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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Dieting is horrendous

216 replies

SassyLemonFish · 09/07/2026 07:59

Just looking for sympathy really.

I’ve a bmi of 28. I need to lose a lot of weight. For the last two weeks I’ve been good but MY GOD the hunger and sheer depressing nature of it all. My BMR is only 1600. Sticking to 1000 or less is so hard.

My husband, on the other hand, seems to have no hunger and amazing self control. Last night he ate a single sweet potato and declared that as his dinner. His BMR is 2700. I can see him visibly changing before my eyes.

I guess I’m just jealous.

OP posts:
SexyFrenchDepression · 09/07/2026 15:53

SassyLemonFish · 09/07/2026 12:02

Thank you for all the comments.

If I ate 1600, then I’d lose nothing,because that’s what my body needs to maintain. I do mix in intermittent fasting, so that on the odd meal I can feel relatively normal. I also walk lots, to try to counter my sedentary job and go to the gym a couple of times a week.

Yesterday I had 3 scrambled eggs with a bit of cheese and veg for lunch = 500 cals. Then for dinner 4 rice cakes with cheese, salad and crab sticks = 500 cals.

No alcohol currently. I do absolutely love a G&T and snacks.

I am 5ft 4 and my BMI was 28 (i was just over 12 stone) when I started dieting. To lose at first I was on about 1300 cals, I lost loads then I went down to 1000 when I was smaller. I have lost 4 stone but have used mounjaro. My TDEE is probably around 1300 now, I havent actually checked as am maintaining and not really counting cals currently.

For those saying BMI 28 isnt that overweight, it really does look it on some. I am a really small build and to not look chubby I need to be around 22.

Also if your BMR is 1600 that's the minimum you should be eating to live, not eat in a deficit from it, you would be starving then!

Bloozie · 09/07/2026 15:52

Wickedlittledancer · 09/07/2026 14:47

BMI has a wide corridor and allows for body differences, as a tool it is blunt but surprisingly good. The people who say it’s shite usually jist dislike what it tells them.

It's shite. My BMI is 31 - obese. I'm 5'7, 88kg (I don't weigh myself very often, I count calories and exercise every day and just crack on), and wear UK size 10 to 12.

I have more weight to lose. But not nearly as much as the amount I'd need to get into a healthy BMI zone. You can already see all my ribs, my chest and shoulders are actually a bit grim they're so bony. Thighs and tummy - yes, weight to lose. But even on my most self-loathing days, I KNOW I am not obese.

BMI is total horseshit for me.

Hairgician · 09/07/2026 15:51

Wtf are you doing eating 100kcal?? Any wonder you find it too hard. No one should be eating that low. Ffs.

Snufkin88 · 09/07/2026 15:50

Wickedlittledancer · 09/07/2026 15:46

Eh? Dial down the aggression. I’m not suggesting you’re fat, don’t be ridiculous, I don’t know you, and I can’t see you.Confused

There was no need for your snide “the people who think it’s shite “ comment . Come on now . You know exactly what you were at

Bloozie · 09/07/2026 15:47

Losing muscle on mounjaro isn't inevitable. Eating the way you are, it is. As others have said, you can't exist below your BMR and expect that existence NOT to be miserable. I've done it before. I crash dieted before my wedding. 800 calories a day. I lose 4 stone in 4 months - and had the grumps, dizziness, crushing hunger and weakness that went with that loss. Put it straight back on again as soon as I started eating normally.

You need to radically rethink your approach.

I lost my weight again using mounjaro. I am no longer using mounjaro. I am eating the same food as I did when I was, I'm not hungry all the time, I have bags of energy, I'm lifting heavy twice a week, doing pilates twice a week, yoga twice a week, fast walking every day... None of it is hard work or miserable. Because I am eating nutritionally dense food and prioritising protein and fibre.

I'm still losing weight. I'm not finding it at all difficult. Because it's just how I live now, and it's sustainable.

What you are doing isn't sustainable.

