Handhold please

[Thames212]

I've struggled with emotional eating for as long as I can remember. As a child I was brought up on cheesy dishes, takeaways, unhealthy snacks ans taught food was a reward and would make you feel better. I. E if you're sad, have some chocolate. During the pandemic I experienced a very traumatic event and a bereavement and the weight just piled on when I was already a decent size. I joined weight watchers and have lost 1.5 stone in 4 months and started to feel a bit better. At the weekend I saw a few recent photos of myself and was horrified and then a health professional I saw today for a completely different issue asked me out of the blue "what are you doing about your bmi" I feel completely deflated and like I've got so far to go. Have cried a lot today. I just need a bit of support.

Holding your hand from afar, you are doing something about your BMI and you should be proud of that weight loss .

1.5 stone in 4 months is amazing! Well done! Don’t let the buggers get you down. Hold your head high and look how far you’ve come!

Well done, you’re doing great!

It was a photograph that inspired my mum to lose weigh and get fitter. I'm doing it too now. Alongside the weight loss (cutting carbs a bit, upping protein and sticking to 1800 calories, for now - will drop more at some point) I am using kettle bells to maintain muscle mass as it is so so important for health. Especially if you are over 30. Would definitely recommend. They are small and portable and really easy to use.

Well done on your progress so far.

a health professional I saw today for a completely different issue asked me out of the blue "what are you doing about your bmi

They hit a nerve but I get asked about my weight every single time I go to the GP, nurse or hospital. It’s a standard, routine question. Most people take the hint when I say ‘I know, I know…’ but some do like to think they can transform my life with a lecture.
To them I feel like saying ‘I have an eating disorder, I have done for 50 years, do you think a 5 min lecture is going to solve the problem?’ But I don’t. They are doing their job.
Try not to take it personally. If you feel like saying anything say something along the lines of ‘I’ve lost 1.5 stone in 4 months. I’m really pleased and hoping to keep it up’

You’re doing great OP! It’s a routine question, don’t take it to heart.

I agree, it's 100% a routine question. I even got handed a leaflet once with weight loss tips and exercises on it. Excess weight does exacerbate lots of conditions and it is their job to ensure they mention it. Probably to most people.

I work for the NHS in a related area and this is definitely something health professionals have to ask; they would have asked based on your BMI rather than your appearance. It's another box ticked for them. Did they suggest any options for you? In my area there are subsidised 12 week programmes and gym memberships. If you want to that is! Ironically I'm fat as a house and very glad I'm phone based rather than face to face! Good luck whatever you decide x

Thank you for the support everyone. I understand it was part of her job I think I just felt in a really vulnerable place and it's such a sensitive subject for me because I wasn't expecting her to ask or kind of floored me a bit

I was floored the first time it happened to me, totally understandable

Hi. Be kind to yourself. I too am an emotional eater. It is true easy to reward yourself with food and then fel.bad about it.
You are doing something to.improve your health. My friend and I walk around our neighbourhood for an hour twice a week. The exercise helps and it is a good way to catch up. I lost a lot of weight via the support of a well known slimming club. The support you get is great.
Keep it up. 😁