Help shifting lower belly fat / medication weight gain

[MunsteadWood]

Looking for advice and experience dealing with changing weight and body shape as Im feeling pretty down about it. Recognise my issues are small in comparison to others so please don’t flame me here, I’m really keen for some practical advice.

Growing up I was always fairly naturally and effortlessly slim - eating a reasonably good diet plus light exercise but also just lucky with genetics such that I’ve never really had to think too much about weight / diet etc. I also have inflammatory bowel disease which has kept me slim, probably too much so at times as I’ve had periods of being quite unwell with diarrhoea etc which I’m sure contributed to my overall weight.

A couple of years ago I switched to a new medication for my IBD which has really helped my symptoms and I’m feeling loads better but since then I’ve put on about a stone. Although I recognise it’s not that much in grand scheme of things (I’m 5’4” and have gone from around 8st to between 9st and 91/2st) has really knocked my confidence. I feel I don’t recognise my body and am frustrated that clothes don’t fit well anymore, and am also embarrassed that my weight gain seems to be concentrated around hips, bum and thighs plus around my lower belly. It’s this in particular I’m really keen to shift.

Weight gain is a known side effect of my medication so I imagine that’s a factor, plus feeling well again meaning I can eat what I want (hooray!) plus probably age (I’m nearly 40, although don’t think I’m yet in peri).

I’ve tried calorie counting but finding it hard to stick to, and busy life (kids, work, long commute) means I’m struggling to find time for exercise. Obviously I know I’m not going to lose weight without one or both of these things but I’m keen for tips or ideas of what might work best - what diet best for weight loss, what exercise best for someone time poor but wanting to shape and tone especially around belly / bum / hips? Would love to hear from anyone else who’s also tackled medication related weight gain, and what’s worked for you (short of stopping the medication which I can’t do as there isn’t really an alternative). Many thanks!

Full solidarity OP. I could have written your post, except the medication I am on that has led to rapid weight gain is an SSRI. Which i cannot come off because my depression was extremely debilitating without it. Your stats are scarily similar to mine too! I am also 5'4", and went from about 9 stone to 10 stone in a year, when I have never had any issues with weight.

It is very difficult to come to terms with, I agree. For me personally, I am really trying to focus on health, rather than weight. It's a cliche, but I know this is what is most important as I enter middle age. I have also put on the weight in the same areas as you, so I am trying to tone those areas, but I also know that my new normal is not what I have been for most of my life, so it's a process of acceptance that I am still going through!

My DP also has Crohn's disease, so I understand that importance of you taking the meds for IBD. It's a cruel disease and I am glad that the meds are giving some relief.