To say getting down to Size 8/8 stone is my greatest achievement?

[Strubger]

A few years ago I went through quite a difficult lonely time - I felt I'd messed up a relationship etc. Things have improved for me overall now compared to then. However I felt so lonely back then I felt I needed to draw strength from somewhere - draw strength from within - and I thought that my greatest achievement had been losing 7 stone in weight to get down to a very svelte 8 stone - well 7 stone 10 to be precise.
I was wondering why it was that I considered this my greatest achievement and came to the conclusion that it was because weight loss tends to be associated with emotional control - if you can stick to your diet - you're in control emotionally. I value this achievement more than getting a university degree - everyone's always taken for granted that I've been academic - I feel my parents only valued me if I performed well academically. But losing weight means so much more to me. AIBU?

You’re not being unreasonable at all and I think it’s something to be proud of. I don’t get the posters who are saying it’s sad or that you’re implying women are only worth something if we’re thin. Can’t see you’ve said that anywhere in your post. Sounds like you’re more proud of taking control of your life and your willpower to lose the weight rather than just now being skinny. Losing weight is hard!

I can actually see how that could be the greatest achievement for some. It would be mine because it's the one goal that defeats me all the time.

Is that a healthy weight for you ? If it is then congratualtions, that really must have taken a lot of effort and you should be proud of your acheivement. It is the same amount of weight I would like to lose, can you tell us how you managed it ?

I am also intrigued by being emotionally in control, what do you mean by that ?

What’s sad about it? Have you been in OPs position? It can be incredibly difficult to lose weight, not just physically but to mentally change your entire attitude to something. It’s incredibly difficult because unlike other substance addictions you can just cut it out your life, you need food to live and when you have a toxic relationship with food that can be an incredibly complex problem to solve.

The sad thing is you trying to belittle someone’s achievement.

I think that's quite sad tbh. Not really judging you. Just more a reflection on the role of weight in society. I say this as somone who has lost 80lb. I'm proud of myself but I'd be looking at my life if it was my biggest achievement. Well done though because it is hard.

Can’t just cut it out*

How did you do it?

Fair play OP you gave achieved something so many people just cannot do. It takes work, willpower and sheer determination. You should be well proud of taking charge of your health like this! Well done!

She lost 7 stone! That goes far beyond looks, she has completely changed her health outcomes for so many things. Hardly a stain on feminism

Lots of people get degrees. Very few can lose half their body weight, go from morbidly obese to slim, and keep the weight off. I think if you'd said that your greatest achievement was kicking heroin then you'd get more understanding.

This.

I think that's amazing. YANBU.

YANBU, well done!

I finally lost weight, I was 8 stone until mid 30s and then 12 stone for 7 years, before losing weight.

I’m not at my target weight yet but knowing I have the willpower to eat healthy, nourishing meals day after day is brilliant.

This.

I agree.
Bless you OP.
It sounds as though you think this is the only good reflection of your character. I'm sure it isn't.

I get you OP. I find staying slim much more difficult than I found my degree and completely agree about the emotional control. I am always hungry and if I ate to my appetite I'd be 100 stone, it's a lot of effort to stay in control (I'm jealous of those who can do it with no effort though!)

A calorie controlled diet - 1400 cals a day

Don’t mind those saying it is sad. You can bet some of them have no hope of doing it. Losing 7 stone is a huge achievement and one that will affect the rest of your life in a positive way! Let those silly comments go over your head. It’s just jealousy.

Huge congratulations OP. You’re allowed to be proud of absolutely anything that takes hard work and perseverance. It’s great to hear someone say they’re proud of themselves ⭐️

YANBU. Congrats. How did you get control of your emotions and how did you find the motivation?

Jeeesus.

Congratulations how did you stop emotional eating and keep motivated ?

I wanted to attract my teenage heartthrob even though we were beyond the teenage years at the time

Found the motivation by trying to attract the bloke who'd been my teenage heartthrob'