To feel crap about my body

[YouKnowNothingRickGrimes]

I turned 26 6 months ago and prior to this I was a size 8, could eat what I wanted, flat stomach and not a care in the world. Even after 2 children.

Suddenly I became a 26 year old and it's like a switch flicked and my body is changing. More fat on my hips, pouch on my belly that just won't go away. Tell me, is this it now? Have I reached the age where I now have to care about what I eat and make an effort to try and exercise?

Why oh why ?

It's not all doom and gloom I promise! But my body has taken many turns over the years am now the grand age of 38. Used to be able to stuff my face with anything, now I can't but that's just the way it goes for everyone.

My mum is in her mid 60's and has had a whole body revamp recently through diet and exercise and she looks amazing! Much better than me... Takes a bit more effort as you get older, bits do change but it's entirely doable to feel and look good about yourself :)

It's probably a short-lived phase. Maybe your metabolism has slowed? Are you subconsciously taking in more calories, doing less exercise? Any thyroid problems?

I've always been slim, a little underweight, but age 25 gained 2stone over a couple of years. No changes to lifestyle or diet but I wasn't as stressed as usual and was studying instead of working. I started exercising daily and toned up, but didn't lose any weight. Age 27 I lost the 2stones when I started a new job. At 30 I'm slightly underweight again and find it hard to gain weight despite eating whatever I like and hardly exercising! So not necessarily an age thing.

Also, have you started/stopped the pill or started new medication?

Have you had any other symptoms? It may well be just age/metabolism/whatever but sudden weight gain can be a symptom of hormonal/thyroid/pituitary issues.

I read this with interest : till I heard you're 26.

I think mid to late twenties is the age when it all catches up with you tbh

Yep YABU. Your body is an amazing thing. Stop feeling crap about it.