The motivation weight loss thread

[Spoonbed]

It really is a game changer. I started at the beginning of Dec
6ft 2 in and 20st 7
Now coming is at 16st.
I’ve just found it so easy to eat healthy and move, whereas in previous attempts, all I could ever think about was food.
I’ve got 2 doses of 7.5mg left, and that’s me done.
I’ve then just got to work out how to keep the weight off ( though I’m hopeful my relationship with food has changed enough to enable me to do so)

[kevkojak]

I've piled on a frightening amount of weight this year, to the extent that only a handful of my clothes fit me... everything is skin-tight and that's the extra large stuff!! My wardrobe is full of really nice gear in medium and large which just looks comical compared to what I'm actually wearing.
I've rejoined the gym this week and downloaded Map My Walk (which connects to the My Fitness App calorie counter). From losing three stone and keeping it off over the previous 2 years, I've put it all back on and feel dreadful. It really does have a knock-on effect for every aspect of life carrying this much weight. I'm a shade under 19 stone now and that is from stress eating and binge drinking following my divorce. Eating my emotions, the doctor called it.

So yeah, gym and calorie counting, although for now the focus is on eating more healthy things as much as portion control. Taking a little time to prepare a proper meal instead of quick and easy options.
I've had to strip my wardrobe of anything that looks like it won't fit for some time. It's all been vacuum bagged and stored in the spare bedroom. Just depressing looking at it!

[Groundrush]

I’ve lost an average of about 10 lbs a month doing OMAD. No calorie counting, no forbidden foods, no pills or potions, just one decent feed per day. I thought it might be tough but I’ve found it pretty easy to be honest. I get a bit hungry in the mornings sometimes but a quick coffee usually fixes that.

[sundial]

I’ve lost an average of about 10 lbs a month doing OMAD. No calorie counting, no forbidden foods, no pills or potions, just one decent feed per day. I thought it might be tough but I’ve found it pretty easy to be honest. I get a bit hungry in the mornings sometimes but a quick coffee usually fixes that.

Very sensible. Calorie counting has been proved to not work but too many people still think it's THE solution for weight loss. Anyone who Googles "Why calorie counting does not work" can likely benefit from all the reasons documented as to why, especially long term, it's an ineffective weight loss remedy.

Those who lose weight via calorie counting often put all they lose back on again.

Everyone's metabolism is different but the one 'attribute' that so many obese people have is an unbalanced microbiome. Improving your microbiome promotes healthier digestion and resultant weight loss. I've lost 3 stone in weight mainly as a result of a more diverse diet which has improved my microbiome. No calorie counting, no drugs – and I can eat as much as I like of my very diverse diet – which includes fried foods, butter, milk, chocolate – but most importantly – plenty of different types of fibre. Our diverse microbiota require different types of fibre.

https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2179

And forget the '5 a day' fruit and veg routine – it's 'old hat'. Current recommendation by professional nutritionists is '30 different plant / fungi per week'

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsu...-my-gut-health

I manage to eat over 40 different plant / fungi per week and it's surprisingly easy. But it's not the quantity – it's the diversity which matters. For example, each different type of whole nut is 'one' of those 40 – as are, each of the different types of mixed seeds (ground) added to my home-made bread, and home made mixed breakfast cereal.

If you want to enjoy life more and, "cease being obese", consider improving your gut microbiota.

Expect I'll now receive another 'bitch' comment from one of TZ's well known calorie counters !!

A healthy microbiome likely also helps improve fragile egos!!

BW, dunk

[Ivan Drago]

Calorie counting defiantly does work if the goal is to lose weight.

I think you’re trying to say is it’s tough to do long term as people can rebound due to the restricted calories and over eat but that’s down to will power which the majority people don’t have.


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[Halitosis]

After yo-yoing for years, I tried hypnotherapy in December. Although it helped for a few weeks, my appetite crept back and resistance faded. Now fasting one, sometimes two, days per week and gradually shedding the pounds - down from sixteen and a half to fifteen stones in 4 months.
A big help has been walking. Bought a Garmin activity tracker from jimmcb of this parish and have since maintained a 65 day streak of walking over nine thousand steps every day - actually averaging twelve thousand.
Keep it up chaps - we're all different so do whatever works for you (except class A drugs... don't do that!)

