Why did you come to the conclusion to lose weight?

Like many here, I've been struggling with my weight for all my adult life. I've lost weight, gained it back, lost again and regained with extra. And so it goes on.

I thought I had my aha moment when I saw photos of a holiday in Venice for my 40th b'day. At the time, walking through the crowd of tourists, I thought I looked fine. Then the pics ... and ugh. I have in the past tended to look in the mirror and see my face and neck and collar bones and cleavage and think - ooh looking good. I don't see the enormous backside and belly or thick legs and general fattiness of it all. So photos shake me up when I get to see what others see. So yes, at 40 - I thought that was my aha moment.

But it couldn't have been my aha moment because even though at the time I managed to slim down about 30 pounds, I then let those pounds return with reinforcements. And I no longer think 'looking good!' when I check the mirror.

Am I worried about my physical health? Yes. But as I'm able to get around reasonably well and do everything I need to do ... well, I know I can manage for now. Does it affect my mental health? Probably. I do get regular dips of depression, and if clothes aren't fitting and you know you have to see people while looking awful, that never helps. I was happier, mentally, when I lost those 30 pounds. I did feel like I wanted to greet the world and enjoy life. But even though I know this, that I truly know I felt better mentally back then, it hasn't been the thing that's made me go - okay now I must lose the weight and keep it off. Because if it was, then why was I snacking just a week ago, knowing I was going over my calorie goal, knowing I wasn't hungry, knowing I would regret it as soon as the last mouthful was swallowed.

I'm not sure if I'll ever have an 'aha' moment. I'm worried that I'm going to be a forever dieter, always yoyoing, always giving up after a few months of solid effort, always regaining. I've seen people say that it's not about motivation, but about wanting it enough. It may be on some level that I'm sabotaging myself, although I don't know why I would do that.

Anyway - been back for over a month now. Hoping to last longer than my usual few months of trying and then wandering away again. And doing a lot of thinking because in the end I believe for me it's going to take an intellectual argument to get me to do this properly and for life, rather than an emotional argument.

Oh, and I have really, really appreciated reading this whole thread and learning what has been the tipping point for others here at MFP - thanks to all for sharing their stories.

I decided to lose my extra weight due to having a closet full of clothes too small to wear. They have currently been put away and I have a year to lose the weight or the clothes go.

Was bullied in school for being overweight, developed reactive hypoglycemia, ex-boyfriend left me, and my mother was starting to give me a hard time about being overweight (she used to do modeling when she was around my age). Much uncalled for but I'm actually glad that they did lol. Took 3 years to lose though. A very slow weight loss. Am at maintenance now.

I went through a devastating heartbreak which took a huge toll on my self esteem. So I decided to take control of my life and transform my body. I've lost about 10 lbs so far and currently in the process of healing my heart.

I was taken buy ambulance in front of my fibe kids and husband because i ha a Tia never again do i want them to see that trama

I have known for a long time that I needed to lose weight and not being able to keep up with my 2 year old son was a big part.

I signed up for a group and a month down the line and over a stone lighter I am fully motivated and have no interest in stopping. It just seems to have clicked.