Desperately need help

[Stuckinarutneedhelp]

Hi !!
I'm three and a half stone over weight and feel like I'm stuck in a really unhealthy rut, i over eat and barely exercise, recently I've been extremely exhausted and feel I have no motivation, I can sleep for ten hours and still be exhausted, I don't move like I used to! I used to be 9stone 11 which I was comfortable with, I carry my weight everywhere I don't like what I see in the mirror, I've even given up trying to look nice ie clothes hair and makeup, what can I do? Where can I start? I fail every time I try but don't want to fail this time, I'm so unhappy on the bmi I am obese. Any suggestions would be fab tia x

I'd find out if there is a medical reason first. Could you make an appointment to see the GP? It sounds like you could be depressed or have physical condition that is making you tired.

I say this on many threads when I read people are exhausted and sound depressed but have you had your thyroid checked recently?

That was my thought too @TheNestedIf

As regards making yourself look nice, just do a little bit. I'm sure you look nice anyway, but try to wear something you feel good in. You don't have to wear make up, but sometimes, a bit of lipstick or mascara can feel a bit more dressed.

agree with others - see your GP, ask for a blood test - the constant tiredness and exhaustion could be anaemia?

Agree with others regarding gp.

A good starting point. Walks, 10,000 steps, even if you gradually build up to this. Get yourself out there to a lovely park etc.

Feeling nice, where something you like and feel good in. Do your hair a different way, little bit lipstick etc.

I was like this op had everything checked I was exhausted because I was carrying 4 stone of extra weight once I actually started exercise and eating healthy I had way more energy thats just my experience though good luck with it I know exactly how you feel its not nice at all

The excess weight can impede good quality sleep. Even if you get a good long sleep, it’s not refreshing if it isn’t good quality.

I’m currently waiting for a sleep apnoea diagnosis and I feel exhausted most of the time. It’s a vicious cycle but I am slowly trying to claw my way out of it starting by counting calories with MFP and walking short distances and building up.

It’s hard but only you can make yourself do it. Don’t be too hard on yourself though.

Do you eat much meat?

If not I'd also get some B-12 or B-complex supplements ASAP.

Exactly @ILoveShula . I went from being an exercise machine to virtual hibernation when my thyroid malfunctioned. I'm now trying to rebuild my good habits.

OP, get medically checked out. As soon as you're ready, I can recommend the following.

Find some audiobooks or find a radio station you like and then go walking. Start with 4.5 miles (about 10,000 steps). Buy some good footwear so that you don't blister and buy a basic step tracker to record that you've achieved what you set out to do.

Invest in some luxury shower products, perfume and night/leisurewear for when you get home as a reward.

Build from there.

Honestly carrying round 3 or 4 stone of extra weight affects so much. When you actually feel how heavy 4 stone is to carry it’s crazy. My 9 year old weighs 4 stone!!
It also affects hormones being overweight which. An make you tired.
You have to dig every last ounce of will power. Throw all that crappy food out and eat clean unprocessed foods. Look up clean eating / primal eating - cut sugar and processed wheat / processed carby foods down to almost nothing.
Get out for a 30 min brisk walk every day.
Stick to it and you will notice real results in a month.
After that things fall into place. You feel better, want new clothes that fit nicely, you have more energy, people comment on how good you are looking.
All it takes is a huge huge helping of willpower every day to eat better consistently

Oh OP I totally feel you. A good place to start is to really think about whether you are ready for the changes. It will be hard and at times really tough, but so is where you’re at right now. It will take the best part of a whole year to lose 3 stone, but then again the time will go by anyway. If you’re prepared mentally for it being hard and long then I would start really simply by going 3 weeks on a calorie controlled diet and then add in some exercise and then look to move to a proper plan from a coach or online like Joe Wicks.

See your gp for a health check (pre diabetes/ diabetes/ thyroid/ general hormone changes/ sleep disorders). The cycle of lack of sleep affects hormone production that controls diet as well as fatigue. Look at keto/ low carb type of changes, pay close attention to fluid intake and gradual changes to carb levels and exercise. Try and slow down how long it takes to eat a meal, giving your stomach time to recognise you've eaten. Small portions on a small plate but do that gradually. I went keto because my husband did and he's the cook. My appetite went down, my stomach and digestion got a lot better,I slept better and had more energy. Whilst it's suited us, doesn't mean it's for everyone. What may be a good start for you is what's called clean cooking,it's cooking from scratch. Simple meals such as slow cooker stews, bone broths curry's etc. On a day off batch cook, portion up and freeze. Batch cooking gives you options that avoid processed foods and takeaways. Sugar is added to most processed foods and takeaways but listed under different names. Fruit sugars are still sugars and are often a lot higher than you'd think, hence the advice to brush teeth after eating fruit. Steer away from refined foods for a while. There are a lot of online support groups for whatever life style changes you choose to make. I've cut carbs and sugar because I was eating much more but was still hungry. I sat, on more than one occasion, and ate a 5 pack of jam doughnuts. I would make a pan of rice and another of curry sauce to have as a snack at night. I sorely missed chinese takeaways but that eased and went within a few weeks. Most of all be kind to yourself, you're taking the first steps to feeling better.

Hi OP, I could have written this post 2 months back. I was approx 4 stone overweight, feeling tired and generally fed up. A couple of my friends joined SlimmingWorld and I decided to sign up too. First few weeks were great. We swapped messages and recipes and it really motivated me. They’ve both since fallen off the wagon. I’ve lost 21lbs. Still not half way there but I feel so much better for it. I’ve restarted exercising, only walking but I do feel better! Good luck with your journey.

Thankyou so much for your replies I've started a diet and exercise although I really ache mentally I feel abit better now xxx