Can it be done without exercise?

bethc370
bethc370 Posts: 41 Member
edited December 17 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi everyone.
I am trying to lose weight, I need to lose weight, but I can not exercise right now. I am dealing with a whole host of health issues, and one of those issues is a medication that causes severe nausea and fatigue as a side effect. I can barely do my daily tasks as a mom, let alone exercise.
I'm hoping that the side effects fade over time, but in the mean time can I lose weight without exercise? Is it possible?

I'm not trying to use a cop out, as I would love to get outside and walk or jog, but walking up a flight of stairs has me ready for a nap. :(

Thanks.
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Replies

  • ladyace2078
    ladyace2078 Posts: 460 Member
    Yes it can be done. I was on exercise restriction due to a hernia and subsequent surgeries/recoveries. During that 4 months I lost 10 lbs just by changing my diet.
  • bethc370
    bethc370 Posts: 41 Member
    Thank you for your reply, and some hope!
  • Scorpioangel
    Scorpioangel Posts: 951 Member
    Yes it can be done! My boyfriend has lost all of his weight (25 pounds) except 2 pounds by watching what he eats on here. He will go running with me on occasion but it's nothing regular so yes it's possible :)
  • christina471
    christina471 Posts: 2
    Yes it is definitely possible! :flowerforyou: My dad has lost 70 pounds just by changing his eating habits, he has not exercised at all. You can do it!:smile:
  • Tink_889
    Tink_889 Posts: 244 Member
    Yes, it can definitely be done :)

    Like you, I have health problems which make doing every day tasks difficult, let alone a lot of exercise so I will be relying a lot on my diet to get me through.
    I lost a lot of weight before (I must admit I did regain but not to do with exercise) without exercising so it can be done.

    I hope you begin to at least feel a little better soon x
  • NaomiWhite77
    NaomiWhite77 Posts: 238 Member
    Yes, you can do this! I lost the first 40 lbs with diet and the same amount of walking that I always did.
  • bethc370
    bethc370 Posts: 41 Member
    Thank you everyone!
    So far I have lost 7 pounds, but I blame that on side effects as well, no appetite. Right now I'm counting calories to make sure I eat enough to stay out of starvation mode, but that side effect is supposed to be temporary. Hopefully I can be another success story. I have 80# to lose and I appreciate you all taking the time to reply. It really gives me hope that I can do this!
  • purpleipod
    purpleipod Posts: 1,147 Member
    By all means yes. Exercise if you feel like it but if not then don't. Creating a calorie deficit with diet alone will cause weight loss.
  • adamb83
    adamb83 Posts: 719 Member
    Though it's not the ideal way to lose weight, it can definitely be done and, based on your circumstances, sounds like the best option right now.

    Getting a handle on your nutrition and monitoring your calorie intake will absolutely help - but, considering your medical issues, I would absolute recommend speaking to your doctor about the best way to pursue this right now.
  • gia54
    gia54 Posts: 7
    Hi I am in the same boat. I was told no exercise till futher notice from doctors. My heart rate will not stablize. I started on 4-30-12 on 1300 calories. Should we change our calories every so often to lose weight since we can not exercise. Anyone have any suggestions Thank You
  • pullipgirl
    pullipgirl Posts: 767 Member
    I lost the first 10 lbs just watching calories and walking the dog for 20 minutes each day around the block
  • nnylee
    nnylee Posts: 811 Member
    I lost the first 12lbs by just watching calories. So yes! :D
  • clockworkkarly
    clockworkkarly Posts: 45
    I am living proof! i lost over 40 lbs since January just by changing my eating habits. amazing huh? :) you have to be very disciplined and willed though!
  • d2footballJRC
    d2footballJRC Posts: 2,684 Member
    Hi everyone.
    I am trying to lose weight, I need to lose weight, but I can not exercise right now. I am dealing with a whole host of health issues, and one of those issues is a medication that causes severe nausea and fatigue as a side effect. I can barely do my daily tasks as a mom, let alone exercise.
    I'm hoping that the side effects fade over time, but in the mean time can I lose weight without exercise? Is it possible?

    I'm not trying to use a cop out, as I would love to get outside and walk or jog, but walking up a flight of stairs has me ready for a nap. :(

    Thanks.

    Yes it can be done! Losing weight is 80% diet, 20% working out. If you don't work out just hit your diet and you'll lose weight! Working out just speeds up the process, helps with keeping lean muscle, and toning.
  • sharleengc
    sharleengc Posts: 792 Member
    You definitely can! I exercise for a week or two then don't for like a month and my weight loss has stayed consistent as long as I log everything and weigh it out. I would recommend that you invest in a food scale so you're not just guessing.

    Feel free to add me if you'd like!
  • dalgal26
    dalgal26 Posts: 781 Member
    Yes, yes, yes! :happy:

    Wishing you success in your journey to a new you! :drinker:
  • BigDaddyBRC
    BigDaddyBRC Posts: 2,395 Member
    YEP. Very little workout and 40+ pounds down.

