Hi. I've changed my username for this, as I am actually ashamed of myself.
I am a single mum of 4 who works full-time, in a demanding role with vulnerable children. I am in my mid-forties.
I am very overweight, and also unfit. Food is a bit of a crux for me in life. I eat too much, and often the wrong things. I've always had a troublesome relationship to food, dating back to childhood. I don't drink, smoke or do drugs. Food is my only vice (says she, like it's nothing 
).
I have recently returned to work full-time, and the effects of my weight/diet are much more obvious than they were in lockdown at home. My energy levels are low. Every day I come home from work, I need a nap. I'm exhausted. I should add that my children are all older, so the nap doesn't impact them.
What is concerning me most, is that my left knee is starting to twinge. It's letting me know that it's not happy on pretty much a constant basis. It's not in agony, but does gently ache, particularly when I bend it back (towards my bottom). It feels clicky at times too. I generally feel very stiff in my bottom half, particularly when I stand up after sitting. I walk fine, but am aware that there's a slight unnatural gait because of my knee (I tend not to want to bend it too much). I am not great at keeping my fluid intake up, which I'm guessing doesn't help.
I am so scared. I am worried that my knee will give way completely. I am so very, very embarrassed about this.
Obviously losing weight is a priority. I'm not an idiot and I know that this is almost certainly all my own fault. The years of self-neglect are catching up on me. I take responsibility for that.
However I am a good person, both as a mother and in the valuable job that I do. I deserve a chance to put things right.
Food is a source of pleasure and distraction in my life. Too much so. I am scared of limiting my intake, and hence the enjoyment, but am more scared of damaging my knee further.
Losing weight will take a while. In the meantime, is there anything I can do to help with my knee/general stiffness/lack of energy? Maybe a vitamin supplement I can take? Just for peace of mind, and to make me feel better while the big changes are taking place.
To those who've never had weight problems and have a healthy relationship with food, believe me I know that I must sound rather pathetic. But I would love in particular to hear from those who have been/are going through similar, as well as the medically competent who can comment on my knee!
As always, thanks in advance for any support and advice you may have to offer.