[sundial]

Calorie counting defiantly does work if the goal is to lose weight.

I think you’re trying to say is it’s tough to do long term as people can rebound due to the restricted calories and over eat but that’s down to will power which the majority people don’t have.


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What you've posted shows calorie counting does not work!!

With a diverse microbiome, cultivated by careful choice of foods, an individual's microbiota can prevent weight increase – without any need for calorie counting

[Ivan Drago]

What you've posted shows calorie counting does not work!!

With a diverse microbiome, cultivated by careful choice of foods, an individual's microbiota can prevent weight increase – without any need for calorie counting

What ? It does work.

Counting calories and being in a deficit makes you lose weight. That is a factual statement.

If you read the article you posted for your gut microbiome the key word is “ MAY “ help.

The studies were also on people with obesity and show that if you eat in a calorie surplus you will still gain weight.


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[beechcustom]

I've been calorie counting since mid January. I went from 79kg to currently 70.6Kg so it absolutely does work. I'm also swimming and doing pilates daily too.

[Passenger]

I've been calorie counting since mid January. I went from 79kg to currently 70.6Kg so it absolutely does work. I'm also swimming and doing pilates daily too.

Congratulations the combo of better diet and more movement/exercise absolutely works.

[AMB]

I thought I'd jump in here and document my weight loss. Started 1st December at 105kg, I had slowly been creeping up over the past 5 years without really noticing but knew it was about time I did something about it. I started intermittent fasting, I gave up booze and I started walking, cycling and jogging as well as keeping up my badminton I've played most of my life.

Stopped the chocolate/sweets and snacking and became a bit boring with what I ate, mostly chicken and salad for dinner, usually soup for lunch, poached eggs for breakfast.

As of this morning I'm 81kg so 24kg down with an original target of 80kg. I look totally different so I'm told, certainly in the face, and I've a whole new wardrobe courtesy of 5 years ago when I was a similar weight.

I'm 40 in December so I had a 'fit for 40' mindset. Have a home gym so I've started weight training with the aim of getting rid of the last bit of belly fat and toning up. The belly fat is the last stubborn bit to come off. Weight loss also seems to have stalled at 81 for the past 2 weeks but I'm not too bothered.

[Maysie]

I thought I'd jump in here and document my weight loss. Started 1st December at 105kg, I had slowly been creeping up over the past 5 years without really noticing but knew it was about time I did something about it. I started intermittent fasting, I gave up booze and I started walking, cycling and jogging as well as keeping up my badminton I've played most of my life.

Stopped the chocolate/sweets and snacking and became a bit boring with what I ate, mostly chicken and salad for dinner, usually soup for lunch, poached eggs for breakfast.

As of this morning I'm 81kg so 24kg down with an original target of 80kg. I look totally different so I'm told, certainly in the face, and I've a whole new wardrobe courtesy of 5 years ago when I was a similar weight.

I'm 40 in December so I had a 'fit for 40' mindset. Have a home gym so I've started weight training with the aim of getting rid of the last bit of belly fat and toning up. The belly fat is the last stubborn bit to come off. Weight loss also seems to have stalled at 81 for the past 2 weeks but I'm not too bothered.

That is incredible. Very well done.

[sundial]

Calorie counting as an aid to weight loss can work 'short term' but participating advocates can end up on too restricted and too unhealthy diets.

There are HUNDREDS of articles online explaining the -ve effects of weight loss via calorie counting :

https://www.google.com/search?q=why+...bih=1241&dpr=2

... but few TZ forum members appear to have investigated same and the healthier alternatives. Furthermore, exercise by itself is not a means of achieving weight loss. Of course exercise is very important and we should all ensure we exercise adequately to e.g., maintain a healthy respiratory system – which includes the whole cardiovascular system.

Sure, exercise burns calories, but we then eat more to compensate. Everyone's metabolism is different – we all burn calories differently.

Obesity can be remedied by adopting healthier diets and and without unhealthy calorie counting.

Some of the articles in above link explain the more sensible ways of losing weight.

[Ivan Drago]

Healthier diets are less calorie dense.

You’re consuming less calories.

Losing weight is an equation, finding a rough base calorie rate and then eating under it you lose weight.