Wickedlittledancer · 09/07/2026 15:46

Snufkin88 · 09/07/2026 14:57

are you suggesting I am fat and I don’t like that. Cos that seems to be what you are strongly implying ? Just say what you think instead of dancing around it please you sad keyboard warrior

Eh? Dial down the aggression. I’m not suggesting you’re fat, don’t be ridiculous, I don’t know you, and I can’t see you.Confused

Ohmygawdflippingheck · 09/07/2026 15:43

CortieTat · 09/07/2026 14:19

After reading the OP replies and some of the controversial advice given here I assume it’s another case of inability/unwillingness to count calories correctly.

I am one of those mythical petite perimenopausal people who according to mumsnet need to eat fresh air to lose weight.

In reality I need to eat around 2100 kcal a day to maintain (yes I count). Currently eating 2600 on average because I am breastfeeding a 1 year old toddler. I am 161.5cm high - measured myself yesterday together with DC who are getting through a growth spurt, and I weigh 49.5 kilo. I would look like a skeleton on 1000, 1200 or even 1600 kcal a day and would be dead within half a year.

That's interesting because I am the exact same height as you and heavier at 63.5kg, but if I ate 2100 calories I would definitely gain weight. I usally aim for around 1800 to comfortably maintain. I am active as well, i have a physically demanding job and two kids. I don't think we can ever really assume someone's calorie needs, we're all different

Snufkin88 · 09/07/2026 15:43

mnareshatrantee · 09/07/2026 15:25

What do you define as fat? It’s not a nice term but ultimately anything over 25 is over weight. I don’t know why you’d be annoyed at someone referring themselves a certain way, they can view their own body how they like. I have called myself fat at a much lower BMI than 27 because it was fat for me.

I just don’t call myself or other people “fat” I guess . I understand the definition of overweight thanks but I’ve never ever looked “ fat” even when my bmi was over 25 so I wouldn’t use it as a universal benchmark on a thread expecting people to know exactly what I meant about my figure . I have a flat stomach and skinny arms and legs with large breasts and when I go below 25 my face starts to look bad . Despite this people seem determined to tell me I should feel fat . Mumsnet is full of lurking fat shamers I find

mnareshatrantee · 09/07/2026 15:25

Snufkin88 · 09/07/2026 13:39

My bmi is 27 and while I’m not skinny I don’t feel “fat “ and it’s annoying hearing someone with a bmi of 28 refer to themselves in such terms . I’ve about half a stone to lose .
regardless 1000kcal is absolutely miserable amount no wonder you are not coping

What do you define as fat? It’s not a nice term but ultimately anything over 25 is over weight. I don’t know why you’d be annoyed at someone referring themselves a certain way, they can view their own body how they like. I have called myself fat at a much lower BMI than 27 because it was fat for me.

Snufkin88 · 09/07/2026 14:57

Wickedlittledancer · 09/07/2026 14:47

BMI has a wide corridor and allows for body differences, as a tool it is blunt but surprisingly good. The people who say it’s shite usually jist dislike what it tells them.

are you suggesting I am fat and I don’t like that. Cos that seems to be what you are strongly implying ? Just say what you think instead of dancing around it please you sad keyboard warrior

Astrabees · 09/07/2026 14:55

I have lost just over 3 stone on around 1100 calories a day and am now top end healthy weight. I have not been hungry often, here is what I eat:
breakfast: egg on sourdough toast with cherry tomatoes, two egg omelette with spinach or two poached eggs on spinach. Eggs are great for stopping hunger.
Lunch: large salad with cottage cheese or Humous on 3 ryvita, or salad with hard boiled egg and quorn ham (if I didn’t have egg for breakfast.) maybe goats cheese some days. The salad needs to be big and varied to keep my interest.
Dinner: Smallish portion of what we usually have with lots of veg. I have boiled cauliflower instead of rice but sometimes have a few small potatoes. I have an apple or some berries after lunch and dinner.
I go to the gym or do exercise classes 6 days a week this makes me feel much better about myself and stops me wanting snacks. I’m not sure it actually helps weight loss but being fitter makes me energised and optimistic so well worth the effort.
At 5’2” and fast approaching 70 I need to keep calories quite low to lose weight, but I have found that as the new habits become embedded it gets lots easier, good luck OP.

