Why are nearly 25% of British women obese?

[twitterer]

On the news this morning we are told that British women are the fatest in Europe, why? Of course it is down to eating too much and exercising too little. But other populations don't suffer so badly. I wonder if there is more (healthy) pressure from society, men, employers and others to be healthy

But in your example I would suggest you ditch the mars bar!

I think activity rather than just exercise is important as it keeps your metabolism going. So even pottering about doing stuff instead of sitting makes a big difference.
It is now thought that you continue to burn fat for up to 12 hours after you exercise so it's more than a mars bar overall iyswim

i was just wondering. My weight didnt change when I could no longer walk. I just ate less
Still as hungry though which is a apin

Well there you are then! You amended your eating habits to compensate. Well done you! When I couldn't run anymore I put on lots of weight because I didn't. And it came as a horrible shock because when I was running I seemed to be able to eat vast amts of food and stay slim - so I guess that was the metabolism thing. When I stopped I was peri-menopausal and on anti-ds so a triple whammy!

I am off to McDonalds now

Well this thread inspired me to make some soup for lunch! Pretty yummy actually ( root veg, green lentils and turmeric )

The boys loved it too

I was going to mention soup! I only learnt to make soup when I moved to Belgium; everyone makes soup and it is a very effective and healthy way of filling you up.

I learned to make soup in Home Economics at school (well, mum taught me when I was younger but they did teach this sort of thing at school in 'the old days').

I put on lots of flab when I was working, and I had always been a skinny minny until then (= work is bad for you). And no, I was not a taster in a jam donut factory (I wish).

I think it's time wahwahwah, if you work you have less time than someone who doesn't, generally

Hi BoffinMum,

I'm really sorry the riding plan didn't work out. Perhaps you could try another riding stables and see if they have anything for you ?

Or start with another sport/ exercise - I'm always meaning to go swimming - especially fancy somewhere with a nice bubbly jacuzzi style bit and fountains.
Am going for a spa day with friends in Feb ... looking forward to it though it's a way off still - we went there before - one of the Center Parcs places

I have actually started a separate thread and I am determined to take things in hand. Thanks for your support though. x

I agree with juggling, boffin - try another stables. The last stables DD went to was owned and run by a very large woman - she used to ride a big chunky beast of a horse. They had a few bigger horses (and bigger riders too). Not all stables cater only for slim teens!

In France there seem to be fewer little shops with easy access to chocolate snacks and crisps just near the counter when you go to get the newspaper or something.. Without the temptation it's easier not give in!! If you want crisps or chocolates etc.. you have to buy an enormous family pack of separate packets in the supermarket which is less easy to break in to. By the time you get out of the shop you've taken control of yourself! I don't know why it's different at home.

exercise (resistance and fitness training) increases insulin sensitivity, this is very important when it comes to keeping or getting lean

Am roaring laughing at the 'sugar lobby' etc comments. People are fat because they eat too much crap and dont exercise. An apple is cheaper than a dairy milk as is a banana

OrmIrian, I don't feel able to ring up and say "I am a bit on the fact side, how big are your horses"!

fat

But actually the banana will make you as fat as the Dairy Milk. Maybe the dairy milk is less healthy nutrionally, but as far as weight loss is concerned the banana is a wolf dressed in sheep's clothing. This is where so many people go wrong with trying to lose wieght and end up mystified and demoralised.

Boffin, DO call around.

I ride a pony (horse) 17 hands and heaviest person that rides him is 14 stone (he told me ) and horse is fine.

Worth a try, riding is so good for your core (tummy) and leg muscles! Exercise wise it's great.

And it makes you happy

I have been bemoaning the lack of time too, but...if I take the dog for a quick 15 minute walk before work in the morning, then another with DS in the afternoon, and another before bed...surely I could fit in 15 minutes a few times a day? And that would be 45 minutes, which is a start. :)

Also I cannot dance and have no sense of rhythm but would like to try Zumba in the privacy of my own home. :o So I think I will look up some of the youtube videos.

I want to try to get some of the parents I know with young kids to all meet up in a field (we have lots around town) to play the games that we used to play when we were little: tag, Fox and Gander, Kick the Can...I never see kids out playing those anymore!

Would it be better if I asked whether they have any horses of 17 hands or above?

I think Jane Birkin is spot on, and self hatred is so not the way to end obesity.

Its like smoking . the more someone tells you how many terrible things will happen to you if you smoke, the more you want a fag.

When you feel good, you take care of yourself.

I have only ever ridden little things in the past
I am not very good at riding.

6 months ago I weighed 9stone 10 -I'm 5ft 4.

Then I started cycling to work at least 3 days most weeks. its about 7 miles each way and sometimes I'll cycle more. The only change in my diet is that I seldom drink alcohol now, I still eat a lot but weigh about 9 stone. I used to walk and go to the gym sometimes, but the cycling has made the difference.

boffin Phone up, deep breath and say "I weigh x stones, is that a problem?". Trouble with specifying over 17hh is that you'd expect it to be fine, however there's a stables up on the borders uses Clydesdales who have a max weight of 15 stone which seems bonkers... my old 13.3hh haflinger could carry as much as my 17.2hh warmblood. There's a forum called "plus rider boards" or something and they link to riding stables who are sympathetic towards chubbers. Good luck!