People yo-yo when calorie counting because they go too hard to early and go from 3,500 calories a day to 1500.

They lose weight quickly but can’t then stay on it long term.

I use calorie counting for a specific goal. If I’m going on holiday I’ll do 8 weeks at 1800 calories.

After Christmas I do the same for 6 weeks.

Calorie counting works. You lose weight.


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[Devonian]

I thought I'd jump in here and document my weight loss. Started 1st December at 105kg, I had slowly been creeping up over the past 5 years without really noticing but knew it was about time I did something about it. I started intermittent fasting, I gave up booze and I started walking, cycling and jogging as well as keeping up my badminton I've played most of my life.

Stopped the chocolate/sweets and snacking and became a bit boring with what I ate, mostly chicken and salad for dinner, usually soup for lunch, poached eggs for breakfast.

As of this morning I'm 81kg so 24kg down with an original target of 80kg. I look totally different so I'm told, certainly in the face, and I've a whole new wardrobe courtesy of 5 years ago when I was a similar weight.

I'm 40 in December so I had a 'fit for 40' mindset. Have a home gym so I've started weight training with the aim of getting rid of the last bit of belly fat and toning up. The belly fat is the last stubborn bit to come off. Weight loss also seems to have stalled at 81 for the past 2 weeks but I'm not too bothered.

I've been calorie counting since mid January. I went from 79kg to currently 70.6Kg so it absolutely does work. I'm also swimming and doing pilates daily too.

After yo-yoing for years, I tried hypnotherapy in December. Although it helped for a few weeks, my appetite crept back and resistance faded. Now fasting one, sometimes two, days per week and gradually shedding the pounds - down from sixteen and a half to fifteen stones in 4 months.
A big help has been walking. Bought a Garmin activity tracker from jimmcb of this parish and have since maintained a 65 day streak of walking over nine thousand steps every day - actually averaging twelve thousand.
Keep it up chaps - we're all different so do whatever works for you (except class A drugs... don't do that!)

I’ve lost an average of about 10 lbs a month doing OMAD. No calorie counting, no forbidden foods, no pills or potions, just one decent feed per day. I thought it might be tough but I’ve found it pretty easy to be honest. I get a bit hungry in the mornings sometimes but a quick coffee usually fixes that.

Wow some amazing results here. Different things work for different people and it’s what suits you.

I’m now at the lowest I’ve been for maybe 15 years. In the last year I’ve dropped another stone. Been very slow but it’s coming off still. Fasting a bit and regular walking 15,000 steps a day, plus added in some rowing.

[beechcustom]

Calorie counting as an aid to weight loss can work 'short term' but participating advocates can end up on too restricted and too unhealthy diets.

.

My experience is quite honestly the opposite. To me, the massive benefit of calorie counting is that it highlights the food groups that are much more calorific than you'd imagine (bread, I'm looking at you) and it also underlines the importance of discipline with portion size. I switched from snacking on cereal bars (that are marketed as healthy but are in fact high in bad sugar) to fruit. I've discovered organic dates. Truly the food of the gods.

I use apps to track my consumption (currently trialing 'Nutracheck'). These apps are very sophisticated and are able to show you breakdowns of nutrients consumed. It became apparent that my protein intake was lower than it should be so I made some changes (added mixed nuts to my breakfast and cottage cheese to my salads). I honestly have never felt better or more healthy. Yes this has a lot to do with the exercise but I'm absolutely sure my new diet is playing a major part in that too.

The catalyst for my weight loss was getting dumped in January by my then girlfriend who had decided to get back with her ex. This was beyond painful and knocked me for six so for the first two weeks I was pretty much a zombie. I picked myself up and resolved to make some positive changes so I joined a gym (for the swimming and pilates) and started watching what I eat. I will admit that the change of diet was pretty easy initially as I didn't feel like eating anything due to the breakup trauma but I'm now at my perfect weight and am 'going for the abs'.

[Boss13]

I thought I'd jump in here and document my weight loss. Started 1st December at 105kg, I had slowly been creeping up over the past 5 years without really noticing but knew it was about time I did something about it. I started intermittent fasting, I gave up booze and I started walking, cycling and jogging as well as keeping up my badminton I've played most of my life.