Wickedlittledancer · 09/07/2026 14:47

Snufkin88 · 09/07/2026 14:23

Of course . That’s why BMI is a load of shite and no need to mention at all the specific number as if it’s the most relevant thing I guess . And people are always using the “short people look worse with a higher bmi”. Despite being very short I never looked fat with a bmi of 25-26 and I’ve no muscles to speak of

BMI has a wide corridor and allows for body differences, as a tool it is blunt but surprisingly good. The people who say it’s shite usually jist dislike what it tells them.

Imseriouslyyouguys · 09/07/2026 14:26

If your BMI is 28 then I doubt you have “a lot” to lose to get into the healthy weight range. A couple of stone max surely?

Snufkin88 · 09/07/2026 14:23

Stegosaur · 09/07/2026 14:15

But surely you know that everyone is different?

If we're talking about appearance rather than health... Someone with a small light frame and low muscle mass can look very fat indeed at BMI 28, and someone broad with dense bones and good muscle mass can look relatively trim. That's why BMI is a range.

Of course . That’s why BMI is a load of shite and no need to mention at all the specific number as if it’s the most relevant thing I guess . And people are always using the “short people look worse with a higher bmi”. Despite being very short I never looked fat with a bmi of 25-26 and I’ve no muscles to speak of

CortieTat · 09/07/2026 14:19

After reading the OP replies and some of the controversial advice given here I assume it’s another case of inability/unwillingness to count calories correctly.

I am one of those mythical petite perimenopausal people who according to mumsnet need to eat fresh air to lose weight.

In reality I need to eat around 2100 kcal a day to maintain (yes I count). Currently eating 2600 on average because I am breastfeeding a 1 year old toddler. I am 161.5cm high - measured myself yesterday together with DC who are getting through a growth spurt, and I weigh 49.5 kilo. I would look like a skeleton on 1000, 1200 or even 1600 kcal a day and would be dead within half a year.

Stegosaur · 09/07/2026 14:15

Snufkin88 · 09/07/2026 13:39

My bmi is 27 and while I’m not skinny I don’t feel “fat “ and it’s annoying hearing someone with a bmi of 28 refer to themselves in such terms . I’ve about half a stone to lose .
regardless 1000kcal is absolutely miserable amount no wonder you are not coping

But surely you know that everyone is different?

If we're talking about appearance rather than health... Someone with a small light frame and low muscle mass can look very fat indeed at BMI 28, and someone broad with dense bones and good muscle mass can look relatively trim. That's why BMI is a range.

Snufkin88 · 09/07/2026 13:39

My bmi is 27 and while I’m not skinny I don’t feel “fat “ and it’s annoying hearing someone with a bmi of 28 refer to themselves in such terms . I’ve about half a stone to lose .
regardless 1000kcal is absolutely miserable amount no wonder you are not coping

Wickedlittledancer · 09/07/2026 13:34

TigTails · 09/07/2026 13:14

Haha should have read the whole thread before I commented but great minds think alike. Slimming World is a swiz that profits from people who fail!

Exactly and the work friends mum didn’t die from getting pancreatitis due to the meds, it’s now been proven it protects the pancreas, she will have died due to pancreatitis either due to gallstones, heavy drinking or too many fat particles in the blood, like anyone else who gets pancreatitis. Not because she took mounjaro.

such misinformation, but a slimming world consultant against them, lol, yeah of course she is,

BountifulPantry · 09/07/2026 13:34

YANBU- losing weight is HARD especially as a woman.

I feel like it’s so much more to do with hormones and stress than we think. Every time I’ve managed to lose weight it’s been in a happy relaxed time of my life. When I’m stressed and down it seems impossible.

