.

Fast forward a few years, i moved cross country and my wife was pregnant. I was eating the crap she was craving with her. All the good bye parties with terrible food and lots of drinks merged with new place eating out a lot until we got settled, new job that required more social hours, etc. Got back to 295lbs and hurt my back playing with my kid. I decided that i wanted to be healthier for my son so when he grows up I can still do things with him. I bought a fitness tracker, started using MFP, playing basketball for 2 hours twice a week and am training for a triathlon. I'm down to 274 now and my goal is to see 25x on the scale, which would be the lowest I can ever remember seeing on a scale.

Fivefarthings wrote: »

I'm 5'7 and was 12.1 stone (down three pounds so far, go me!). I'm about a stone and a half overweight and unfit and have been for the last couple years and I've promised myself time after time that this year will be the year to lose the weight, and it's never happened... Until now

This year in June my boyfriend and I were at the Le Mans, France, 24 hour race (the bf is a massive car geek). He has a nice car, convertible, and this year we took it to a car show so he could show it off. So there we were, driving slowly through the crowds, when we stopped in the traffic, and two guys came to admire the car. And as they were stood right next to me in the passenger seat (roof off) one of them said, really loudly, 'That's a really stunning car, though you definitely need a more fit bird sat in the front.' And they walked off before I could think of anything to say in reply. Needless to say I was utterly mortified.

And that my friends, right there, following a cruel remark from a total stranger, was my 'moment' when I said, no more! I am going to get fit and healthy and look and feel fabulous from now on and damn any strangers who say otherwise!

What was your moment?

First off (excuse my French) - but what a couple of d!cks!! Sorry that was your catalyst!

Mine was putting on deodorant and realizing I had fat armpits! Weird - but that's what did it for me

I was doing things as usual at work, when one day, I bent down to pick something up and my belt snapped. It was already on the biggest notch too. That was when I finally decided I needed to change my life.

The moment my sister asked me to be her maid of honor. I wanna look nice in a dress lol

Love this threat!!
For me was trying on clothes and struggling to find anything that fits (im a 14/16). I'm the big girl in our group and was tired of being that girl.

shakeirawhitney wrote: »

Confirmation was the next day when I was at my cousin's house and both her and my sister asked if I was pregnant.

Oh my God what is wrong with people who do this? A: if you're not pregnant, just overweight, its *incredibly* rude and insulting, and B: if someone IS pregnant, they will announce it when THEY want to, you don't just ask! Jesus Christ....

Every year, I go through my wardrobe and either donate or throw out (only if quality isn't good enough to donate) the clothes that I don't want/wear/fit. Last time I did this, I realised that I didn't fit most of my clothes, and then once I put it in a bag I realised that it was equivalent to me giving away approx. $500 worth of clothes. So, I made the decision to keep the bag, and put it on top of my bookcase with a note that says if these don't fit a year on 16 September 2015 (a year after I put the bag up there) that I'd have to give away the stuff. And so, that's really helped get my butt into gear!

Going to size 18 and it is still did not fit. I have been a 14 for years. Being so uncomfy in my fat jeans that I was so uncomfy during my whole work day. The doctor put me on hormones and well I gained 15 pounds in like 3 weeks. I have since gained a total of 20 but just eating.