Stopped the chocolate/sweets and snacking and became a bit boring with what I ate, mostly chicken and salad for dinner, usually soup for lunch, poached eggs for breakfast.

As of this morning I'm 81kg so 24kg down with an original target of 80kg. I look totally different so I'm told, certainly in the face, and I've a whole new wardrobe courtesy of 5 years ago when I was a similar weight.

I'm 40 in December so I had a 'fit for 40' mindset. Have a home gym so I've started weight training with the aim of getting rid of the last bit of belly fat and toning up. The belly fat is the last stubborn bit to come off. Weight loss also seems to have stalled at 81 for the past 2 weeks but I'm not too bothered.

Been avoiding this thread as not going well in terms of weight goals my end. However, your post is a great read for me and also being 40 this year means I have extra motivation like you... I hope to check in again with some positive news!

[Passenger]

My experience is quite honestly the opposite. To me, the massive benefit of calorie counting is that it highlights the food groups that are much more calorific than you'd imagine (bread, I'm looking at you) and it also underlines the importance of discipline with portion size. I switched from snacking on cereal bars (that are marketed as healthy but are in fact high in bad sugar) to fruit. I've discovered organic dates. Truly the food of the gods.

I use apps to track my consumption (currently trialing 'Nutracheck'). These apps are very sophisticated and are able to show you breakdowns of nutrients consumed. It became apparent that my protein intake was lower than it should be so I made some changes (added mixed nuts to my breakfast and cottage cheese to my salads). I honestly have never felt better or more healthy. Yes this has a lot to do with the exercise but I'm absolutely sure my new diet is playing a major part in that too.

The catalyst for my weight loss was getting dumped in January by my then girlfriend who had decided to get back with her ex. This was beyond painful and knocked me for six so for the first two weeks I was pretty much a zombie. I picked myself up and resolved to make some positive changes so I joined a gym (for the swimming and pilates) and started watching what I eat. I will admit that the change of diet was pretty easy initially as I didn't feel like eating anything due to the breakup trauma but I'm now at my perfect weight and am 'going for the abs'.

The book by David Zinczenko The Abs Diet Plan, I'd suggest maybe worth a look...If you' haven't already got it all figured out.

[beechcustom]

The book by David Zinczenko The Abs Diet Plan, I'd suggest maybe worth a look...If you' haven't already got it all figured out.

Many thanks, I'll check it out.

[ryanb741]

1st week of Mounjaro done and I've lost a shed load of weight but I'll ignore it for now as much of it could be water etc.

What I've noticed though is since I've been on it I've just not been hungry. I've eaten meals but outside of those meals there's never been a time I've thought about food. Effectively the food chatter has been turned off - I could be in the confectionary aisle of a supermarket but not notice the chocolates etc.

Which has got me thinking- we all know much of weight loss is down to mind power over temptation. But some people clearly get more temptation (food noise) than others and it seems that it's possible to just 'turn off' that temptation via medication. At least that's been my experience.

For the last 5 days I've averaged under 1100 net calories (so after exercise) every day.

[Passenger]

What happens when you stop taking the medication, does the food noise return at full volume? Or has the medicated period rewired the thought and eating behaviours- patterns permanently? It does seem a wonderful aid for the majorly affected, but it seems almost too easy, which tends to make me a bit suspicious...

[Ikincooper]

Great to read the positive results of others, hence I thought I’d share my 2025 weight loss journey.

I entered the year at just over 87kg-my heaviest ever, and this morning I just weighed myself at 78kg. My weight has fluctuated over the years and I’ve tried 5:2 and calorie restriction before but then almost always ended up binging and putting weight back on (plus being grumpy!).

My focus this year has been on carb and sugar reduction with increasing protein intake. I’ve also controlled alcohol consumption too (I think I completed dry Jan!?). No calorie counting at all! Initially the sugar cravings were hard and whilst I’ve had a few sugar binges over the months, my sweat tooth finally seems to be under much better control and the weight has consistently fallen away.

The biggest plus of reducing my sugar dependence is that I now find myself more attracted to healthier foods.

Whilst my 2025 weight loss journey seems to be working for me, it’s good to read about the positive routes of others too.

