Why did you come to the conclusion to lose weight?
Options
Replies
-
bump0
-
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.
7 -
Mine was when I realized I would avoid taking family/friend pictures. I realized how much I gained after my divorce. I feel in order to ever feel truely sexy and feel like I am ready to date again I need to feel comfortable in my own body and love myself. So here I am taking it day by day learning to love myself again and fuel my body with healthy foods. You are what you eat!6
-
My work clothes not fitting any longer! And also seeing photos of myself I felt so disgusted0
-
I wanted to become healthier not only for myself, but my family. I'm a stay a home wife/mom & I have 3 boys ,1 girl. They always keep me on the go and I'm not in the best of shape. I did really good after my last 2 pregnancies working out and starting losing weight and I just slowly slacked off, but I'm determined to stay with it this time!
3 -
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.7
-
Honestly it's a combination of things:
1. I stopped fitting into 1/3 of my closet
2. I was soaked in sweat after walking to the market and back (30 min walk)
3. My new group of girlfriends are the super healthy type (hike every Sunday, gym/running twice a week, etc.) and even tho they're absolutely lovely and never once made a negative remark regarding my weight and level of health, I realized that I wanted to be more like them (they're all size 00s - size 2s)
4. I used to be approached by random guys incessantly when I was in middle school thru 2nd year of college, esp cos my booty (apparently a** is a bad word?!) was foiinnnneeee back then. Even tho I still get plenty nowadays, I saw my booty in the mirror one day and realized that it was no longer the good fat but just plain droopy sad fat8 -
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.9
-
Mines is serious health issues I turned 40 last year and 2 months later had a heart attack still trying to deal with all the tablets I now have to take but they keep telling me I must lose weight to help myself so it seems to have now registered in my brain and I'm determined to lose this 70lb9
-
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.10
-
I put on weight quickly due to medication (about 35 pounds in less than two years) but didn't even realize it at first. There were many little moments, but I think my turning point was when I realized I was always out of breath after tying my shoe laces, and I couldn't even bend down enough to put on some of my shoes without help. Or, it might have been when I went to buy a pair of jeans and none would fit, so the girl kept bringing me jeans in bigger and bigger sizes until I broke down and left the store in shame.
Ready to turn this around, though, and happy to be here. Nice to meet you all.5 -
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 trama5
-
I got fed up of being in tears every time I was trying to find something to wear in the mornings and nothing fit anymore. Another reason, I saw some pictures of me on holiday and I couldn't believe how big I had got. My main reason though is that diabetes and heart disease are common in my family so I really want to be healthy and not have to cope with those diseases!4
-
Facing early death due to morbid obesity and associated illnesses - simple calculation
4 -
For my age being 23 and just not feeling comfortable in MY OWN skin. I've always had weight problems but one day I just decided to change my life around. It has been a bumpy road but we can all make it !!3
-
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.5 -
A few years ago I was fed up with feeling *kitten* and going on bad dates. Decided to focus on me and it worked. For a couple of years. Bought new clothes! And then put on heaps of weight again, my clothes don't fit and my knee and back hurt constantly. Grrrraaarrrgghh. So starting again on MFP making friends (looking for Aussie Timezone buds especially) and counting stuff. Feel better already... can I keep it up though??!!1
-
My husband was losing weight and getting closer and closer to my weight. I wasnt going to weight more than him, lol. Also watching people around my struggle with T2D and high blood pressure and knowing those things run in my family I decided to take control while the choice was still mine. Almost a year and I have lost a little over 20kgs.2
-
I painted my toe nails yesterday. It was actually hard to do. I also can't see my own crotch without moving my stomach out of the way - that's uncharted territory for me!
My top two reasons though?
1. My husband and I just took permanent birth control action - which signals the end of my childbearing years. I need to take care of myself and give myself a new sense of vitality because I am finished bringing little lives into the world. I really didn't like the "all used up" feeling I got when the procedure was completed.
2. My health is giving me signs that I need to change. The signs are becoming less subtle.5
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 391.5K Introduce Yourself
- 43.5K Getting Started
- 259.7K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.6K Food and Nutrition
- 47.3K Recipes
- 232.3K Fitness and Exercise
- 391 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.7K Motivation and Support
- 7.8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.2K MyFitnessPal Information
- 22 News and Announcements
- 924 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.3K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions