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Original poster

Losing weight, weight loss injections or gym?

240 replies

undecidedfatty · 22/08/2024 01:04

I've recently been lucky enough to go up a pay grade. The number one things which gets me down, which has always got me down, is my weight. I've been a size 16 since I was a teenager and I can't seem to change it. It goes up and down a bit but I've never been a healthy weight. I lost quite a bit a few years ago by fasting every day but I can't do it now as I get too shaky and irritated.
I'm a single parent, I have two small children all the time, I work full time out of the house in a healthcare related role and I cannot lose any weight. This is partly circumstantial as often the thought of a few rich tea biscuits is all that gets me through a difficult shift. My DC's don't sleep, one has autism and I honestly can't keep my mind on dieting. I don't overeat but I often make a cheese toastie for tea or pot noodle (I'm veggie) as I'm so busy and worn out, I'm also skint a lot.
I really need to do something and thought I want to lose weight. I'm not looking for a quick fix (and I don't think such a quick fix exists) but I can't carry on trying to reduce calories as it just feels so joyless in an already pretty difficult existence.
Would the weight loss injections be a good investment? Or would a nice gym membership (with pool) be a better investment? I really want to do something to improve my overall well-being, and feel more refreshed outside of work, mum life.
I would really appreciate some advice from mums in similar situations, especially if you have chosen one of these options. I really don't want suggestions on home exercise (tried it, kids don't let me, no room) or complex diets when I'm constantly on the go, running on adrenaline, no time to cook etc. I'm out the house from 7.30am until 7.30 pm and I have no time nor energy when I get back. I don't enjoy cooking and I can't even batch cook as we have a tiny freezer. I don't even get a lunch break.
I have about £150 a month to tackle this and I really need help after 20 years of trying to do this the natural way.

OP posts:
Decaffeinatedplease · 22/08/2024 01:09

In your situation, I would (and did) choose weight loss injections. You don't sound like you have time for the gym, plus exercise doesn't make you lose weight that easily unless you do a lot of it and also limit your food at the same time. I have found though that weight loss injections (Wegovy) have made me quite tired, I don't know if those on Mounjaro have better experiences. The other thing is that the weight loss doesn't last forever, it lasts while you are taking the medication, so thinking through how you would keep going and maintain any loss is also important, there's no point spending out and then putting it all back on again through stress eating.

Original poster
undecidedfatty · 22/08/2024 01:12

@Decaffeinatedplease thanks for replying. Yes I understand I'd have to use them forever.

OP posts:
SilenceInside · 22/08/2024 01:16

Would you be able to get the Mounjaro/Wegovy injections - you need to have a BMI of over 30, or over 27 with a weigh-related health condition (eg high BP)? They are also potentially more expensive than your budget allows.

A gym membership is useful if you actually go, of course. When would you find the time, if you have your children all the time and work full time? Exercise is great for health and well-being, but is only a small part of weight loss. You'd need to be controlling what you eat as well.

Original poster
undecidedfatty · 22/08/2024 01:17

@SilenceInside yes mine is 34 or so

OP posts:
girljulian · 22/08/2024 01:22

Weight loss injections. I don't think you really need to take them forever -- I think if I took them forever I'd end up incredibly underweight rather than ever reaching a point of maintenance. But I also think the amount I've spent on the injections has been no more than I would otherwise have spent on food. On them, all the "thinking about stuff" goes away and you just don't care about eating.

Decaffeinatedplease · 22/08/2024 01:23

It might be worth reading some of the weight loss injectables threads here in that topic, for a realistic view on them. I don't think you necessarily have to use them forever, more change something about how you eat long-term to maintain if you have lost, although some people do intend to carry on. There are also discount codes for people starting out that others have shared on there.

Original poster
undecidedfatty · 22/08/2024 01:25

I think what worries me is that I consume calories mindlessly. I hate waste and generally a lot of the calories I eat are my kids leftovers and toast at work. I eat a lot of bread as it's cheap and filling. I worry that the weight loss injections won't override this feeling of hoovering up leftovers.

OP posts:
BoxOfCats · 22/08/2024 01:37

It sounds like the core issue here is actually that you don't have enough time to be able to properly prioritise your diet and exercise in the first place. Beyond weight loss, ideally still need to be eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly for your overall long term health.

Is there anything you could do with that money that would unlock more free time for you to prioritise eating better as a start?

girljulian · 22/08/2024 01:38

undecidedfatty · 22/08/2024 01:25

I think what worries me is that I consume calories mindlessly. I hate waste and generally a lot of the calories I eat are my kids leftovers and toast at work. I eat a lot of bread as it's cheap and filling. I worry that the weight loss injections won't override this feeling of hoovering up leftovers.

Oh, they will! I have to make myself eat.

Original poster
undecidedfatty · 22/08/2024 01:42

@BoxOfCats not that I can think of. I'm already rushing everywhere and I use all possible childcare in order to work. Even if I cut down a day at work that would only mean I could work out once a week. In all honesty I am exhausted and cutting my hours means I would still do a full time job but get paid less. No one would give me less allocations.

OP posts:
LoquaciousPineapple · 22/08/2024 03:16

undecidedfatty · 22/08/2024 01:25

I think what worries me is that I consume calories mindlessly. I hate waste and generally a lot of the calories I eat are my kids leftovers and toast at work. I eat a lot of bread as it's cheap and filling. I worry that the weight loss injections won't override this feeling of hoovering up leftovers.

They most likely will. I've always been a boredom eater and they just completely take away my desire for food unless I'm actually hungry (and I get hungry far less often, some days I have to actively remind myself to eat if I'm busy). I can't really explain it, but I just look at food and have no desire to eat it. I don't reach for snacks, and if I have leftovers or my kid hasn't finished his food I can put it in the bin without any desire to finish it. Which was definitely not me before.

