new BMI is really getting me down

[Flabuary]

It’s 25.5. The highest it’s ever been and I hate it. I’ve had 4 DC so I did always have a mum-tum, but now it’s just horrible.
im 43, 5’1 and 9stone 9. Is this weight/bmi too low for any sort of weight loss medication?
having the DC means my lifestyle isn’t as I’d like it to be. I can’t really exercise as I have arthritis in my ankle, I try and make meals from scratch as much as I can.
thanks for reading. I just don’t want to feel so self conscious any more

You are literally just in the overweight category. You do not need drugs to help you lose the amount of weight required to put you in the green category.
Some calorie counting and light exercise should see you ok

Yes of course your BMi is too low to get weight loss injections as they're only for people who are obese. You're barely overweight! You could get that off in a fortnight if you just reduce your food intake. The exercise thing is no excuse as 90% of weight loss is food, not exercise.

I know you’re right. It’s just freaked me out a bit, because I’ve spent most of my life being underweight, or just right. This has crept up on me and I don’t like it!
I’ve never dieted in my life-never needed to.
I wouldn’t know where to start with counting calories?!

And this is the reason I hate weight loss drugs. Seen as an easy answer to those who aren't overweight but just put on a few pounds.

Ok. Thank you.
mum quite limited to what I can eat(IBS caused mostly by gluten) so have to be careful.

I’ve put on almost 2 stone. This is not my ‘normal’. I do understand what you’re saying though. In all honesty, I think I’d be too scared to take anything like that

You could ask the practice nurse at your GP surgery for a diet sheet suited to your dietary needs ie gluten free.
It really wouldn't take long to shed a few pounds. Re exercise try swimming if you can't do any weight bearing exercises due to your arthritis.

Stop looking for a quick fix and start to make changes. Where is the extra weight coming from? Could you reduce your portion size at meal times or cut down on snacks? You could try an app like Nutracheck or My Fitness Pal to track your intake. Don't just look at calories, consider also whether you are getting the right balance of nutrients.

As for exercise, having arthritis is no excuse and exercise will actually help. High impact activities like running may be out but what about walking, swimming, cycling, weight training...

Investigate 1:1 diet, aka Cambridge. There are multiple levels, it can be a 600 cal very low cal diet - total meal replacement, and it has multiple stages through to normal eating, loads of support groups. Going for years.

I understand where you’re coming from, if you’ve always been slim it’s a shock to suddenly not be. But your BMI is much too low for weight loss injections really.

With your arthritis in mind, walking and mobility training might be the way forward. Smaller portions perhaps too?

Try intermittent fasting. No calorie counting and it works. You eat between 12-7 and then just water / coffee/ the etc. Try it for a week and come back and tell us how much you lost @Flabuary !

Weight training and walking?

I just discovered that my Fitbit lets you log food and works out your calories.

I’m really optimistic it will help me. And you may find if you log for a week, that there’s a food or a time of day that’s the root of your gain. Maybe alcohol or eating out? With such a small amount to lose, you’d only need to be careful one week a month and it would drop down again.

BMI is nonsense.
Don’t go on some crazy diet of fasting, or slimming world (which is specifically designed to fail) or anything like that. Make small, sustainable changes…swap those biscuits you might have for an apple, weight something like rice or pasta out etc etc.

As others have said, you’re only just over the top range of BMI. You’ve not shared what you normally eat/drink, but some small diet and lifestyle changes are probably all that’s needed, rather than a ‘diet’.

i used nutracheck to calorie count and keep an eye on my protein and fibre intake. It really educated me on what a normal portion is and helps me avoid wasting calories on things that have no nutritional value. I still have treats, meals out, wine etc.

in terms of exercise, I appreciate it’s difficult with your arthritis, but have you had any advice on exercise from your gp or maybe a physio? As we age strength training becomes more important and brings health benefits.

My BMI is also 25.5 I'm 5ft 9 and 12st 5lbs Size 12. Age51. The heaviest last year was 12st 9! I've since started HRT. Perimenopause /menopause was the culprit. Had my last child at 41 I was 11stone. At 45 2 stone just went on. I walk 3 times a week as I've had a frozen shoulder for a year( also partially the menopause) trying to eat a bit less but not a big eater. And cut out the wine. It's difficult sometimes!

I get you. I always had a BMI under 20, so to suddenly put on weight and have a flabby middle in my 40s was a shock. And ‘some calorie counting and light exercise’ has done nothing to reverse it. I’m trying to work on accepting it and recognising that it’s probably healthier than skinny. That said, I have found adding exercise has helped lift my mood, so I would suggest looking at what’s possible for you.

BMI isn't nonsense. It's a useful tool.

OP, I'd spend a few days or a week logging all, and I mean all, of the food and drink that you eat onto a food app like MYFITNESSPAL then I'd have a look and see if there are any areas which are causing problems. It will help you understand where your calories are coming from and where you are getting you protein, fats and carbs from.

You can make a plan afterwards when you know the facts. It could easily be that you just need to make some minor changes.

You don't have a massive amount to lose and you've always been slim. I wouldn't mess about with any kind of crash diet, just make a few changes.

Do you snack? If so cut it out or replace with better options. I find overnight oats more filling then anything else (gluten free in your case).

Reduce the portion size of your main meal.

Walking and swimming for exercise. I really think walking makes a big difference.

It won't give you quick results, it will be the slow and steady approach but it will be better for you in the long run. You could go on a really low calorie diet but at the end of it most people end up regaining and stuck in a yo yo cycle. I'd try and avoid that and just eat sensibly.

I wish mine was 25.5….

That’s 0.5 in overweight. Come on now!

I would cut out sugary snacks, drink more water and try to get some steps in when you can. Small changes soon add up.

Hi OP. Track EVERYTHING in my fitness pal.

Sometimes it just takes a bit of knuckling down and head in the game.

How much do you want to be slim again and by when? Give yourself a hard target. And stop eating so much. It basically comes down to that.

I managed to lose 2kg in a month after serious surgery last year, literally lying on the sofa recovering. I limited my calorie intake and did gentle walking.

You can do it OP.

They affect your life how?

Swimming or Pilates would be perfect if your ankle is painful.

Losing weight may help ease the effect of your arthritis but you are definitely not seriously overweight. Does your medication have side effects which may trigger weight gain? Can you find a local exercise class for people with mobility issues - Seated yoga, pilates, Paracise, aquaaerobics, or book a personal trainer who could advise what you can do within your limitations

I get where you are coming from op,I was a size 8 up until I hit 38,I went upto a size 14,hated the way I looked,I wouldn’t even look in the mirror,I’m a size 10 now but I eat like a bird!