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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Support thread for those with a lot to lose

123 replies

PipkinOfPepper · 30/04/2026 09:39

I ended last year in a very unhealthy place, around five stone over where I should be (and even that is still taking me to technically "overweight", though in the past I've looked healthy and relatively slim at that weight).

I promised myself this would be the year I change things, and I've lost two stone since January. However, I've still got a lot to go - I'd like to lose three stone more - and I'd love some company!

A lot of the threads are full of people who are much less fat to begin with, and I find it slightly dispiriting to see people starting their diets already weighing less than my goal weight.

SW: 111.05kg
CW: 97.75kg
GW: 80kg

I'm 5'7.

Come join me!

OP posts:
HurrahforHollywood · 07/07/2026 09:03

I would like to join too. I have four stones to lose and can really relate to the comments about having to wear a coat to cover the stomach! I am five foot 3 and over 13 stone with all the associated health issues and I'm terrified. I have never been this heavy in my life. I walk several times a week and swam through the winter but that hasn't helped. My portion sizes are too large . I don't eat junk or sugar so it feels really unfair.

I lost 2 stones 15 years ago and then it crept back on after a bereavement. I was a size ten and felt great, but now i have put on an additional 2 stones on top of what I weighed then. I just cannot get into the right headspace to do it. I have had years of stressful events one on top of another and feel completely exhausted and demoralised.

I don't think jabs are going to be the go to for me, I am too afraid of side effects. I know if I get into the right mind set and find something that works for the first few weeks I will continue. In the past it has been low carb and upping exercise. I will look to you all for inspiration.

Clearingaspace · 07/07/2026 12:39

Welcome back @Midlifeshenanigans i really relate and have the exact same problem - unfortunately I haven’t solved it, but maybe recognising it as a pattern and then gradually resisting the impulse more and more? Also I am working on not catastrophising and thinking i have ruined the day so might as well eat whatever I want and start again another day. I hate logging calories when I am eating badly but sometimes doing that shows the damage isnt that bad and the day/ week can be improved and still head in the right direction.

@HurrahforHollywood sorry to hear you have had a few tough years. It does sound as though you just need to make some small tweaks to go ftom weight creeping on to coming back off.

I so agree that weightloss success is about being in the right headspace. Funnily enough I have been a bit inspired by the weight loss jab threads, as in the majority of people posting on mumsnet WLI threads who use them, seem to only lose 1 lb or so a week and even have a stall here and there. The difference is the consistency so the weight slowly but surely comes off over a year or two. 1lb a week seems actually doable for me at the moment (without injections) with just counting calories and keeping an eye on carbs - I just need to think longer term and not get too impatient. For the past week i have averaged approx 1400 calories and 50 g carbs with a day or so where it was more like 1900 or so and 100g carbs. That feels like something I could do longer term.

sorry for the long post

Midlifeshenanigans · 07/07/2026 13:32

Many thanks @Clearingaspace that’s really encouraging. I think I need to go back to logging all the time. I’m very short and menopausal so I think part of the trouble is my calorie needs are not that high and I really like food and have always treated it as a reward/comfort. I am always in awe of people that say they forgot to eat as I don’t think that’s ever happened to me.

Monkeytennis97 · 08/07/2026 10:14

Just checking in, hope everyone is well! 17 stone 3lbs this morning so 30lbs lost now since mid April 🎉🎉

ChantelleGarvey · 18/07/2026 00:03

Well done @Monkeytennis97 !

Our school term ends on Wednesday, I'm making myself some summer holiday goals as we will have six weeks off - I may list them on here to keep myself accountable! Failing that @HurrahforHollywood, I'll have to buy myself a new coat for every season to cover my tummy, as this hot weather has ruined the coat wearing for me for a while Shock

user1476613140 · 22/07/2026 07:48

After jumping on the scales a few days ago I found out I am 14st 4lbs. 5ft7. I have a BMI of 31.3. It's been a shock to see it in writing. I feel disgusted with myself. I eat reasonably healthy and do have sweet treats. I know I need to cut right back on those and eat smaller portions of food. All obvious stuff which I am struggling with. In mid 40s. I have self referred to my local health board's adult weight management service. Awaiting a call back to speak to someone for support on my next steps. I have tried to do this myself over the past year but struggling so much. Years ago after each baby I found losing weight incredibly easy but not now. It's been very challenging.