I can get myself excited for a meal if I want (eg if I'm going out for dinner) but I actually have to make an effort to do that. Otherwise, food is just fuel and if I don't feel I need refuelling I don't want to eat.

creepywoman · 22/08/2024 03:28

I think you have a bit of a defeatist attitude, if I’m being honest. There’s lots of excuses…

Please do some research on the weight loss injections - it’s not a substitute for the gym.

The injections surprise your appetite, so whether you like it or not, you will consume less calories. The joyless existence you mention of reducing calories will happen with the injections. If you try to eat your normal portions, you are eating too much, so you run the risk of pancreatitis, nausea, other stomach issues. Plus if you eat too little, you will be dehydrated and malnourished. I think social media makes the injections seem more glamorous than they actually are.

Also the appetite suppression doesn’t happen for everyone, you might try the injections and it doesn’t work for you. So I wouldn’t put all your hopes on the injections and immediately discount exercise. I’d actually say try the gym first or go to the gym and take the injections- but the medicine is your last resort, not the first option.

BoxOfCats · 22/08/2024 04:37

But if you have no time to cook, how would you find time for the gym?

EvilNextDoor · 22/08/2024 04:49

Honestly I tried the weight loss injections (wegovy) and they made me so ill, the side effects were not worth it.

I did lose 10kg in 6 weeks then the weight just didn’t shift after that, and the side effects got worse and worse with a higher dose. It cost around £400 for 3 months.

I have maintained between 7/8kg loss.

TheTigerWhoCameToEatMyArsehole · 22/08/2024 05:08

I'm honestly shocked at women's attitude towards these types of injections. It is in no way a substitute for the gym. You may lose 10-20kg using them but once you stop you will put it back on. It's such a weird attitude to have and so unhealthy mentally and physically. Cut carbs and get off your arse find the time, your mental health and body will Thank you for it.

Manyshelves · 22/08/2024 05:10

You would get a nice gym for far less than £150 per month, so I’d do that, book a couple of pt sessions for advice on training and diet for inspiration. Maybe do a class or two to meet people. Going forward, use the money to buy good quality nice food that you enjoy. Draw a mental line under eating the DCs leftovers. Walk as much as you can. My view is that this should all improve your mood and wellbeing longer term.

Some regular short gym sessions and upping your steps, no need to go mad, will help you a lot.

Or couch to 5 k. I did that in similar circumstances

Choirreality · 22/08/2024 05:48

Not what you asked but the book about ultra processed food by Van Tullekan has stopped my cravings for biscuits/junk etc. I cannot stand the texture or feel of it in my mouth. It’s repulsive. Once I would have loved a chocolate digestive with my tea - now I see ‘treats’ as none food items that are full of weird substances.

There is a book by a lady who batch cooks 40 portions of food in an hour. Then freezes them. That may help you to eat better without cooking each night. Defrost before work then oven cook it with an extra portion for lunch (to eat cold).

Manyshelves · 22/08/2024 05:51

The OP specifically said she had a tiny freezer so couldn’t batch cook and doesn’t enjoy cooking.

Choirreality · 22/08/2024 05:54

Just to add to my last comment I can’t eat most breads now either. So toast from a prepackaged loaf - like warburtons or kings milk - nope it’s unpleasant.
I read the book when it came out and the desire to not eat upf has remained.

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 22/08/2024 05:58

Hi OP

It sounds like your life is really full on and your3 always knackered, honestly I think its really difficult to lose weight in this situation, trying to find the mental energy when you're tired and stressed is hard.

You mention you've got a tiny freezer, any chance you could get a second hand chest freezer and stash somewhere else like a garage? That would help you batch cook which might make a big difference in the week

If not, I'd personally spend the money first on something that improves your life. Babysitting and a night out. Meal delivery service. Cleaner. Fresh flowers. Focus on the mindset first, try to eat a little more fresh veg, try and go for a few more walks if you have time. Over weight loss injections which are only going to last as long as you use them

Choirreality · 22/08/2024 06:05

@Manyshelves But with £150 a month that issue can be solved quickly assuming a spare plug socket and a spare corner in the house. If the op desires a change.

I really hate batch cooking too. But I can tolerate it for a couple of hours a month. Often the idea of batch cooking is spending your entire day off cooking endless meals which isn’t fun. If the idea is not of interest to op she can ignore it. Or maybe revisit it in the future.

To me 2 or 3 hours a month is preferable to 20 mins every night and possibly having to pop into Tesco to pick up missing ingredients too.

MrsMorrisey · 22/08/2024 06:06

Why would you want to take a drug to lose weight?
Stop eating so much crap and start eating better.
Be better in the long run.

AlarminglyAwful · 22/08/2024 06:13

I would choose weight loss injections personally.

The old adage of ‘you can’t out train a bad diet’ is true. I run at least 20 miles per week, do a hour’s strength training session, and cycle at least 30 miles per week. Plus running around after two small kids. I’m still ever so slightly overweight thanks to my friends biscuits and cake.

olympicsrock · 22/08/2024 06:14

I did injections in your situation. Mounjaro does make you feel tired though. I’ve lost 2.5 stone in 4 months. It has allowed me to begin to exercise on a Saturday. I was also bmi 34 now 29 and still going. I’m going to try and continue healthier food and exercise afterwards as well
honestly I felt too fat and tired to start exercising. This has been a kickstart.

happygertie · 22/08/2024 06:17

I personally would do the injections to get to your desired weight and then when you are no longer shelling out for them use the money on a gym membership to help you maintain your new weight.

I'm in similar circumstances but with more weight to lose. I have the pen sat in the fridge ready to go