Well done to you all


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[Mj2k]

What happens when you stop taking the medication, does the food noise return at full volume? Or has the medicated period rewired the thought and eating behaviours- patterns permanently? It does seem a wonderful aid for the majorly affected, but it seems almost too easy, which tends to make me a bit suspicious...

The manufacturer I was working with on the launch of the same active ingredient said in the majority of cases the new learned behaviours remained, combined with the new lifestyle of exercise and balance. Yes, some can slip back / see an easy solution to go back to the pens.

I am hoping my route takes a different journey. Starting Invisalign on my teeth in 2 weeks, have to wear them 22hrs a day. Remove for eating / drinking anything that is not a clear liquid and then clean and floss after before replacing them. If that isn’t going to stop me grazing I’m not sure what will. A cheeky biscuit turns into 5 mins of tooth grooming after. Just can’t see it happening!

[Passenger]

The manufacturer I was working with on the launch of the same active ingredient said in the majority of cases the new learned behaviours remained, combined with the new lifestyle of exercise and balance. Yes, some can slip back / see an easy solution to go back to the pens.

I am hoping my route takes a different journey. Starting Invisalign on my teeth in 2 weeks, have to wear them 22hrs a day. Remove for eating / drinking anything that is not a clear liquid and then clean and floss after before replacing them. If that isn’t going to stop me grazing I’m not sure what will. A cheeky biscuit turns into 5 mins of tooth grooming after. Just can’t see it happening!

Good luck with the Invisalign, sounds like a double benefit...sort your teeth and beat naughty snacking...though there´s nothing wrong with subbing healthy snacks for the bickys tbh...Argh teeth, I´m thankfully in the home stretch of implants...3 new gnashers going in shortly...it´s been a journey, lousy timing with events along the way and a temp prosthetic I just couldn´t manage to get along with despite a lot of patient readjustment and fiddling by my dentist...still I´ve kinda experienced what it´s like to walk in an Appalachian hillbillies shoes...

I think manufacturers generally claim such things don´t they ;)

[stooo]

There is a South Park episode about semaglutides.

You better start wearing a crop-top Ryan.

[andyb28]

I started Wegovy 3 weeks ago, via Lloyds Pharmacy. Started at 114kg, currently 106kg.
It's an amazing drug and so far has really helped me. My wife and I run our own business, we are often very busy and fall into the too tired, just order a takeaway category. I would snack between meals a lot too.

I was fit for most of my life, have run marathons, black belt in karate, blue belt in judo. I am 52 now and just fell out of love with sport, it started perhaps in the lockdown and then by the time I was 50, I was doing nothing at all.

I am only on the 0.25 at the moment, but this has completely put my on the right path. I have a light breakfast and am not really hungry at lunch time, but I go get a tin of soup and have that. Then at dinner we are having meals with a lot more salad and veg. I am annoyed that its taken a drug to fix this, but it really has been a game changer for me.

Interestingly, when you stop having chocolate, when you do have it, it seems too sweet. I tried eating a bit of an easter egg and it was sickly sweet. This is obviously a good thing for me!

[MrLion]

Can always depend on South Park!

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[ryanb741]

What happens when you stop taking the medication, does the food noise return at full volume? Or has the medicated period rewired the thought and eating behaviours- patterns permanently? It does seem a wonderful aid for the majorly affected, but it seems almost too easy, which tends to make me a bit suspicious...

Yeah i wonder about that. I'd liken Mounjaro to 'noise cancelling headphones' when it comes to food cravings. When you take the headphones off surely the noise comes back but the hope is you've built up good habits and motivation to deal with that.

[Sinnlover]

Can always depend on South Park!

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This was a very funny episode.

[pacifichrono]

I had been a runner since my teens. Into my late sixties I was still running five miles per day and my weight ranging from 77-85 kg. Then my hips and knees gave out, and I was diagnosed with terminal pulmonary fibrosis. Today, after saying to myself, what the hell, I've gained 30+ kg but I'm still here after another seven years. Unfortunately, I am unable to exert myself, or walk more than 50 feet without getting very out of breath. I'd like to slim down again, but without exercise and given a 77 year-old metabolism, it's really difficult.

