3 stone gain, no clothes that fit - could cry!

[IGetOver]

Urgh, I’ve put on 3 stone since covid. Size 12 to nearer an 18, I’ve never been this big before and have literally no clothes to wear. I used to be quite active, but since Covid I’ve been working from home and rarely get a chance to leave my desk. I didn’t leave the house much in lockdown, just worked and slept so mostly wore joggers and hoodies, now I can’t get any of my clothes on at all! I’ve cut back loads on eating and trying to move more with evening walks but the stones aren’t budging, I’ve only lost 2 pounds in the last few weeks 😭 I’m mortified and due back at work next week, drastic ideas needed!

Low carb
Low carb
Low carb
Low carb

Honestly it’s the only thing that works without feeling deprived. A decent amount of fat and protein. Some low carb veggies. Berries. No booze. No sugar. I have maintained my weight now for over a year.

Agree, and lots of help here: www.dietdoctor.com/

Don’t know what to suggest re clothes for next week, it’s hard. I did similar.

Get yourself a couple of pairs of shorts and some T-shirts to get you through the next few weeks, not enough for a whole wardrobe, just to tide you over and keep eating well.

Also drink lots of water, it really does help, it makes you feel better in general, stops you feeling so hungry and your body actually uses a lot of water breaking down fat cells so it helps there too.

You can do it, just keep going.

When we went back to work lots of people had put weight on, for most it seemed to slowly come off as everyone resumed their normal routine.

I would look into the 5:2 or Fast800. I lost nearly 5 stone doing that and have kept it off for 3 years now. Whatever you choose, it needs to be something that you can keep up. I loved the 5:2 because I only needed to ‘diet’ 2/7 of the week. The rest of the I just ate sensibly but normally.

With regard to none of your clothes fitting, buy yourself some new things that suit you. Not many because you won’t need them for long. But until you start losing, you deserve clothes that fit, are comfortable and make you feel your best.

Don’t worry op.
You need to low carb for sure.
And then, depending on your work dress code, maybe get some light loose trousers, some nicely cut t-shirts and perhaps a colourful kimono. Team with some glam sandals, a good haircut and a nice manicure. Oh and a massive slouchy leather bag. Up your daily steps and be kind to yourself.
Some have gained weight, some are having a mental health crisis , others financial difficulties.
It’s been a hard time.

@justanotherneighinparadise

Low carb Low carb Low carb Low carb

Honestly it’s the only thing that works without feeling deprived. A decent amount of fat and protein. Some low carb veggies. Berries. No booze. No sugar. I have maintained my weight now for over a year.

Not necessarily.

It works for some people.

However, if you are in your 40s or even possibly perimenopausal, you need to think much more creatively.

It's definitely about calorie reduction but also about meal timing, sleep regulation and exercise. Exercise alone isn't a significant factor in weight loss but combined with healthy eating, it's so important, like a reset to your metabolism.

I know people here like to wave 'their method' but please think about what will work for you. On my rarely does reducing a food group radically equate with success, in the long-term.

I am In my late forties and it works beautifully.

I agree that low carb would be the quickest way to shed it. And 5-10 minute HIIT workouts online - you can do a couple every day. They speed up your metabolism.

Get yourself some really nice new clothes in your current size - maybe a floaty dress - hides a lot of bumps, some well cut summer trousers and draped linen shirts or kimono tops. As PP said - good haircut, nice nails etc and you know the weight will slide back off as you return to normal life.

@justanotherneighinparadise

I am In my late forties and it works beautifully.

For you.

Not for everyone.

I know that's not all that helpful for the OP, but the process of losing weight is complicated & individual.

To a degree! At its basic it is about a calorie deficit. But exercise is crucial (for long term success ie not just losing weight but having a healthy body to keep you active into old age).

Sleep regulation, hormone management, endocrine system working well - so key, and not mentioned enough

@IGetOver

Urgh, I’ve put on 3 stone since covid. Size 12 to nearer an 18, I’ve never been this big before and have literally no clothes to wear. I used to be quite active, but since Covid I’ve been working from home and rarely get a chance to leave my desk. I didn’t leave the house much in lockdown, just worked and slept so mostly wore joggers and hoodies, now I can’t get any of my clothes on at all! I’ve cut back loads on eating and trying to move more with evening walks but the stones aren’t budging, I’ve only lost 2 pounds in the last few weeks 😭 I’m mortified and due back at work next week, drastic ideas needed!

I'm the same. It's awful op. I'm crying with you 😭

It really isn’t about a colonies deficit. Whilst calories play a part it’s about a hormone issue and for some people a faulty gene.

If you can inhibit the release of insulin across the day you are 90% there.

*calorie

Thanks for all the kind replies 😊
I’ve never actually tried low carb before, so I can give that a go, usually just restrict calories. Although I’ve never been this big before, calories counting used to work well for me, but doesn’t seem to be working as effectively now. I’m mid 30’s btw.

OP this has also happened to me and I've just been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid. Maybe also check there's nothing else going on as well, particularly since you have already made a few changes and not seen a difference. Symptoms are easy to Google.

I’m 43 and lost over 2 1/2 stone during lockdown, size 18-12. For me it was mostly portion control especially pasta/ potatoes/ bread. Still have these daily but in much smaller quantities. That and increasing my protein means I’m not as hungry as before. Perimenopausal and it has been slow progress but just kept plodding on

@MujeresLibres

OP this has also happened to me and I've just been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid. Maybe also check there's nothing else going on as well, particularly since you have already made a few changes and not seen a difference. Symptoms are easy to Google.

I actually just had my thyroid checked, as I’ve been having a lot of the symptoms. Came back fine though, so i’m just fat and unhealthy I think 😭

Ditch sugar. It will fall off!

I've lost 20lb via calorie counting within the last few months, also reducing sugar and keeping an eye on macros, because if I don't I tend to go too low on protein. I'm 57 and wasn't an exerciser, although I now walk regularly. I was on as high an allowance as I could manage while still losing weight and its been a steady rate of weight loss. So unless something medical is going on, you should be able to shift weight, whatever method you choose.

I was Called into a meeting two months ago and could not zip anything in my wardrobe. No shops were open. I had to wear a jacket over a baggy sundress.

I ordered a few bits of cheap clothes in a size I never want to be again and have stopped comfort eating it ice cream, crisps and sweets. I now eat a much healthier, leaner diet - lots of fruit and vegetables. I have also been using Ali tablets, which may or may not work but they help me keep to a low fat.

Size 14 jeans just about fit now and I am determined to be back to a size 10/12 before Christmas. I am taking it slow😊