    That being said, I need to move my *kitten* to get my goal when I want it.

    Enjoy your journey...Be aware, make the right choices, and ACT upon them. You will succeed!
  • manderson27
    manderson27 Posts: 3,510 Member
    I have a back and knee problems that curtails my excercise but even so I have still lost 28 1lbs so yes it can be done. :flowerforyou:
  • Mindywhitley
    Mindywhitley Posts: 12 Member
    I lost about 46 pounds without exercising. Just now started with walking and have dropped a few more. Still not doing more than that, but am thinking of doing some strength training.
  • Losingweightforgood2019
    Losingweightforgood2019 Posts: 173 Member
    I believe so, my mom is in a wheel chair and she has lost weight.
  • Quasita
    Quasita Posts: 1,530 Member
    Have they tried putting you on Zofran? It saved my butt a few months ago. It won't really help the fatigue but it can really help with the nausea, and maybe help you get more energy from your food.

    Diet definitely works... Working out is more about creating a sustainable energy process within your body.

    I do understand that you feel horrible and not wanting to exercise but if it's not directly ordered by your doctor to refrain, I'd ask about the Zofran or wait out the nausea issues, and try taking small walks. Ten minutes a day can make a world of difference in both fatigue issues, but also for weightloss and recovery once you pass through some of the issues.

    Either way, if you need supportive friends, let me know! I have my own issues to work around, but I try to keep fairly positive to give an example of myself.
  • runnerchick69
    runnerchick69 Posts: 317 Member
    The first 20 or so pounds I lost were done without exercise so yes, you CAN do it! Certainly I would encourage you to start working out once you are able but for right now, just focus on your intake and make sure you eat as clean as possible. The cleaner diet you have the better results you'll get.
  • bschoo01
    bschoo01 Posts: 175 Member
    For sure!! I lost my first 12 pounds just dieting... i only recently started working out because i wanted faster results... but about 5 years ago my mom lost 60+ lbs dieting alone! It can definitely be done :) good luck!
  • loves_jc
    loves_jc Posts: 86 Member
    You can do it just eat clean (that helps alot) and stay in you kcals. You will do Great. have fun with new foods too. :tongue:
  • iamshenglo
    iamshenglo Posts: 5
    Yes, you can lose weight without exercising! I recently lost 10 lbs eating 1200 calorie a day & I"m a part time worker at a fast food restaurant so I include that as part of my workout :)
  • rjo921
    rjo921 Posts: 130
    First of all...I hope that you will be OK after all of your health issues are dealt with. Second...yes, if you watch what you eat you can loose weight. Congrats on loosing the 7 pounds....but more importantly I hope that whatever you are going through...you will beat it. All the best to you!!!! :flowerforyou:
  • bethc370
    bethc370 Posts: 41 Member
    Again, thanks everyone. I do try to get up and walk several times a week, only 10 minutes a day but it's something. I have a condition called IIH, basically I have too much cerebrospinal fluid surrounding my brain. The medication to control the pressure (and hopefully save my sight) is a killer. The side effects are almost worse than the condition, but it's necessary. I will be getting my blood work done thursday, and I'm actually hoping that they find my potassium is low. Low potassium symptoms are similar to the side effects of the meds, so all it may take to get me feeling better is a supplement. Fingers crossed.
    Because I become winded (almost asthma attack quality) easily, I have been told by my doc to engage in little to no exercise until the side effects diminish.
    I try to do some lifting of my small dumbells while sitting so I don't lose too much muscle.

    Thanks again! It's so nice to find such wonderful support!
  • dahlialia
    dahlialia Posts: 16
    I lost 100 pounds a few years ago, without exercise, and have kept it off (I ate lower carb primarily).

    I'm now working on losing the remaining excess. Again through lower carb, and also exercise.

    Exercising doesn't need to be 45 mins on the elliptical at the gym, or similar, though.

    When you are ready to try some exercise, there is a lot of evidence for the benefits of short sprints (do a search on interval training), and simple quick strength training you can do at home (squats, planks, etc). You might find that spending even a few minutes on either will ultimately help with energy levels and health issues. These kinds of exercises will also do a lot to help you maintain your muscle mass while losing weight.

    Edit: I just saw your last post. I'm guessing sprints wouldn't be advised considering the health issues you are dealing with! But if you can figure out which strength training you can do, you can even just briefly focus on one area per day (squats one day, overhand rows with the weights another, etc., and keep that muscle).
  • Val_91
    Val_91 Posts: 36
    Since March 14th, I've lost ten pounds (Only half of that since I've joined MFP) and all I've really done is watch what I eat. I've gone for a few walks but yeah. I'd say so far it's mostly come from watching calories, etc.
  • opal24
    opal24 Posts: 205 Member
    Yes - no exercise here and have been losing steadily. Not particularly quickly, but I'm happy with that - I don't think 27 pounds in 3 1/2 months is too bad.
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