To think I'm overweight (refused access to an NHS funded diet program + pic included)

[user1485442361]

I used to be a svelte size 10. Put on weight after having my Son. My main issue is my stomach. It sticks out. I think this is because I have a small waist so the fat has a smaller area to cover (if that makes sense). In the morning it can look pretty flat but by the evening after I've eaten a meal it does stick out in tight clothes.

Anyway, I don't know what I weigh. But I have always considered myself considerably overweight. At least two stone overweight. I am 5ft7 and should be no more than 11 stone and around 10stone to me a very healthy weight. I suspect I'm about 13 stone. People do often tell me I am fine the way I am but my parents tell me I need to lose two stone.

Anyway, signed up for an NHS funded diet programme. I arrive and they tell me my BMI is not high enough to qualify. You have to be at least two stone overweight. But I am sure I am I said. They didn't even weigh me and said I was too slim to join.

I've just signed up to slimming world but I'm really annoyed. I know I should be flattered but I really wanted to go on the course and do genuinely think I'm overweight by around two stone and should have been allowed participate. I have struggled to lose the baby weight but I know I have to make an effort. AIBU?

Sorry for the poor quality of pics. I'm not in my own home and took them just now. They're not designed to be in any way flattering. I want genuine opinions and I'm ready for them!






MESSAGE FROM MNHQ - IMAGES REMOVED AFTER PRIVACY CONCERNS

[LonelyImSoLonely]

Wouldn't it be easier to just weight yourself, rather than guessing for here and the programme which would has stayed what its criteria is?

[Cheby]

YABU to attempt to sign up to a weight loss programme without even checking what you weigh first. That is pretty odd IMO.

Equally the programme was odd to turn you away without weighing you.

The NHS has to focus resources, and you're really not at a weight that can be seriously impacting your health, which I'm assuming is where they want to spend their money for the best cost/benefit ratio.

[Natsku]

You look to be about the same shape as me. I was similarly always slim but in the last two years my belly has got podgier - I have weighed and measured myself though and I am on the cusp of overweight now. Is it not possible to weigh and measure yourself? As you might likely be on the cusp too.

Don't know about the program (not in the UK) but I expect they have to provide it only for the more overweight people because of lack of funding - ones that are at a higher risk of health issues from their weight which you likely are not.

[CaspoFungin]

Yeah, just weigh yourself!

[IWantATardis]

Did they have scales to hand? If they did, then I would have thought they could have weighed you before telling you that your BMI wasn't high enough.

But, if you don't know yourself how much you weigh or what your BMI is, how do you know you qualify? You haven't said what your current dress size is and you certainly don't look massively obese in that photo.

[user1485442361]

I have no weighing scales. I excitedly came to my friends house to weigh myself and unfortunately she had none.

Won't have the money to buy one for a few days either.

I don't know anyone else in this area. So no one I can ask to use one from (that would be weird anyway).

[Itisnoteasybeingdifferent]

SoLonley...

Stop being sensible... . This is AIBU

[ShatnersBassoon]

For goodness sake! Weigh yourself, then go back if you are indeed sufficiently overweight to join the group.

[PickleSarnie]

Have you actually tried eating less and moving more instead of expecting the NHS to spend money telling you to eat less and move more?

[Wonderpants]

The NHS resources cost a lot to run and when budgets are being slashed, they need to go to the most in need. They aren't free!

[AllTheWittyNamesAreGone]

Boots and most chemists have scales.

The nhs is on its kness, it cannot fund everyone.

[Sirzy]

Nhs have a very limited budget.

Yabu to expect to get on one of their schemes when you don't know what you weigh, certainly don't look like you have a lot to lose and most importantly seemingly haven't tried alternatives to lose weight yourself first.

[Mabelface]

Chemists normally have scales. I'd say you need to do a bit of toning up rather than lose weight, and you certainly don't look 2 stone overweight.

[user1485442361]

They didn't say you had to be a specific weight. Just at a BMI that meant you were overweight.

And in my mind I certainly am. I am overweight. My stomach sticks out.

I am sure my bmi is overweight but they said no way. They were really funny about me asking to weigh myself and it was clear they didn't want me to.

Personally, I suspect I am two stone overweight. I'm not saying I'm morbidly obese, but I am overweight.

[MetallicBeige]

Don't you need to know your weight to calculate BMI?

[Putthatonyourneedles]

If you are that concerned about your weight sign up to weight watchers or slimming world.

[Gingernaut]

You may be overweight, but from the pictures, you are nowhere near obese.

Here in the Midlands, there are so many fat people, that the criteria for medical or surgical help is a BMI of about 45.

Anywhere else, it would be somewhere closer to 35.

[Snifftest]

Yes, you look overweight but not excessively so so I can see why they refused you- they are limited on space and need to give support to those in most need.

Just sign up to slming world or take an honest look at your diet and lifestyle if you want to lose weight.

And buy some bloody scales, tesvo value ones are fine and £5. Just use them on a hard surface e.g not carpet and in the same place each time.

[user1485442361]

I know someone who was on the course and she was two stone 3lbs overweight.

I do loads of walking. When I'm slim I look very toned and thats how I know I'm overweight. I just look chubby all round.

[SharkBastard]

You are not high risk. You are slightly overweight (well who knows as you haven't weighed yourself). The NHS cannot afford to send a slightly overweight person on a course that would better benefit an obese patient

[Itisnoteasybeingdifferent]

Anyway, looking at your photo.. you are clearly not in the same league as some of the obese people I see in my local Morrisons. But I think you could do with loosing a bit.

I do confess it is a crap bit if thinking on behalf of the NHS.. We won't help you because you are not fat enough. Come back when you are morbidly obese and your weight is a serious health issue.

[ShatnersBassoon]

Yy to all of those suggesting you sort out your own weight loss. Very good point about wasting limited NHS funds on someone who could just help themself.

[FitzChivarly]

YABU for not weighing yourself first. I suspect the course is for people who are very overweight and could face health issues as a result.

Can you not pop into boots and pay the 20p or whatever they charge to weigh yourself?

[user1485442361]

I dont know my bmi. I just know I'm overweight. So my bmi will be too.

[MetallicBeige]