I'm so confused on what to do!

[Punk79]

I'm mid 40s, nearly 15 stone, 5ft 6, perimenopausal, mother, wife, work full time. I'm so confused how to do this, I've fasted, with success previously, but now I get so hungry I binge eat, never had much joy with slimming clubs, I emotional eat, I mindless eat, I know people will say take glp1, and I have friends who have had great results (and I'm jealous) but I'd rather not, I already have IBS and anxiety, I don't really want to risk worsening them, but how do I do this, I'm so confused with all the advise, fast, don't fast, count calories, don't calories! Please can I have some advice from people who've had success with middle age weight loss. Thank you.

All main stream diets work as long as you can stick to them. What do you think would work for you? There is always wli.

Counting calories is basically what it all boils down to. Taking in less than you use, consistently, will produce weight loss. If actually counting the calories is too stressful, then things like fasting, OMAD can be an alternative. You can also reduce calories by things like volume eating where you fill up on low calorie foods. Or you can go for a low carb high protein diet for a similar effect.

If fasting leads you to binging then I’d definitely avoid that. You could try low carb high protein instead, as you might find that suits you better.

Agree with pp - all mainstream diets boil down to eating less - some by eliminating food groups, some by calorie counting or their own points system, some by limiting the time-windows in which you can eat, some by replacing meals with supplements. Even WLI boil down to eating less, they just act as an appetite suppressant so it's easier.

What matters is not the method you use, but finding a method that you can sustain, that fits with your lifestyle and includes foods you enjoy.

I personally like calorie counting as it doesn't stop you eating any foods or food groups, as long as you factor them in and once you know the count of things you eat regularly, it's quick and easy to plan meals. But you need to find the right method for you.

I started Mounjaro last May. I had awful IBS which has completely settled. I think I have understood that MJ is a strong anti-inflammatory, so, many problems like IBS, that are caused by inflammation, tend to clear up. My arthritis in my knees has disappeared too, and I'm off BP medication. There is (I think) some good evidence that anxiety may also be related to inflammation in the body. I've lost 3 1/2 stone ( another stone to go). I'm taking it steady and really concentrating on getting all my nutrients in.
We're all so different, and maybe weight loss injections wouldn't be right for you. I can only recount my experience of them.
Good luck, whatever you decide.

My understanding is that Mounjaro is great at reducing IBS issues…