Clearingaspace · 22/07/2026 09:44

Good luck @user1476613140 i agree it is a lot harder in 40s! Let us know how you get on with weight management service.

@ChantelleGarvey how are you going with holiday goal planning.

@Monkeytennis97 you are doing amazing to have lost 30lbs

i am on a bit of a plateau right now as finding it hard to keep eating the healthy low carb meals, basically a bit bored of chicken stir fry etc! Happy with my loss so far though

user1476613140 · 22/07/2026 10:00

Wishing everyone else lots of success keeping the weight off. Keep going💪

Monkeytennis97 · 22/07/2026 19:30

Good luck @user1476613140! I’m now 33lbs down from SW…. Been hovering around 17 stone 0-1lb for about 5 days, looking forward to seeing 16 something on the scales!

Monkeytennis97 · 30/07/2026 10:26

Hi all just checking in 😊 CW is 16 stone 11.6lbs. Really happy to have broken into the 16s now looking forward to the 15s. Hope to be 16 stone 3/4lbs by beginning of September. Good luck everyone!💪💪

Monkeytennis97 · 21/08/2026 19:39

Hi all how is everyone? I’ve hit the three stone mark today CW 16 stone 5.4lbs. Hope everyone is ok - would love to hear your updates 😊

Clearingaspace · 21/08/2026 23:32

Oh wow you are doing so well @Monkeytennis97. What diet changes are you doing?

I am doing ok, was really pleased to see 185, as that means 2 stone off, but following a short holiday I am back up a bit,

Monkeytennis97 · 22/08/2026 18:47

@Clearingaspace well done! 2 stone is an amazing loss! I dream of being around 180, maybe one day… My plan is to aim for another 2 stone by the end of the year (slowing down my weight loss as I’m getting a bit weary of it after really pushing hard for 4 months) and then the final 2 to 3 stone by the end of next Summer. We’ll see….

Sunshineandrainbow · 23/08/2026 09:31

That's amazing @Monkeytennis97 please give us some tips...

I think I have lost a bit recently but not actually weighed myself. I was weighed at the GP before smear and my weight was less than the previous reading on her system!

Really trying hard as about to start HRT and want to reduce my risks to other things,

Countrycritter · 23/08/2026 14:54

Amazing work @Monkeytennis97, smashing those goals one by one!
I have struggled with it being the summer holidays and doing lots of days out with friends and family. I was so proud of my self for reaching 11st 6lb, but then went back up to 11st 10lb after a week off with my extended family. Been back on it the past few days and am now back at 11st 8. Going to work hard at being consistent this week and try get back to 11st 6lb before we go away for our family holiday next week.

I keep telling myself that this is a lifestyle change not a quick fix. So I’m still letting myself enjoy food and spending time with others.
I have had two non scale victories, after being in a ‘large’ uniform at work for months after maternity leave, I am now officially back into a ‘medium’ for both tops and trousers. Also I can now fit into a pair of size 14 jeans!

Statistics to keep me motivated:
SW 13st 2lb
CW 11st 8lb
GW 10st 0lb

Monkeytennis97 · 23/08/2026 16:44

@Countrycritter those NSV are fabulous! Yesterday I got into size 18 jeans - first time I’ve been below 20 plus in 5 years. I was dead chuffed- can’t wait until I’m in 14s or even, dare I say it, 12s!

Monkeytennis97 · 23/08/2026 16:46

@Sunshineandrainbowmy typical day is around 1600 calories eaten and 1200 move on my Apple Watch. I’ve literally spent the whole summer holidays focusing on weight loss and exercise but when I go back to work I know I’ve got to reign it in a bit as it can’t be my sole focus.