Pinkflamingo10 · 09/07/2026 13:22

yanbu. It’s so hard I agree.
I would pass out if a sweet potato was my dinner !

Hammy19 · 09/07/2026 13:20

SassyLemonFish · 09/07/2026 12:02

Thank you for all the comments.

If I ate 1600, then I’d lose nothing,because that’s what my body needs to maintain. I do mix in intermittent fasting, so that on the odd meal I can feel relatively normal. I also walk lots, to try to counter my sedentary job and go to the gym a couple of times a week.

Yesterday I had 3 scrambled eggs with a bit of cheese and veg for lunch = 500 cals. Then for dinner 4 rice cakes with cheese, salad and crab sticks = 500 cals.

No alcohol currently. I do absolutely love a G&T and snacks.

Those calories are too low, who set them for you?

ToffeePennie · 09/07/2026 13:18

FormerFatty · 09/07/2026 13:04

That’s really poor. My nephew’s wife is similarly obese and needs a hysterectomy. Because she needs to lose the weight to be able to have the surgery, she’s been prescribed Mounjaro on the NHS. Quite right too.

She’s lost almost 4 stone so far.

I’ve been told by my gynae (who apparently has no knowledge of my prior heart condition) to “just get monjaro” when I mentioned the cost he told me “well the price is coming down all the time” and it was implied without the drugs I would have zero help.
I called my GP to request some help and got asked “have you tried no-carb? I’m a 28 year old Asian man who lost all my weight just going no carb.” I also have thyroid issues so that’s really dangerous advice. Plus he’s a 28 year old Asian man who is not a 38 year old peri-menopausal woman who’s having to take medication to keep my periods from being so bad I can’t function. I feel desperately stuck between a rock and a hard place, I’m so contra-indicated and I need to loose weight, but it’s incredibly difficult with my medication and I can’t do it alone.
I then asked my GP if he could refer me to a clinic with the council or someone who can help. “no, because you’re just fat. It’s your own fault, you don’t get help” was his exact words. I was in tears.
My husband overheard the conversation and was utterly disgusted and it’s currently going through with a legal advisor to see if we can do something because I don’t want anyone else to have his “advice” that could end up killing someone!!

TigTails · 09/07/2026 13:14

Wickedlittledancer · 09/07/2026 13:04

lol well yes she’s against them being for it would be like a turkey voting for Xmas. 😂

slimming world has a 97 percent failure rate. As in 97 percent of people regain all the weight. It’s how they make their money. Of course they are against the injections.

Haha should have read the whole thread before I commented but great minds think alike. Slimming World is a swiz that profits from people who fail!

TigTails · 09/07/2026 13:13

Teainapinkcup · 09/07/2026 12:13

rice cakes are not filling. Look at slimming world. No cal counting, just stick to plan, Which is generous, especially with the new changes, my husbands consultant always moaning about the WLI its scary actually how many are on this now... She is against them. Husbands work pals mum died from using them as got pancreatitis and did not recover. Look at slimming world. It does work and I am surprised how much you can eat of the right foods for health. If you are not going to then try 1300 cals as you can not function on 1000 thats not healthy!

As someone who profits from Slimming World I’m not surprised she’s against GLP-1s - they’ll put her out of business! 😂😂

Wickedlittledancer · 09/07/2026 13:04

Teainapinkcup · 09/07/2026 12:13

rice cakes are not filling. Look at slimming world. No cal counting, just stick to plan, Which is generous, especially with the new changes, my husbands consultant always moaning about the WLI its scary actually how many are on this now... She is against them. Husbands work pals mum died from using them as got pancreatitis and did not recover. Look at slimming world. It does work and I am surprised how much you can eat of the right foods for health. If you are not going to then try 1300 cals as you can not function on 1000 thats not healthy!

lol well yes she’s against them being for it would be like a turkey voting for Xmas. 😂

slimming world has a 97 percent failure rate. As in 97 percent of people regain all the weight. It’s how they make their money. Of course they are against the injections.