Needcsome support, can anyone advise?

[Hellokittyheart]

hi, i desperately need to lose weight. I'm a size 20-22 and must weigh about 15 stone :(
I constantly eat all the wrong things - chocolate, crisps, take away, cola etc.
I feel huge, get out of breath quickly, my back hurts and I have no energy. I suffer from mental health problems and have depression.
I have reached the point now where enough is enough. I hate my weight and am going to do something about it.
Anyone else been in the same position?
Sorry for rambling.

Don't be sorry!

I have been in EXACTLY that position. I lost loads of weight, but did not fully address the depression and food-as-comfort thing, and put it back on. 6 weeks ago, having had loads more ADs and finally, some counselling, I started again.

My advice in te long term is address the depression. Feel positive about yourself. There is more to you than the shape you are in, and some of that, at least, will be good. You ARE worth the effort (and there will be some effort involved), and you DESERVE to look after yourself. For that is the positive way to think about it. You will not be "dieting", you will be treating yourself to a healthy lifestyle.

In the short term, I would really recommend something like Pilates. It's not mega strenuous, so you won't feel all out of breath and awkward. It will help your back, it will help give you strength. I am sure it will make you feel you are doing something for yourself to improve your situation, and give you confidence that you CAN do things, albeit slowly at first, and may therefore be the first step towards a more active lifestyle.

Good luck, and remember you are not alone!

Hellokitty, Not quite in same boat but was size 16-18 and 12.5 stone in October.

I agree with jammy, start by addressing the depression and by making small changes, eg going for walk each day or pilates, drinking 8-10 cups of water a day, aiming to eat 5 portions fruit/veggies a day. Then cut down on junk food.

The getting out of breath, sore back and lack of energy are all connected to your lifestyle, so focus on these symptoms improving as you loose weight and get fitter.

If you want a book that sets out a really healthy lifestyle diet, I'd recommend "The South Beach Diet".