Clearingaspace · 23/08/2026 19:56

Amazing NSVs @Countrycritter it’s frustrating when the weight yo-yos isn’t it. If only it could consistently drop even a little bit! I am trying to look long term also though.

@Monkeytennis97 i know what you mean I feel a bit guilty when I am super focused on weightloss but that seems to be the only time it really comes off! I actually think it might be easier for me when the holidays are over but to be fair I haven’t really been properly dieting over the summer. Might try 1500 calories each day next week and see where that takes me (am just under 5ft 4)

@Sunshineandrainbow good luck with starting HRT, and great that your weight has gone down.

ChantelleGarvey · 24/08/2026 17:02

Hi all, hope everyone is enjoying the summer Smile

I started the Wegovy pill about three weeks ago, only the 1.5mg dose, but it seemed to be doing the trick at first - I was eating much less and less rubbish too. On the bright side I haven't had any side effects, but on the other hand I haven't lost much weight either (2lb in 3 weeks), so I'm dithering over moving up to 4mg. We were away for just over a week of that but I did make the best food choices that I could; I also did a fair bit of hill walking and (re)started C25K. I'm a bit wary of going up to the higher dose in case it comes with more side effects - I go back to work at a school in about a week! - but there doesn't seem to be much point staying at the 1.5mg...

Massive well done to @Monkeytennis97 and @Clearingaspace for the loss, and @Countrycritter for the NSVs! @Sunshineandrainbow you will have to let us know if HRT helps you; I went to my GP recently to ask about it, but she said that I would have to sort out another issue I have first, annoyingly.

Thankfully it's been cooler recently, I have even been able to wear my coat again some days, phew Grin

Monkeytennis97 · 12/09/2026 11:00

Hi all just checking in… hope everyone is ok. I’m 15 stone 13lbs now so getting there but now at a slower rate (on purpose) over the autumn and winter.

user1476613140 · 12/09/2026 14:21

I have got help from my local NHS board from a dietician after joining a webinar for their weight management service. I will get the Second Nature app for free to try losing weight over three months. They do offer Counter Balance classes but the wait time is currently 6 months to join. I can get started straight away with Second Nature programme. I also have had my referral for a gym membership at a local authority sports centre accepted. Just awaiting a start date for the initial induction. It's at a reduced rate for six months instead of paying full price.

Hoping this will kick-start things for me. I really am struggling in my 40s 😞

Good luck to everyone else trying too. Keep going🙌

Countrycritter · 15/10/2026 13:53

@user1476613140 that’s great that you are getting the support that you need, I think it’s great that they are offering real life practical support like reduced gym membership. It’s so expensive!

@Monkeytennis97 wow! That’s great progress. Slow but steady is a great way forward. Makes it more sustainable long term.

After stalling around 11st 6 for a month in September (was sooo frustrating as I felt like I was putting in a lot of effort for no reward) I’m finally seeing the scales starting to move again.
I am now down at 11st 1lb. Officially over 2stone lost since I started my journey back in April time. To be honest I thought I would be at my goal weight now but I’m happy with my slow and steady progress. I’m so close to being in the 10st category that it’s spurring me on. I’ve also had some lovely NSV, I have bought some lovely bits from Vinted and they have actually fitted and I feel great in them Which I haven’t felt for over 2 years. I’ve also had a few people notice and mention the weight loss. I know it can be a difficult one as people are wary about talking about weight loss/gain. But I felt great with the compliments! Anyway, the journey continues! I’m hoping to have dropped another half stone before Christmas but we shall see.

Height-5ft 4
SW-13st 2lb
CW-11st 1lb
GW-10st

Monkeytennis97 · 18/10/2026 21:26

Well done Country Critter that’s fantastic! I’m hoping for the 11 stone bracket around next July sometime… CW is 15 stone 5lbs so I’ve lost 4 stone in 6 months now… getting there!

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