[andyb28]

I had been a runner since my teens. Into my late sixties I was still running five miles per day and my weight ranging from 77-85 kg. Then my hips and knees gave out, and I was diagnosed with terminal pulmonary fibrosis. Today, after saying to myself, what the hell, I've gained 30+ kg but I'm still here after another seven years. Unfortunately, I am unable to exert myself, or walk more than 50 feet without getting very out of breath. I'd like to slim down again, but without exercise and given a 77 year-old metabolism, it's really difficult.

Sorry to hear that. Is it possible to get some lung capacity back with your health issues?
Could you do swimming, or walking in the swimming pool?

I can not run right now, whilst still over 100kg. It will trigger previous knee injuries. But I have been going swimming as its zero impact to joints.
There is a guy who recently had an operation that walks through the water half way up the pool, then turns round and walks back.

[pacifichrono]

Sorry to hear that. Is it possible to get some lung capacity back with your health issues?
Could you do swimming, or walking in the swimming pool?

I can not run right now, whilst still over 100kg. It will trigger previous knee injuries. But I have been going swimming as its zero impact to joints.
There is a guy who recently had an operation that walks through the water half way up the pool, then turns round and walks back.

Any type of exertion causes my blood oxygen saturation to fall dangerously low (60-70%).

[Saint-Just]

Would walking the pool breathing pure oxygen help Tom?

[pacifichrono]

Would walking the pool breathing pure oxygen help Tom?

I wish. I'm taking hi-flow oxygen 24/7 now. Despite the oxygen supplement, my saturation falls as noted above. The pulmonary fibrosis has damaged my lung alveoli to the point where it cannot efficiently exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, even with added O2. Also, we don't have a pool to use. I haven't been able/willing to leave the house in three months - - too much of a strain on my system. Sad when I remember running fives miles per day in my late sixties.

[farmkid]

I’m 6ft 2 inches and a large build.
During Covid lock down I cycled lots and watched my diet - I went from 18.5 stones down to 16.5 stones.
Then at some point got really fat again - 18.75 stones.
Now, once a week I jab my thigh with 15mg of Mounjaro and it’s been a total revelation- I currently weigh 15.5 stones - I’ve lost 17% of my body weight.
I recommend it to anyone struggling with their weight. I feel so much better for it.

My father was obese and was found dead in his car following a heart attack at 72 yrs old- I’m keen to stay slim!

[pacifichrono]

^^^Good for you!

[Saint-Just]

[TheFlyingBanana]

I’ve held off posting on this thread but read other’s posts with interest.

Like many, I’ve always been prone to putting weight on quickly - usually as a result of a lifestyle that tended towards eating the wrong stuff at the wrong times (not huge amounts but high sugar and low nutritional value).

I did a high-pressure job for many years that was a mixture of manic activity and then frequently sedentary. Not surprisingly it resulted in me developing type 2 diabetes five years ago when I was 48.

Since I semi retired three years ago my weight has steadily increased. I'm now mostly an author, so spend a lot of time sitting and writing. I’ve always had a large frame, but I peaked just before Christmas at 18.5 stone. I am 5’11.

My doctor put me on Mounjaro to regulate the type 2, and since Christmas I have lost three and a half stone and I’m still going.

As Ryan said, the food noise simply stops. I can still enjoy a great meal, but much of the time I am indifferent to food. Chocolate is far too sweet now, and holds little appeal. I now mostly view food as fuel, but as mentioned, I can still hugely enjoy something nice, but will automatically eat less of it and feel full.

I will likely be on Mounjaro for the rest of my life to maintain my target weight once I reach it. I’m fine with that. It is an incredible game-changing treatment.

[sprite1275]

Started a diet exactly a week ago. After a couple of beers and a big lamb Sunday dinner followed by some chocolate orange biscuits after, felt like crap, bloated and just full of air.

Wouldn't say I'm that over weight. Around 1.7m height weighing just over 68kg. It's pretty much all on my waist but I know when my body feels crappy.

So I reckon I need to loose about 7kg. Pretty much all carbs stopped and obviously nothing like chocolate orange biscuits.

The way I see it is I'm literally carrying 7 bags of sugar around with me all the time that I don't need to be.

I know it's not much and people say why the hell you on a diet, but I'd rather keep on top of things before things spiral out of control.

[sprite1275]

2 weeks on I'm now 64.8kg. trousers fitting a lot better.